A yellow pigment; see under carotenoids.
A group of colourants belonging to the tetra-terpenes with over 800 different species occurring in nature. They are widespread in the animal and plant kingdoms, where they cause yellow, green, orange to reddish colouring. During photosynthesis, carotenoids are responsible for protection against photo-oxidation and for energy transfer. Some carotenoids act as antioxidants and therefore have a preventive effect on many diseases such as Alzheimer's, arteriosclerosis, cataracts, skin ageing, cancer, Parkinson's and rheumatism.
The most common carotenoids are β-carotene (carrot), a precursor of vitamin A...
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Egon Mark
Diplom-Sommelier, Weinakademiker und Weinberater, Volders (Österreich)