Carotenoids

Carotenoids are organic pigments naturally occurring in plants and some other photosynthetic organisms like algae. They have been linked to oxidation-preventing mechanisms.

Animals are incapable of synthesizing carotenoids, and must obtain them through their diet.

Carotenoids are the color-producing nutrients in many green, orange, red and yellow vegetables. Lycopene is a bright red carotenoid pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits. Its name is derived from the tomato's species classification, Lycopersicon esculentum.

Probably the most well-known carotenoid is the one that gives this group its name, carotene, found in carrots and responsible for their bright orange color. Beta-carotene is only one of hundreds of chemicals known as carotenoids, all of which may have immune-boosting potential.