Natural pigments health protection

Phytochemicals or phytonutrients are bioactive substances that can be found in foods derived from plants and are not essential for life the human body is not able to produce them. Recently, some of their characteristics, mainly their antioxidant capacity, have given rise to research related to their protective properties on health and the mechanisms of action involved. Flavonoids are a diverse group of phenolic phytochemicals (Fig. 6.1) that are natural pigments. One function of flavonoids is to protect plants from oxidative stress, such as ultraviolet rays, environmental pollution, and chemical substances. Other relevant biological roles of these pigments are discussed in other chapters of this book. 

Carotenoids, precursors of vitamin A, are natural pigments synthesized by plants and some microorganisms. Humans and animals are not able to synthesize and need to acquire them by alimentation. Beyond the health benefits promoted by vitamin A, these compounds have antioxidant capacity which gives protection for cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. The presence of conjugated double bonds in carotenoid structure COTitributes for their pigmentatiOTi, absorption of ultravioletA isible radiation, and antioxidant activity but also is the main reason... 

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