What are Carotenoids?

Carotenoids are plant pigments which give fruits and vegetables their colour–from vibrant red, orange and yellow to green. All the fruits and vegetables you love and enjoy eating are a source of some carotenoid. These fat soluble pigments not only add attractive colours to our menu but also a wealth of health benefits.

There are around 600 carotenoids found in nature. Depending on the presence or absence of oxygen broadly they are categorized into 2:

1. Xanthophylls (which contain oxygen) The most common xanthophylls are:
Lutein (yellow colour) – found in egg yolk, corn, honeydew melon etc. Zeaxanthin (green colour) - found in the green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, broccoli etc.

2. Carotenes (which lack oxygen, but contain hydrocarbons). The most known carotenes are:
Beta carotene (orange colour) – found in carrot and pumpkin
Lycopene (red colour) - found in tomato, watermelon and grapefruit.

As a general rule, the darker the colour of the plant source, the higher the concertation of carotenoids. So it extremely essential to choose your fruits and vegetables wisely.

8 Health benefits of Carotenoids

1. Maintain eye health.
2. Act as Antioxidant and reduces free radicals from the body.
3. Reduce inflammation in the body.
4. Keeps you away from diseases like Heart disease, Diabetes and Cancer.
5. Avoids plaque formation in arteries and ensures normal blood flow to heart.
6. Builds a strong immune system.
7. Boosts mental health.
8. And most importantly increases longevity.

Pay attention to your diet, choose the foods you like alternatively with the ones you are not very keen on to make up for your share of different carotenoid requirement. This section will help you sail through it easily.



pumpkin soup | kaddu ka soup | bhopla soup | Indian pumpkin soup | low calorie pumpkin soup | with 15 amazing images. This Indian pumpkin soup recipe uses very less ingredients and relies on the flavour of pumpkin itself. This is because pumpkin is not only delicious but also has many health benefits. A cup of pumpkin cubes fulfils your day’s requirement of vitamin A (5526 mcg), thus making it a super bhopla soup for your eyes. You would never have imagined the possibility of preparing such a luxuriant kaddu ka soup at such a low-calorie count! We have used low fat butter in this recipe for weight watchers. If you are healthy, then use regular butter in the pumpkin soup. The pumpkin soup will be naturally creamy due to the soft pumpkin. Even though it is a savory soup, the slight sweetness of the pumpkin makes it even more delicious. A real treat for pumpkin lovers, this delicious kaddu ka soup has an enticing flavour and irresistibly herby aroma. Pair this pumpkin soup with a healthy salad to form a healthy meal. Take a look at our collection of healthy quick Indian salads. Enjoy how to make pumpkin soup with detailed step by step photos and video below.
pumpkin steel cut oats | Indian red pumpkin oats | healthy kaddu and oats breakfast | with 22 amazing images. pumpkin steel cut oats is a complete and healthy break to have. Learn to make Indian red pumpkin oats. An exquisite breakfast that is unlike anything you have tasted before, the pumpkin steel cut oats combines cooked and blended red pumpkin with steel-cut oats. pumpkin steel cut oats gets a flavourful boost from apples, a touch of nutmeg and a sprinkling of roasted sunflower seeds. The luscious texture of the pumpkin base, the mealy mouth-feel of the steel-cut oats, all accentuated by the crunch of the seeds make this a truly wonderful breakfast recipe! Steel-cut oats is a fibre-rich, gluten-free whole grain that is much healthier than quick-cooking rolled oats. While the oats help reduce cholesterol, the red pumpkin further improves heart health with potassium and vitamin C. A low-calorie fruit with loads of fibre, apple aids in digestion. A cup of pumpkin cubes fulfils your day’s requirement of vitamin A (5526 mcg), thus making it a super food for your eyes. Kaddu can be included in safe amounts or restricted amounts by diabetics. You can prepare healthy kaddu and oats breakfast recipe and store it in the fridge for at least two days, but remember to adjust the consistency with a little water or unsweetened almond milk before serving because it tends to dry up a little. Enjoy pumpkin steel cut oats | Indian red pumpkin oats | healthy kaddu and oats breakfast | with step by step photos.
South Indian tomato rasam recipe | thakkali rasam | easy tomato saaru | Udupi rasam | with 17 amazing images. South Indian tomato rasam recipe | thakkali rasam | easy tomato saaru | Udupi rasam is a simple everyday fare. Learn how to make easy tomato saaru. To make South Indian tomato rasam, combine the toovar dal and 1 cup of water and pressure cook for 4 whistles. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Whisk the dal thoroughly and bring to a boil. Add the tomato pulp, tamarind water, turmeric powder and salt, mix well and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring continuously. Add the rasam masala, and 3 cups of water, mix well and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. For the tempering, heat the oil in a small non-stick pan and add the mustard seeds. When the seeds crackle, add the curry leaves and asafoetida and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds. Pour the tempering over the boiling rasam and mix well. Serve hot garnished with the coriander. A perfect recipe for you to enjoy the true flavours of home-made south Indian cooking is Udupi rasam. It is an essential part of every south Indian meal, and is usually served as the second main course following sambhar (or some other kuzhambu). The highlight of this easy tomato saaru is the rasam masala for which each housewife has its own version. Here we have shared a recipe using a combination of two dals, Kashmiri red chilli and a handful of other spices to make a rasam powder which lends a perfect balance of colour, flavour and spice. When you are short of time, you can also buy readymade rasam powder. We would suggest you buy it from a local South Indian store to enjoy an authentic rasam. Thakkali rasam also acquires a sour taste and aroma which is precisely because of the use of tamarind water (often used in many South Indian recipes). Serve this delicious rasam with hot steamed rice. Tips for South Indian tomato rasam. 1. Blanch 3 medium tomatoes in hot water, peel and blend in a mixer to get ½ cup of tomato pulp. 2. We suggest you boil the rasam for the said time at each step as it is necessary for authentic flavour. Enjoy South Indian tomato rasam recipe | thakkali rasam | easy tomato saaru | Udupi rasam | with step by step photos.
When it comes to cooking, a little know-how can take you a long way and help you create an unending range of innovative foods, such as Broccoli and Zucchini in Red Capsicum Gravy. Here, look at how red capsicum lends itself to prepare a delectable gravy that is not only flavourful but healthy too, being rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and E. Adding broccoli, baby corn and zucchini imparts an exotic international touch to this subzi.
Juicy pink grapefruit and crunchy green apple are a pretty sight to behold, more so when speckled with chopped walnuts. Their flavours too complement each other beautifully, making this a salad you will really enjoy snacking on. The best part is that this tasty combo is also rich in fibre, which helps curb blood sugar and cholesterol. Plus, walnuts are also known to be one of the most heart-friendly ingredients, rich in omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E, which avoid blood clot and maintain healthy arteries. So, enjoy exquisite taste and good health with the Grapefruit and Green Apple Salad.
gajar methi sabzi recipe | sabzi for diabetes | carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style | healthy carrot methi sabzi | with 14 amazing images. gajar methi sabzi recipe is a daily fare served as an accompaniment to whole wheat rotis. Learn how to make carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style. Carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style is a great combination of textures and fragrant, spicy flavours that has the added advantage of being quick to make. The sweetness of carrot and slight bitterness of fenugreek leaves lends a perfect contrast in texture, taste and flavours. To make gajar methi sabzi, heat the oil in a non-stick kadhai and add the cumin seeds. When the seeds crackle, add the onions and sauté on a medium flame for 1 minute. Add the green chillies and garlic, mix well and sauté on a medium flame for 30 seconds. Add the fenugreek leaves, turmeric powder, coriander powder, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, salt and 1 cup of water, mix well and cover and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Serve hot with whole wheat parathas or rotis. Carrots are enriched with vitamin A, vitamin C and fibre and that’s what makes this healthy carrot methi sabzi so nutritious. Fibre helps to maintain a healthy gut, while the 2 vitamins are needed to guard our body cells from the attack of harmful free radicals, bacteria and virus. Methi, also called as fenugreek leaves, is a good source of fibre too along with iron – a key nutrient again. It is necessary for proper supply of oxygen to all parts of our body. This sabzi for diabetes also can be included in a heart patient’s menu. Not being loaded with excess fat, it is perfect for weight-watchers and women with PCOS who are aiming a trimmed waist line. The garlic used in the recipe adds its own health touch of anti-inflammatory properties. Tips for gajar methi sabzi. 1. Chop carrots into uniform shaped pieces, not too big nor too small in size. 2. Always select bunches of methi that are fresh and green in colour. Avoid if they are yellow or very dry textured. 3. Cool it well and you can pack and carry in your tiffin as a healthy lunch too. Enjoy gajar methi sabzi recipe | sabzi for diabetes | carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style | healthy carrot methi sabzi | with step by step images below.
egg curry recipe | restaurant style anda masala | egg masala Indian curry | with 40 amazing images. Mildly spicy and absolutely mouth-watering, this egg masala curry is sure to appeal to all egg-lovers. Learn how to make egg curry recipe | restaurant style anda masala | egg masala Indian curry | This comforting egg curry is a popular egg preparation is made using hard-boiled eggs cooked in a spicy onion tomato based gravy is super delicious, flavorsome and easy to make. Make this restaurant style anda masala under 30 minutes at home. This dhaba style egg masala curry has all those tasty and rustic flavours of the dhaba food that’s sure to impress everyone. Not too spicy not too hot but you will experience the burst of amazing flavours. You can enjoy it with roti or with steamed rice. You can also try other egg recipes like Anda masala dry and Egg briyani. pro tips to make egg curry : 1. For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of cream or coconut milk to the curry. 2. If you want a spicier curry, you can add more chilli powder or chopped green chillies. 3. You can also make this curry without frying the boiled eggs. Enjoy egg curry recipe | restaurant style anda masala | egg masala Indian curry | with detailed step by step photos.
palak urad dal sabzi recipe | urad dal with spinach | healthy urad palak dal | palak dal | with 34 amazing images. urad dal with spinach is a dry dal made from palak, urad dal, onions, tomatoes and Indian spices which can be made at home any time. Learn how to make urad dal with spinach. To make palak urad dal sabzi, soak the urad dal for 1 hour and drain well. Combine the urad dal with approx. 1 cup of water, salt and turmeric powder in a deep non-stick kadhai, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 10 to 12 minutes, till the dal is cooked and soft. Heat the oil and saute caraway seeds and then the onions. Add the tomatoes, green chillies, chilli powder, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Add spinach and 1 tbsp of water and cook for 1 minute. Add salt, urad dal and lemon juice and cook for 1 minute. Serve it hot. urad dal with spinach is a sumptuous accompaniment to Indian bread with the distinct flavour of caraway seeds. Teamed up with onions, tomatoes and green chillies, it is a flavour boost. This healthy urad palak dal carries a healthy dose of B-complex vitamins, protein and iron. Reduce the amount of oil to make it slightly healthier. healthy urad palak dal can then be relished by diabetics, heart patients and even women with PCOS. Tips for palak urad dal sabzi. 1. Soak the urad dal for sure so cooking time is reduced. 2. Do not over cook spinach, else you will lose its green colour. 3. You can replace the spinach with fenugreek leaves as a variation. For a truly fulfilling experience, relish this urad dal with spinach with hot Parathas. Enjoy palak urad dal sabzi recipe | urad dal with spinach | healthy urad palak dal | palak dal | with step by step photos and video below.
banana and papaya puree for babies | how to make banana and papaya puree for babies | banana and papaya puree for 6 month old baby | mashed banana for babies | with 12 amazing images. This delicious Banana and Papaya Puree for Babies made with an apt combination of banana and papaya is very healthy for your child. Try this Banana and Papaya Puree for Babies when your baby has got accustomed to Banana Puree for Babies and Papaya Purée. Banana is high in energy, which is very necessary for growing children, while papaya nourishes your child with Vitamin A. It also contains a lot of fibre, which ensures easy digestion. The flavour and consistency of the Banana and Papaya Puree for Babies is also naturally sweet and smooth, which makes it appealing to the baby. Enjoy banana and papaya puree for babies | how to make banana and papaya puree for babies | banana and papaya puree for 6 month old baby | mashed banana for babies | with detailed step by step photos.
This is a gravy-like dish made using pumpkins and dal. Other vegetables like chow-chow, snake-gourd, cabbage, carrots etc can also be cooked this way. Normally, a traditional South Indian meal will definitely include one dry curry and one kootu. A good accompaniment to this is a cooling raita like Tomato Pachadi , Coconut Pachadi or Cucumber Pachad .
muskmelon and orange juice | kharbuja santra antioxidant rich juice | healthy Indian cantaloupe and orange drink | with 12 amazing images. muskmelon and orange juice is a delightful and refreshing beverage that combines the sweet, aromatic flavor of muskmelon with the tangy and citrusy notes of oranges. To prepare this juice, ripe muskmelon is typically peeled, deseeded, and chopped into chunks, while fresh oranges are juiced to extract their sweet and tangy liquid. To make muskmelon and orange juice, combine the muskmelon, orange segments, black salt (kala namak) and ice-cubes in a mixer. Blend till smooth and creamy. Serve muskmelon and orange juice chilled. The resulting muskmelon and orange juice is bursting with the natural sweetness and juiciness of muskmelon, complemented by the zesty and refreshing flavor of oranges. It is often served chilled, making it a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot day. Muskmelon and orange juice is not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and rejuvenating beverage. This muskmelon and orange juicejuice is a popular choice for breakfast or as a midday refresher, providing a burst of natural energy and hydration. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a sprig of mint for an extra burst of freshness. muskmelon and orange juice is an ultimate healing juice, ideal as an immune booster due to its high vitamin A levels. vitamin A (Beta-carotene) is a potent antioxidant that delays ageing, fights cancers, promotes greater concentration and aids in mental alertness. Weight-watchers and heart patients can benefit from its fibre by using a high quality blender and by avoiding straining. It is also advisable for them to avoid the use of sugar. With 49 calories per glass this detox cantaloupe orange juice, can also be had in between meals or as a small evening snack. Pro tips for muskmelon and orange juice. 1. In a mixer put muskmelon (kharbooja) cubes. Muskmelon possesses a naturally sweet and subtly floral aroma that translates beautifully into juice. It offers a refreshing escape from the blandness of water or the sharp sweetness of other fruits. 2. Add orange segments (deseeded). Adding oranges infuses the juice with a beautiful amber hue, making it visually appealing and inviting. Oranges are low in calories and rich source of fiber. They are also low carb and high in vitamin C and rich in vitamin A also. Enjoy muskmelon and orange juice | kharbuja santra antioxidant rich juice | healthy Indian cantaloupe and orange drink | with step by step photos.
spinach mushroom sabzi recipe | palak mushroom curry | healthy palak vegetable sabzi | with 35 amazing images. spinach mushroom sabzi is a delicious North Indian curry. Learn how to make healthy palak vegetable sabzi. The spinach mushroom sabzi is a luxuriant dish that vibrates with the effect of spices, whole and ground. The contrasting textures of mushrooms and spinach make the spinach mushroom sabzi a delight to chew while the addition of fresh cream gives it a lusciously rich mouth-feel. You must take care not to over-cook the mushrooms as they will shrink and lose their nice texture. A range of spices and spice powders come together with ingredients like ginger, garlic, tomatoes and onions to give this palak mushroom curry its remarkable flavour and aroma. Diabetic, heart issues or on weight loss, then try palak mushroom curry with some homemade tandoori roti. spinach mushroom sabzi is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folic acid, Vitamin B2. 81 calories per serving for spinach mushroom sabzi. spinach mushroom sabzi is perfect for an Indian lunch tiffin box with rotis. You could also serve spinach mushroom sabzi hot with aloo paratha, paneer kulcha or naan. Enjoy spinach mushroom sabzi recipe | palak mushroom curry | healthy palak vegetable sabzi | with step by step photos.
All too easy to make but fabulously tasty, this Watermelon, Orange and Feta Salad will sweep you off your feet with its amazing blend of textures and flavours. Watermelon and orange are fruits that you get all round the year and they combine beautifully because the watery sweetness of watermelon and the juicy tang of oranges complement each other very well. Add to this some feta cheese and you bring in tinges of salty creaminess to the salad. A dressing of olive oil and pepper is simple but effective in highlighting the positives of this salad. It is really a wonderful treat to munch on, and perfect to serve at parties, get-togethers and kitty parties.
Cheesy dip? Tangy Dip? Herbed Dip? Why not everything in one package? The Herbed Tomato Dip offers just that! A cheesy base with tangy tomato accents and aromatic herbed notes too. The varied textures of the ingredients are balanced and brought together using a little cornflour. Since the dip combines chopped tomatoes with cheese, it tends to get a little watery over time, so serve immediately on preparation, to enjoy the best flavour and consistency.
spinach beetroot and pear juice recipe | detox Indian spinach beetroot juice | weight loss fruit and vegetable juice | with 17 amazing images. spinach beetroot and pear juice is a healthy refreshing and energizing juice to start your morning. Learn how to make detox Indian spinach beetroot juice. A peppy spinach beetroot and pear juice to add josh to your day! This unique combination of fruits and veggies will not fail to please your palate. This tasty spinach beetroot and pear juice helps to boost your iron levels early in the morning, thereby keeping your concentration high all through the day. The combination of veggies, fruits and greens gives this detox Indian spinach beetroot juice a lovely colour, a well-balanced flavour and nice mouth-feel too. A glassful of Spinach Beetroot and Pear Juice in the morning along with a serving of Nutritious Jowar and Tomato Chila will keep you focused all day long. With only 51 calories for a glass of spinach beetroot and pear juice, this is perfect for weight loss, detox, pregnancy due to high folic acid. Super juice for a healthy heart due to the presence of beetroot which expands blood vessels lowering blood pressure. Due to the high fibre in spinach, beetroot and pear juice has a key role in easy bowel movements and avoiding constipation. Spinach in detox Indian spinach beetroot juice is a great antioxidant and also one of the best vegetables to reduce cellular inflammation and also great for those suffering from cancer. spinach beetroot and pear juice is rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Fiber, Magnesium. Pro tips for spinach beetroot and pear juice. 1. To make spinach beetroot and pear juice in a good quality mixer, put 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach(palak). Spinach is a rich source of iron and has lots of fibre. 2. Add beetroot cubes. Good for the heart. 3. Add pear cubes (unpeeled and deseeded), rich in Vitamin C, lowers cholesterol and avoids constipation. 4. Add 20 ice-cubes. This will chill the juice. 5. Add a little lemon juice. The acidity of lemon will help to balance out the sweetness of the pear and the strong taste of the beetroot in detox Indian spinach beetroot juice. 6. Add honey if desired to sweeten the weight loss fruit and vegetable juice a bit. Enjoy spinach beetroot and pear juice recipe | detox Indian spinach beetroot juice | weight loss fruit and vegetable juice | with step by step photos.

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