Carotenoids are found in yellow and dark green vegetables, tomatoes, parsley, oranges, pink grapefruit, spinach, red palm oil and cherries. The term refers to more than 500 substances that naturally occur in fruits and vegetables. We even find carotenoids lending bright colors to animals; flamingos owe their color to carotenoids, as do shellfish. Egg yolks are yellow because of carotenoids that protect the unsaturated fats in the yolk. Beta-carotene and lycopene are the most well-known carotenoids.

Carotenoids act as antioxidants within the body and can help treat or prevent atherosclerosis (preventive), cancer, high cholesterol, macular degeneration related to aging, immune dysfunction, free radical damage, and susceptibility to various cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, they "spare" detoxification enzymes in the liver that help eliminate pollutants and toxins from the body. (Information from the Herbal Information Center & Vitamin Directory).

Most people think of this family of phytonutrients as being precursors to Vitamin A, but fewer than 10 percent have this potential. However, carotenoids do seem to offer protection against lung, colorectal, breast, uterine, and prostate cancers. Carotenes are tissue-specific in their protection. A subclass of carotenoids called xanthophylls appear to protect Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and other carotenoids from oxidation. One xanthophyll, cryptoxanthin, appears to be protective of vaginal, uterine and cervical tissues. Overall protective effects are greater when all carotenes are taken together.

One carotenoid, canthaxantin, was popular as a tanning pill a few years ago. It migrates to the skin and protects it against UV radiation. Carotenes also enhance immune response.