A new study shows that and antioxidant alpha carotene found in vegetables can reduce the risk of premature death and allow for a longer, healthier lifespan. The study led by Dr. Chaoyang Li from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) involved nearly 15,000 adults who were all age 20 and older. It spanned over 1988 to 1994, with patients being followed-up with in the year 2006. The plan was to look at the effect of an antioxidants found in vegetables on the health of people.
Results showed that there was a direct link between high levels of the antioxidant, and a decreased risk of premature death, leading to a healthier life. Those in the study who had levels of the alpha-carotene that was between 0 and 1 microgram per deciliter in their blood had a reduced risk of premature death compared to those who had little or none in their blood. By 2006, researchers determined, 3,810 of the participants had died. But those with the highest levels of alpha-carotene were more likely to have survived, even after the scientists controlled for variables like age, body mass index and smoking.
Dr. Li said, “It’s pretty dramatic,” but added that more research was needed to confirm the findings. The results can be due to the fact that this particular antioxidant can help in terms of preventing the development of cancer cells, heart disease among other diseases. The antioxidant is found in orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, winter squash, oranges and tangerines.
The study has been published and will be presented in the March issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
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