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Powerful pumpkins, super squash
November 05, 2009GAINESVILLE, FL-Carotenoids, the family of yellow to red pigments responsible for the striking orange hues of pumpkins and the familiar red color of vine-ripe tomatoes, play an important role in human health by acting as sources of provitamin A or as protective antioxidants. Pumpkins and squash, available in a wide range of white, yellow, and orange colors, are excellent sources of dietary carotenoids, particularly lutein, alpha-carotene, and beta-carotene. The colors of these nutritional vegetables are determined by their genetic makeup-the concentration and type of carotenoids they contain-which are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
The good news: this wide range of carotenoids in pumpkins and squash provides fertile ground for genetic improvement. When breeders have reliable information about carotenoid types and concentrations, they can work to improve the vegetables' nutritional value and create new varieties of antioxidant-packed offerings for consumers.
But identifying and quantifying carotenoids hasn't been simple; scientists traditionally use a method called "high-performance liquid chromatography", or HPLC. HPLC is highly sensitive and reproducible, but can be expensive and time-consuming. To determine if carotenoid content of pumpkin and squash could be accurately measured using a less-expensive and simpler method, Rachel A. Itle and Eileen A. Kabelka from the University of Florida's Horticultural Sciences Department designed a research study using colorimetric analysis to correlate color space values with carotenoid content in pumpkins and squash. The study appeared in a recent issue of HortScience.
Pumpkins and squash with white, yellow, and orange flesh color were grown at multiple locations for the study. The flesh of each specimen was evaluated using both HPLC and colorimetric analysis. According to the research, "strong correlations between colorimetric values and carotenoid content were identified."
Interestingly, the researchers found a "nine-fold increase in total carotenoids provided within orange-red and yellow-orange colored cultigens versus yellow colored cultigens."
The research determined that colormetric analysis can aid breeders interested in increasing carotenoid content in pumpkins and squash. The method, Kabelka concluded, "will be successful, easy to implement, and inexpensive".
American Society for Horticultural Science
Pumpkins and squash with white, yellow, and orange flesh color were grown at multiple locations for the study. The flesh of each specimen was evaluated using both HPLC and colorimetric analysis. According to the research, "strong correlations between colorimetric values and carotenoid content were identified."
Interestingly, the researchers found a "nine-fold increase in total carotenoids provided within orange-red and yellow-orange colored cultigens versus yellow colored cultigens."
The research determined that colormetric analysis can aid breeders interested in increasing carotenoid content in pumpkins and squash. The method, Kabelka concluded, "will be successful, easy to implement, and inexpensive".
American Society for Horticultural Science
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Carotenoids Handbook by George Britton (Editor), Synnove Liaaen-Jensen (Editor), Hanspeter Pfander (Editor) Univ. of Liverpool, UK. Reference covers all natural carotenoids and common isolation artefacts for which structures have been assigned up to the end of 2001. A standard full-page is given for each entry showing the common name, IUPAC name, structure, spectroscopic data, chemical synthesis, natural sources, isolation procedure, and references. |
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Country Life Carotenoid Complex, 30 Softgels by Country Life Country Life Carotenoid Complex, 30 softgels |
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Carotenoids, Vol. 4: Natural Functions by George Britton (Editor), Synnove Liaaen-Jensen (Editor), Hanspeter Pfander (Editor) The Carotenoids book series provides detailed accounts of the fundamental chemistry of carotenoids and the basic methods used in carotenoid research, and critical discussions of the biochemistry, functions and applications of these important compounds. Volume 4 and its companion, Volume 5, deal with the functions of carotenoids in all kinds of living organisms and the actions of carotenoids in human nutrition and health. The material presented in the earlier Volumes is all relevant to studies of biological functions and actions. In particular, biological studies must be supported by a rigorous analytical base. The various analytical procedures described in Volumes 1A and 1B, supplemented by the data for individual compounds given in the Carotenoids Handbook, must be understood... |
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Carotenoid Complex 60 sgels by COUNTRY LIFE Dunaliella salina is a unique species of algae that is a rich natural source of natural beta carotene and other carotenoids. Do not consume this product if you are allergic to shellfish. * Picture may be of different size or flavor |
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Carotenoid Dextro (Primary Contributor) |
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Healthy Aging Nutraceuticals Beta Carotene 100 % Natural Mixed Carotenoids, Dunatelia Salina 25,000 Iu ( 15 Mg) Betatene 90 Softgels (Pack of 2) by Healthy Aging Nutraceuticals |
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Carotenoids Volume 5: Nutrition and Health by George Britton (Editor), Synnove Liaaen-Jensen (Editor), Hanspeter Pfander (Editor) The Carotenoids book series provides detailed accounts of the fundamental chemistry of carotenoids and the basic methods used in carotenoid research, and critical discussions of the biochemistry, functions and applications of these important compounds. The final volume, Volume 5, deals with the topic that is of greatest general interest and public concern, carotenoids in human health and nutrition. This is the era of ‘functional foods’, and identifying roles of chemical components of foods as important micronutrients. Carotenoids feature high on the list of these. Volume 5 follows the carotenoid story from food to biological actions. Carotenoids, Volume 5 is planned as a coordinated, integrated treatment providing up-to-date and critical research surveys by leading... |
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Carotenoid-Derived Aroma Compounds (Acs Symposium Series) by Peter Winterhalter (Editor), Russell L. Rouseff (Editor) Although many aspects of carotenoid research are comprehensively covered in recent monographs, the aroma chemistry of carotenoid-derived compounds has not been explored. This volume highlights the importance that carotenoid metabolites have in the flavor and fragrance industry. It provides state-of-the-art coverage of analytical and sensory characteristics of carotenoid-derived aroma compounds. The volume includes discussion on the (bio)generation and means for biotechnological and thermal formation as well as the occurrence and generation of carotenoid-derived aroma compounds in tobacco, tear, flower scents, fruits, spices, grapes, and wine. |
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Healthy Aging Nutraceuticals Beta Carotene 100 % Natural Mixed Carotenoids, Dunatelia Salina 25,000 Iu ( 15 Mg) Betatene 60 Softgels (Pack of 2) by Healthy Aging Nutraceuticals |
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Nature's Life - Mixed Carotenoids, 25000 IU, 50 softgels by Nature's Life |
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