Increase Your Absorption of Carotenoids and Lycopene

[gogh_me]

I recieved this in an email from Russell James (http://www.therawchefblog.com)

 

Enjoying a few slices of avocado in your tossed salad, or

mixing some chopped avocado into your favorite salsa will not

only add a rich, creamy flavor, but will greatly increase

your body's ability to absorb the health-promoting carotenoids

that vegetables provide.

 

(In tests) adding avocado to salsa increased lycopene and

beta-carotene absorption 4.4 and 2.6 times higher,

respectively, than the average amount of these nutrients

absorbed from avocado-free salsa. Since avocados contain a

large variety of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, as

well as heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, eating a little

avocado along with carotenoid-rich vegetables and fruits is

an excellent way to improve your body's ability to absorb

carotenoids while also receiving other nutritional-and

taste-benefits.

 

 

He doesn't give a source but I found it interesting. Just today I was talking about how the most common comment when I mention how healthy raw foods are is "But tomatoes are healthier cooked".

[Marcina]

That's awesome. I always slice up some avacado in my salads. It's delicious!

[cubby2112]

The absorption likely is due to the fats. Carotenoids are fat-soluble and therefore better absorbed when eaten with fats.