Carotenoids are a group of phytochemicals that are
responsible for different colors of the foods.
They are recognized as playing an important role in the prevention of human diseases and maintaining
good health. In addition to being potent antioxidants some carotenoids also contribute to dietary vitamin A.
There is scientific evidence in support
of the beneficial role of phytochemicals in the prevention of several chronic diseases.
Although the chemistry of carotenoids has been studied
extensively, their bioavailability, metabolism and biological functions are only now beginning to be investigated.
Recent interest in carotenoids
has focused on the role of lycopene in human health. Unlike some other carotenoids, lycopene does not have pro-vitamin A properties.
Because of
the unsaturated nature of lycopene it is considered to be a potent antioxidant and a singlet oxygen quencher.
This article will review carotenoids
in general and lycopene in particular for their role in human health.
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