Carotenoids are pigmented nutrients that give color to many fruits and vegetables. These plant compounds help the body fight free radicals—unstable molecules that, when left unchecked, lead to oxidative stress and a range of health problems. Oxidative stress is linked to inflammation and chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
“Carotenoids are also known to reduce inflammation in our body,” Stephanie Schiff, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Huntington Hospital in New York who was not associated with the study, told The Epoch Times. “They can help protect our skin and eyes.” The study involved 60 young adults randomly assigned to four groups: a control group receiving Granny Smith apple slices and three groups receiving either a half cup of baby carrots, a beta carotene multivitamin supplement, or a combination of both.
Carotenoids stimulate collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin density, elasticity, and firmness. They also aid in repairing UV damage to these proteins. Carotenoids can slow skin aging by improving elasticity, hydration, and texture and reducing wrinkles and age spots.
“When a specific vitamin or mineral is isolated from the rest of potentially beneficial parts of whole foods, I don’t think it works as well in our bodies,” she said. Phytonutrients often have a synergistic effect when combined, she added. Excessive intake can cause nausea, gastrointestinal issues, and temporary skin discoloration, she said.
Once resolved, people can resume eating smaller amounts. Ms. Schiff said eating more carrots is generally healthy, but she encouraged dietary variety.
“Eat a rainbow of different plants and get the benefits of a wide variety of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals for better health,” she advised..
