EFN

According to a new study, eating foods like carrots and certain fruits, fights disease and may prolong life.

A team of researchers discovered carotenoids including beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene created by plants and micro-organisms act as antioxidants and counteract this damage.

The researchers determined, oxygen-related damage to DNA, proteins and fats might play a part in the development of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. That damage can be eased by the antioxidant action of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lycopene. Most people get these nutrients through foods, like fruits and veggies, that are loaded with them.

The research team from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that over 14 years of follow-up, many people — regardless of lifestyle habits, demographics or overall health risks — had fewer life-limiting health troubles as their blood concentrations of alpha-carotene rose.

The study found that the risk of death in those who had blood alpha-carotene levels ranging from 2 and 3 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL) was 23% lower compared to those who had concentrations between 0 and 1.

The research only looked at a person’s alpha-carotene levels. It did not measure blood levels of other antioxidants, so it is difficult to know if alpha-carotene alone is associated with health benefits or if other constituents were also involved.