Phytonutrients - Carotenoids

Question 1

Carotenoids

Answer 1

Carotenoids belong to the terpene class of phytonutrients, with more than 750 naturally occurring in nature. They are the source of the yellow, orange, and red colours of many plants.
* The most common carotenoids in Western diets are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin (pro-vitamin A; see ‘Vitamins’ lecture), lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene.
Lutein from Latin luteus meaning ‘yellow’

Question 2

Food sources:

Answer 2

• Yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables. Green vegetables.