Pass the salad dressing?

Vegetarian Journal, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Reed Mangels

Beta-carotene and other related substances like lutein and lycopene (called carotenoids) are found in fruits and vegetables. They may be a part of the reason why people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables have lower rates of many kinds of cancer and other diseases. For carotenoids to be used, they must be absorbed. Carotenoids are best absorbed when fat is present in the intestines at the same time that the carotenoids are being absorbed.

Most Popular: SWOT Analysis - To Make Your Business More Profitable; Announcement Of Termination Of Employee; 3 Questions No Job Seeker Ever Wants To Be Asked?; 5 Super Tips To Get Rid Of Your Public Speaking Fear: How To Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety; 13 Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

Many people eat salads containing generous amounts of foods high in carotenoids like spinach, romaine lettuce, shredded carrots, red peppers, and tomatoes. A recent study found that the type of salad dressing used determines whether the carotenoids in the salad are absorbed. When subjects ate a salad with fat-free salad dressing, almost none of the carotenoids from the salad were absorbed. When the salad was eaten with a reduced-fat salad dressing, more carotenoids were absorbed. A full-fat salad dressing led to an even higher carotenoid absorption. The results of this study suggest that use of a salad dressing containing at least 3-5 grams of fat in a serving can increase the amount of carotenoids absorbed.

Brown MJ, Ferruzzi MG, Nguyen ML, et al. 2004. Carotenoid bioavailability is higher from salads ingested with full-fat than with fat-reduced salad dressings as measured with electrochemical detection. Am J Clin Nutr 80:396-403.

Featured White Papers

Pass the salad dressing?

Vegetarian Journal, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Reed Mangels

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Arts

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden

Most Popular Publications in Home & Garden