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Seabuckthorn
Berry, Leaf and Fruit Oil
Contain Up To 18 41 Carotenoids
Sea Buckthorn berries are clustered on the branch like shiny orange gems. They will remain on the branch all winter extending the harvesting period in colder regions. Oil from the Sea Buckthorn berry is a deep red colour due to its high carotene content Among the carotenes found in Sea Buckthorn are alpha carotene, beta carotene, delta carotene, gamma carotene, lutein, lycopene, beta cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin, taraxanthin and phytofluin. Since some carotenoids can be converted into vitamin A, they are a popular topic in vitamin supplementation. Vitamin A is one of four fat-soluble vitamins that can be toxic if taken in excess. Carotenoids provide the pre-cursor to vitamin A, not the actual vitamin, so our bodies can use just enough of it to biochemically convert into vitamin A, and then dispose of the rest.
What Are Carotenoids?
Carotenoids are a class of natural fat-soluble pigments found principally in plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria, where they play a critical role in the photosynthetic process. They also occur in some non-photosynthetic bacteria, yeasts, and molds, where they may carry out a protective function against damage by light and oxygen. Although animals appear to be incapable of synthesizing carotenoids, many animals incorporate carotenoids from their diet. Within animals, carotenoids provide bright coloration, serve as antioxidants, and can be a source for vitamin A activity (Ong and Tee 1992; Britton et al. 1995).
Carotenoids are responsible for many of the red, orange, and yellow hues of plant leaves, fruits, and flowers, as well as the colors of some birds, insects, fish, and crustaceans. Some familiar examples of carotenoid coloration are the oranges of carrots and citrus fruits, the reds of peppers and tomatoes, and the pinks of flamingos and salmon (Pfander 1992). Some 600 different carotenoids are known to occur naturally (Ong and Tee 1992), and new carotenoids continue to be identified (Mercadante 1999).
What Do They Do?
Lutein skin health study elicits excited response at conference
More support for lutein, zeaxanthin protection from AMD
Antioxidants linked to slower vision loss
Lutein and zeaxanthin can benefit colon cancer, say researchers
Lutein may protect eyes against long-term computer use: Study
Lycopene as effective as statins for artery health: rabbit study
Beta-carotene effective as sunburn protector: meta-analysis
Study supports lycopene protecting skin from within
