Previous research has suggested that bright-colored veggies and fruits are high in carotenoids, which are linked to reduced risks of chronic conditions and healthy longevity and aging.
A recent study examined the possible association between autoimmune diseases and diet in women.
Scientists identified that pigmented carotenoids in many veggies and fruits may help prevent cognitive and visual loss.
The findings were published in Nutritional Neuroscience.
In this project, the group of authors observed that bone mineral density is low in women in their 30s and increases after they reach menopause.
It has been shown that several carotenoids, such as zeaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, and lycopene, are linked to slow bone loss.
In addition, the scientist observed that higher levels of zeaxanthin and lutein would reduce the prevalence and incidence of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
Previous studies found that carotenoids may slow the release of fibril and suppress the deposition of beta-amyloid, both of these are linked to dementia.
They also identified that both zeaxanthin and lutein boost cognitive function and cellular efficiency in children and adults.
The authors added that a high number of serum carotenoids may help lower the risk of multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, skin wrinkling, sarcopenia, as well as breast and ovarian cancer.
These benefits may be explained by the effects of carotenoids on the composition of the brain as well as other hormones and neurotransmitters.
Approximately 60 percent of the brain is fat, making this organ prone to oxidative stress. To reduce the risk of any damage, the brain usually adds lipid-soluble antioxidants in the diet. Many health issues occur due to the lack of carotenoids in the modern diet.
It is important to note that the supplemental products of carotenoids would not provide the same health benefits.
There are several drawbacks to this research. Further studies in the future should clarify the underlying mechanisms in this project.
In addition, it is very difficult to attribute a single factor to a complicated process that progresses over a whole lifetime.
Most degenerative conditions are as complicated as aging. Many involved factors seem to be trivial at a given period but may become more significant when summed up over a long period.
Last but not least, the scientists in this project did not implement an original study. Therefore, their summary and findings would be prone to bias.
Source:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1028415X.2022.2084125
