Carotenoids—Powerful Weapons Against Cancer

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Carotenoids—Powerful Weapons Against Cancer

Carotenoids are a group of chemicals that are a powerful weapon against cancer. They are found in leafy green, yellow, and some white vegetables and many fruits.

Over 600 carotenoids are found in nature, 50 of which are used in the human diet. Of these, beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta-crytoxanthin, and gamma-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A.

In this transformation, only the amount of vitamin A needed for health is generated, and the rest remains as the original carotenoids. For example, whether you take 10,000 IU of beta-carotene or a million, the amount of vitamin A produced in the body remains the same. This makes the carotenoids a very safe way to get your vitamin A. Studies show that mixing some vitamin A with the carotenoids is especially beneficial for immune function and for preventing cancer. Each of the various types of carotenoids has a different function in the body and also accumulates in different concentrations in various tissues and organs.

For example, lycopene and beta and alphacarotene concentrate in the cervix, thus playing a major role in preventing cervical cancer. Alphacarotene, but not beta-carotene, plays a major role in protecting the lungs and in preventing lung cancer. Astaxanthin plays a role in restoring immune function in the elderly. Lycopene is especially efficient in preventing breast and prostate cancer, while lutein and zeaxanthin play a major role in protecting the eyes and improving vision.

High doses of beta-carotene will accumulate in the skin, producing a bright yellow-orange color. Although it isn't harmful, it doesn't look good.

Another important function of the carotenoids is that they stimulate detoxification (phase 2), which is vital in preventing cancer and degenerative brain disorders. A number of studies linked low blood carotene levels with poor brain function in the elderly.

Extensive tests have shown no toxicity from even very high doses of carotenoids, even in children and infants. So, what about the study that linked beta-carotene with increased rates of lung and prostate cancer? First, the researchers used synthetic beta-carotene with no accompanying vitamins and minerals. All of the patients were heavy smokers, heavy drinkers, or had been exposed to asbestos—all factors which produce high amounts of free radicals.

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