The natural plant pigment is considered to be the class of carotionoids, which cause a yellow to reddish coloration. They are mainly found in the chromoplasts and plastids of plants. However, the plant pigment is also present in bacteria and in the skin, shell or carapace of animals if the animals concerned ingest plants containing the pigment with their food.
Effect on the human body
Six carotenoids play a role in the human body: beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin. The most abundant is probably beta-carotene, which is also known as provitamin A.
Due to their antioxidant effect, they are important for maintaining the immune defense and cell protection. This allows you to prevent many diseases caused by oxidation.
Occurrence in food
Carrots contain the most carotenoids. But the natural plant pigment is also found in spinach, apricots, peppers, oranges, kale, tomatoes or corn.