A large U.S. study has found that adults with higher concentrations of serum alpha-carotene in their blood were likely to live longer than those who had lower levels.
Interestingly, women tended to have slightly higher concentrations of the nutrient than men.
The team found an especially strong correlation between higher alpha-carotene levels and lower risk of death from diabetes, upper respiratory tract and upper digestive tract cancers, as well as lower respiratory disease.
The researchers cautioned that the levels of alpha-carotene, rather than having a direct affect on disease prevention themselves might instead "act as an indicator of multiple interactive forces."
"These findings support increasing fruit and vegetable consumption as a means of preventing premature death," the researchers noted.
See more at http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=alpha-carotene-from-veggies-linked-2010-12-30
