Category Archives: Beta Carotene

Do Carotenoids Protect From Breast Cancer?

Posted on February 15, 2017 by Robert Barrington

There is increasing evidence in the nutritional literature that intakes of fruits and vegetables are beneficial to the health. Part of the reason for these health effects is thought to derive from the presence of a range of phytochemical nutrients … Continue reading →

Posted in Beta Carotene, Cancer, Carotenoids, Cryptoxanthin, Zeaxanthin | Comments Off on Do Carotenoids Protect From Breast Cancer?

Spirulina Antioxidants

Posted on November 9, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis belong to a group of filamentous photosynthetic cyanobacteria that can be found growing naturally in freshwater lakes of Asia, Africa and South America. Spirulina has traditionally been harvested, dried and used as a source of … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Beta Carotene, C-phycocyanin, Carotenoids, Polyphenols, Spirulina, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Zeaxanthin | Comments Off on Spirulina Antioxidants

Carotenoid and Xanthophyll Absorption From Spinach

Posted on July 20, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Spinach is a good source of carotenoids and their oxidised products, the xanthophylls. Carotenoids and xanthophylls act as antioxidants in plants, and in this role can protect the plant tissues from the oxidative stress that results from excessive sun exposure. … Continue reading →

Posted in Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, Digestion and Absorption, Lutein, Xanthophylls | Comments Off on Carotenoid and Xanthophyll Absorption From Spinach

Antioxidants for the Eye: Xanthophylls

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Robert Barrington

The human eye is an interesting design. The design of the eye is related to the function it must play in allowing vision in the presence of damaging ultraviolet light. In this regard, comparison to the octopus eye is interesting, … Continue reading →

Posted in Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, Eyes, Lutein, Lycopene, Xanthophylls, Zeaxanthin | Comments Off on Antioxidants for the Eye: Xanthophylls

Xanthophylls and Carotenoids as Antioxidants

Posted on July 14, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Animals are chemotrophs, meaning that they obtain their energy from other organisms, ultimately plants. Animals therefore have no reason to expose themselves excessively to sunlight, which can be damaging when in excess. Animals can protect themselves from the damaging effects … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, Lutein, Lycopene, Xanthophylls | Comments Off on Xanthophylls and Carotenoids as Antioxidants

Antioxidants Protect From Cardiovascular Disease: More Evidence

Posted on May 6, 2016 by Robert Barrington

For decades, time and money has been wasted on propagation of the cholesterol theory of cardiovascular disease. However, despite intensive propaganda campaigns the cholesterol theory of cardiovascular disease lies in tatters. And the scientific evidence is clear on the matter, … Continue reading →

Posted in Atherosclerosis, Beta Carotene, Cardiovascular Disease, Endothelial Dysfunction, Nitric Oxide, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E | Comments Off on Antioxidants Protect From Cardiovascular Disease: More Evidence

Plasma Antioxidants Associated with Insulin Sensitivity

Posted on April 21, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Insulin resistance is characterised by an increase in the fasting plasma levels of insulin and glucose, and this is caused by a reduction in the efficiency of the insulin signalling system in the peripheral tissues. The development of insulin resistance … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Beta Carotene, Blood Pressure, Free Radicals, Insulin Resistance, Oxidative Stress, Tocopherols | Comments Off on Plasma Antioxidants Associated with Insulin Sensitivity

Obesity and Antioxidants: Why The Inverse Association?

Posted on August 24, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Obese individuals have lower circulating levels of certain nutrients compared to lean individuals. For example, it has been reported that the plasma hydroxyvitamin D levels of obese individuals are low compared to normal weight controls (here). In addition, it has … Continue reading →

Posted in Adipose Tissue, Antioxidant, Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, Obesity, Tocopherols, Vitamin E, Weight Loss | Comments Off on Obesity and Antioxidants: Why The Inverse Association?

What Should You Do If You Catch A Cold?

Posted on March 8, 2015 by Robert Barrington

It is inevitable that even the most ardent follower of good high quality nutrition will eventually surbumb to the effects of infection and develop a common cold. While good nutrition and health can reduce the risk of contracting a cold … Continue reading →

Posted in Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, Herbs, Immune System, Stress, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc | Comments Off on What Should You Do If You Catch A Cold?

When is A Vitamin Not A Vitamin?

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Vitamins are essential organic compounds needed in small amounts for normal metabolic regulation, usually as cofactors to enzymes. They are characterised in their own group because they cannot be synthesised in the body and so must be obtained from the … Continue reading →

Posted in Beta Carotene, Carotenoids, Cholecalciferol, Ergocalciferol, Niacin, Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin D, Vitamin K | Comments Off on When is A Vitamin Not A Vitamin?