Carotenes are found in brightly colored produce
Carotenes are fat-soluble compounds found in plants that act as antioxidants. Some carotenes can be converted by the body into vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the most familiar example and has the greatest vitamin A activity.
A long-term population study published in the Journal of Epidemiology (2006;16(4):154–160) examined carotene levels in 3,061 Japanese adults between the ages of 39 and 80. Blood levels of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and lycopene were measured, and participants were followed for nearly 12 years.
During the study period, there were 80 deaths from cardiovascular disease (40 from heart disease and 37 from stroke). After adjusting for age, smoking, genetics, and other cardiovascular risk factors, the researchers found that higher carotene levels were associated with a significantly lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
These findings support earlier evidence that diets rich in colorful fruits and vegetables—major sources of carotenes—may contribute to cardiovascular protection.
