Category Archives: Carotenoids

Lutein Protects From Cataracts

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Lutein is a xanthophyll that is produced in plants and algae as part of the carotenoid synthesis pathway. Evidence suggests that lutein accumulates in the eyes of mammals including humans, and here it may have protective effects against cataracts and … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Carotenoids, Eyes, Lutein, Xanthophylls, Zeaxanthin | Comments Off on Lutein Protects From Cataracts

Xanthophylls Protect The Eye

Posted on July 18, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Carotenoids are a structurally related group of phytonutrients, some of which possess vitamin A activity in humans. Carotenoids are pigments in nature and produce many of the red, yellow and orange colours in vegetables and some fruits. In plants, carotenoids … Continue reading →

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Absorption of Xanthophylls

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Robert Barrington
Posted in Antioxidant, Astaxanthin, Carotenoids, Cryptoxanthin, Digestion and Absorption, Lutein, Xanthophylls, Zeaxanthin | Comments Off on Absorption of Xanthophylls

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

Spirulina Improves Blood Sugar Control

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Spirulina refers to a supplement of dried cyanobacteria (Arthrospira sp.) that is available commercially in both tablet and powder forms. Spirulina is an emerging multi-nutrient food that has been shown in nutritional studies to possess a number of health benefits. … Continue reading →

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Whole Food Antioxidants Improve Insulin Sensitivity

Posted on January 26, 2016 by Robert Barrington

Oxidative stress may be a cause of insulin resistance. This explains the benefits of antioxidants at improving insulin resistance, that has been reported in some studies. Antioxidants are beneficial because they can quench the free radicals that are the cause … Continue reading →

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Xanthophylls For Eye Health

Posted on December 6, 2015 by Robert Barrington
Posted in Antioxidant, Carotenoids, Eyes, Lutein, Xanthophylls, Zeaxanthin | Comments Off on Xanthophylls For Eye Health

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?

Free Radical Recycling and The Eye

Posted on May 21, 2015 by Robert Barrington

Free radicals are chemicals that possess an unpaired electron in their outer orbital. This chemical structure makes them reactive and interaction with other chemicals can cause the free radical to gain an electron. Such interactions reduce and stabilise the free … Continue reading →

Posted in Antioxidant, Carotenoids, Chalcones, Eyes, Flavonoids, Free Radicals, Glutathione, Glutathione peroxidase, Inflammation, Stilbenes, Terpenes, Vitamin C, Vitamin E | Comments Off on Free Radical Recycling and The Eye