The xanthophylls are a group of phytonutrients (non-essential, plant based nutrients that have numerous health benefits in humans). There are 5 main xanthophylls: - Astaxanthin. - Canthaxanthin. - Cryptoxanthin. - Lutein. - Zeaxanthin. The xanthophylls can be sourced from fish, fruits, vegetables and certain peppers and spices. Whilst they are not classed as essential nutrients, studies have shown that they have a wide range of potential health benefits in humans. In this article I will be providing a full overview of these and listing 20 of the promising xanthophyll health … [Read more...]
The Xanthophylls Explained
WHAT ARE XANTHOPHYLLS? The xanthophylls are a group of phytonutrients (plant based chemical compounds that have various health benefits in the human body) that can be found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. They can also be sourced from certain types of seafood and certain spices. Whilst you can technically survive without these natural nutrients, they are all powerful antioxidants that keep your body’s cells safe from free radicals (harmful by-products that are released during oxygen based reactions) so should definitely be included as part of your diet. In this article I … [Read more...]
Lutein Explained
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...]
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...]