John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

Locked into vegetable and fruit colours are potent antioxidants called carotenoids, the most common being beta carotene found in carrots, squash and dark leafy greens.

The body converts beta carotene to active vitamin A for eye function; and is needed for mucous membranes and immune function. Studies show beta carotene help lung function by protecting lungs from age-related free radical damage; though one study has linked beta carotene in smokers to increased cancer risk but a reduced risk for non-smokers who supplement with beta carotene.
The real heroes include lutein, and closely related zeaxanthin, in helping prevent eye disease, especially age-related macular degeneration, and lycopene for prostate health. Lutein and zeaxanthin protect the macula, the central part of the retina, from free radical damage caused by solar radiation. You can get lutein and zeaxanthin from dark leafy vegetables, corn, red peppers, goji berries and egg yolks. I recommend 2.5-5mg of lutein daily to protect eyes.

Helping men
The carotenoid lycopene has been shown to have benefits for men's health by preventing free radical damage that can lead to prostate cancer. Good sources of lycopene are cooked tomato products. Any good multi antioxidant should include lutein, lycopene and some beta carotene. I recommend 5mg of lycopene daily to protect prostate cells plus other antioxidants especially grape seed extract (200mg) natural vitamin E (400IU) and selenium (150mcg).

Raw and cooked
To optimise your intake of these important carotenoids I recommend a diet rich in dark green and brightly coloured fruit and vegetables combining both cooked and raw foods. With supplements, look for the most important carotenoids especially lycopene and lutein. These should be in any good multi-antioxidant, but look for supplements that have all the antioxidant groups not just some of them.
Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to: www.johnarts.co.nz and visit: www.abundant.co.nz
John Arts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz