Carotenoids have very diverse roles in biological functions of animals and plants including provitamin A activity, antioxidant activity, cell communication, immune function enhancement, UV skin protection, accessory pigments for light harvesting, and protection against photo-oxidative damage.
Carotenoids, which impart yellow, orange, and/or red colors to many fruits, have antioxidant health properties which it can help in preventing the free radical damage. Thus, carotenoids have been noted as being the most abundant micronutrients found in cancer-preventative foods. Antioxidants help to repair damage to the body caused by free radicals, which can contribute to a range of health problems including cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
The action of carotenoids against diseases has been attributed to antioxidant properties, especially their ability to quench singlet oxygen and interact with free radicals which take part in modulation of carcinogen metabolism, inhibition of cell proliferation, enhancement of cell differentiation, stimulation of cell to cell communication.
Carotenoids comprise the colorful pigments of many fruits. Some of these, such as beta carotene, alpha carotene, and beta cryptoxanthin, are precursors of vitamin A. Vitamin A is needed for eyesight and nerve health.
Carotenoid
in mango
