We are used to seeing fruits and vegetables of various colors, in particular green, yellow, orange, red and even purple. When we consume a food we do not ask ourselves the problem of color. It is the particular substances contained in fruit and vegetables that give the food a specific color. From the color of the food it is possible to trace the elements it contains and its nutritional qualities.
Generally these substances are beneficial to our body, but sometimes the exact opposite can happen. A specific molecule if taken in excess by a particular category of people could increase the risk of cancer.
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The risk of lung cancer increases in these individuals due to too much fruit of this color
In nature there are numerous purplish-red fruits and vegetables. Red grapes, currants, cherries, red cabbage, eggplant and other foods are rich in anthocyanins, a vegetable pigment responsible for the color of these foods. These molecules bring important benefits to the human body. We talk about it in this article: “According to the medicine, one should eat purplish red fruit for this particular reason”.
Another molecule is responsible for the yellow-orange color of fruits and vegetables, the betacarotene. Beta-carotene is a carotenoid, which is a yellow and orange vegetable pigment.
This substance is essential for human health, in fact it is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory able to fight free radicals. Furthermore, beta-carotene has a provitaminic function, that is, it is transformed by the body into vitamin A. This has a very important role in sight, for the health of the skin and for the development of bones. It should be emphasized that the benefits of beta-carotene increase when taken together with vitamin C, E and zinc.
Medicine tells us that the necessary daily dose for humans is between 2 and 4 mg. But how to consume this quantity? Which foods are richest in beta-carotene? The yellow and orange fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene. Oranges, papayas, carrots, potatoes and obviously the queen of autumn, pumpkin, are rich in this molecule, which surprisingly is also found in spinach.
The negative effects of beta-carotene
We have discovered what are the benefits of a correct amount of beta-carotene in the body. Now let’s find out what happens if this substance is in short supply or is in excess in our body. Low levels of beta-carotene could cause difficulties in the growth processes in children and adults, visual disturbances and increased risks of infections.
The excess of this molecule also has its contraindications and according to the medicine they could be serious for a particular category of people, smokers. Several studies have found a positive correlation between excess beta-carotene and lung cancer risks in those who smoke a lot. In fact, the risk of lung cancer increases in these subjects due to too much fruit of this color.
Smokers with an excess of this molecule could develop a greater chance of suffering from lung cancer.
Other fruits, not necessarily yellow or orange, are also good for the skin, one in particular is very suitable. Its benefits are revealed in this article: “To eliminate wrinkles and skin spots and always be beautiful, just eat this very common food”.
Deepening
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