Carotenoids are the pigments in fresh produce—creating the bright colors of fruits and vegetables. In the plant, they protect form the oxidative damage of photosynthesis. When we consume them in our diet, they act as powerful antioxidants. Perhaps the carotenoid that most people are familiar with is beta carotene. Beta carotene is found in fresh produce and can be converted to vitamin A by the body. In fact, all carotenoids have some vitamin A activity. Zeaxanthin and lutein are carotenoids that may work to prevent colon cancer, according to research appearing in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry (October 23, 2008). The researchers found that zeaxanthin and lutein inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells growing in test tubes. Earlier research has established that diets rich in fresh produce help to prevent cancer.
