WHAT IS LUTEIN? Lutein is a carotenoid and phytonutrient (health boosting, plant based chemical compounds which are not classed as essential nutrients) that can be sourced from green leafy vegetables. In this article I will be providing a detailed breakdown of lutein and discussing its role in the human body. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF LUTEIN? Lutein was discovered around 1930 and it was identified in the macula lutea (an oval shaped, highly pigmented yellow spot close to the centre of the retina of the human eye) in 1945. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LUTEIN? Lutein is a powerful … [Read more...]
Astaxanthin Explained
WHAT IS ASTAXANTHIN? Astaxanthin is a carotenoid and phytonutrient (health boosting, plant based chemical compounds which are not classed as essential nutrients) that is mainly found in red fish such as crab, shrimp and salmon. In this article I will be providing a full breakdown of astaxanthin and its potential health benefits. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF ASTAXANTHIN? Astaxanthin was discovered by the British chemist Basil Weedon in 1970 along with a selection of other carotenoids. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF ASTAXANTHIN? Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant which can keep your … [Read more...]
Zeaxanthin Explained
WHAT IS ZEAXANTHIN? Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid and phytonutrient (health boosting, plant based chemical compounds which are not classed as essential nutrients) that can be found in green leafy vegetables. In this article I will be taking a deeper look at zeaxanthin and its potential health benefits in the human body. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF ZEAXANTHIN? Apart from being found in plant based foods, zeaxanthin can be found in the macula lutea (an oval shaped, highly pigmented yellow spot close to the centre of the retina of the human eye). The macula lutea was first described in 1782 but … [Read more...]
16 Potential Carotenes Health Benefits
The carotenes are a group of phytonutrients (non-essential, plant based nutrients that have a number of health benefits in humans). There are 3 main carotenes which are: - Beta Carotene. - Lycopene. - Phytofluene. The carotenes are mainly found in orange and red fruits and vegetables. Carrots, grapefruits, oranges and tomatoes are some of the best sources. Although these plant based nutrients are not believed to be essential in humans, studies have shown that they have a number of promising health benefits. In this article I will be taking a deeper look at these and providing you with 16 … [Read more...]
The Carotenes Explained
The carotenes are a group of phytonutrients (plant based chemical compounds that have numerous health benefits in the human body but are not classed as essential nutrients) that are mainly found in orange and red fruits and vegetables such as carrots, grapefruits and tomatoes. Although they are not believed to be essential for human survival, they are all potent antioxidants that can keep your body’s cells safe from free radicals (harmful by-products that get released into your body’s cells during oxygen related reactions). Additionally, many of the carotenes are converted into vitamin A … [Read more...]
Phytofluene Explained
WHAT IS PHYTOFLUENE? Phytofluene is a carotene and phytonutrient (health boosting, plant based chemical compounds that are not classed as essential nutrients). It is a powerful antioxidant that may also have further health benefits in humans. In this article I take a deeper look at phytofluene and discuss its potential health boosting properties. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF PHYTOFLUENE? It is not known who discovered phytofluene or when it was discovered. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PHYTOFLUENE? Phytofluene is a powerful antioxidant that can keep your body’s cells safe from … [Read more...]
Cryptoxanthin Explained
WHAT IS CRYPTOXANTHIN? Cryptoxanthin (also known as beta-cryptoxanthin) is a carotenoid and phytonutrient (health boosting, plant based chemical compounds which are not classed as essential nutrients). It is chemically very similar to beta carotene and like beta carotene it is used by your body to create vitamin A. In this article I will be providing a full breakdown of cryptooxanthin and discussing how it affects the human body. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CRYPTOXANTHIN? There is very little information available regarding the discovery of cryptoxanthin. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF … [Read more...]
Canthaxanthin Explained
WHAT IS CANTHAXANTHIN? Canthaxanthin is a carotenoid and phytonutrient. It is most famous for being a sunless tanning product but this natural nutrient may have further health benefits in humans. In this article I will be providing you with a full overview of canthaxanthin and its role in the human body. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF CANTHAXANTHIN? Canthaxanthin was discovered by the British chemist Basil Weedon in 1970 along with a selection of other carotenoids. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF CANTHAXANTHIN? Canthaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that can protect the body’s cells … [Read more...]
Lycopene Explained
WHAT IS LYCOPENE? Lycopene is a carotene and phytonutrient (health boosting, plant based chemical compounds which are not classed as essential nutrients). Early research indicates that this natural nutrient may be able to protect against cancer, diabetes, heart disease and more. In this article I will be providing you with a full overview of lycopene. WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF LYCOPENE? Lycopene was first discovered and isolated in 1910. Its chemical structure was determined 21 years later in 1931. WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF LYCOPENE? Lycopene is an extremely powerful … [Read more...]
3 Simple Steps For Avoiding Protein Deficiency
In 1 of my recent posts I said that I was going to start writing more practical articles which should be a lot more useful for visitors to this website. After looking through my website stats last night I noticed that 1 of my most popular articles is on protein deficiency. Based on this I have decided to do a follow up article and provide you with 3 simple steps for avoiding protein deficiency. 1) HAVE PROTEIN WITH YOUR BREAKFAST Most people’s breakfasts contain very little protein. They normally eat carbohydrate heavy foods such as cereal or toast and avoid the protein. If this sounds … [Read more...]