A new study reveals the significant benefits of the compound phytoene, usually found in tomato, carrot, apricot, red pepper, orange, tangerine and passion fruit, and also in certain types of algae.
So what exactly is phytoene? Phytoene is a plant chemical from the carotenoid family, a natural pigment whose color ranges from yellow to red. Until now it has not been studied much, and many believed it does not contribute much in food, even though it exists in many tissues in the body, including the skin. Phytoene is usually orange and can turn into vitamin A in the body, and it has many health benefits including lowering the risk of cancer, heart disease, skin problems, eye disorders, metabolic disorders and more.
Now researchers discovered that the phytoene can slow the appearance of paralysis connected to the formation of amyloid plaque in a model of Alzheimer disease.
Their research suggests that phytoene can extend life and prevent Alzheimer, although more studies are needed to confirm a similar effect in humans.
Alzheimer disease is the most common type of dementia and is characterized by memory loss, confusion, impaired judgment, losing objects and mood changes, and there is currently no cure. Control and Prevention, Alzheimer disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and in 2060 an estimated 14 million Americans are expected to be diagnosed.
In the study published in the journal Antioxidants, phytoene extracted from two types of microalgae was used. The scientists used the tiny worms that live in soil and compost because most of their genes are similar to human genes. They have muscles, nerves, reproductive organs and digestive systems, so they are a useful tool for studying health and aging. Working with them is inexpensive, fast and more ethical.
The scientists found that phytoene extended the life of C. elegans by 10 to 18.6 percent and reduced the damage caused by amyloid plaques by 30 to 40 percent. Amyloid plaques are considered a key sign of Alzheimer disease. These substances build up in the brain sometimes decades before the disease appears. Therefore the fact that phytoene reduced plaque-related damage in C. elegans may suggest it could be a promising strategy for preventing Alzheimer.
The scientists also found that phytoene was effective against oxidative stress, a type of wear caused by chemical reactions in the body that can contribute to inflammation, disease risk and aging. They suggested that supplements might be developed, possibly using the phytoene rich microalgae they studied, to promote longevity and reduce Alzheimer risk.
These microalgae also have many nutritional advantages beyond phytoene that could make them an important future source of nutrients as the food system adapts to climate change. They are rich in healthy fats and proteins and are easy and fast to grow without agricultural fields because they grow in water. This makes them an environmentally friendly crop.
Carotenoids like phytoene and other bioactive compounds exist in high levels in plant foods. Tomatoes and tomato products are one of the best sources of phytoene, but there are others including carrots, apricots, watermelon, certain citrus fruits and more.
As a general rule the recommendation is to base nutrition on foods from plants because they are the main contributors to health in the diet. Antioxidants like carotenoids are not destroyed by cooking, therefore it is recommended to include at least half a plate of vegetables of different kinds and preparation methods in each main meal.