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Cardiovascular diseases follow being the main cause of death in the worldbut this scourge can begin to control thanks to the most colorful foods of the supermarket. A new and thorough review study systematic published in Nutrients has put the focus on carotenoidsthe Natural pigments that give their vibrant color to fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots or spinach. What are exactly carotenoids. Carotenoids are a group of more than 600 compounds that plants, algae and some bacteria produce naturally. They are responsible for the red, orange and yellow tones of many foods. Among the best known we can highlight the lycopene that is very present the tomatoes, the beta-carotene that is in carrots (and can get to give us an orange color on the skin) and the Lutein o Zeaxantine that are in green foods. Components of great importance for humans. Humans cannot produce these carotenoids, as with some vitaminsso we depend on the diet to obtain them. But his fame is not free: they act as Powerful antioxidantsneutralizing the free radicals they produce Oxidative stress and ends up damaging the cells and the genetic material itself. In addition, the study highlights its anti -inflammatory properties or its ability to improve the cholesterol profile by reducing oxidation of ‘bad’ or LDL cholesterol. This is something very relevant, then The oxidation of LDL is the trigger to form the atheroma plates In blood vessels, which is a key risk factor for Atherosclerosis. That is, the hardening and obstruction of the main arteries of the organism that can finally cause a heart attack. Evidence on the table: real food vs. supplements. The researchers, led by a team from the European University of the Atlantic in Santander, analyzed 38 of the most relevant studies published in the last decade to answer a key question: does the carotenoid intake prevents cardiovascular diseases? But beyond this, they also wondered if The supplements that can be found work or a varied diet is better. Having them in blood is associated with a healthier heart. The observational studies of cohorts that followed large groups of people for years, are quite consistent: those who had higher concentrations of serum carotenoids presented, in general, a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, there was an inverse correlation with hypertension, the rigidity of the arteries and several inflammation markers. This suggests that a usual consumption of rich foods in these compounds is a good cardiovascular health indicator. Do carotene supplements work? This is where the thing is complicated. The studies that gave the participants carotenoid capsules showed results that were often contradictory. On the one hand, when the lycopene was given in supplement, he recorded an improvement in the endothelial function of patients who already had cardiovascular disease, but not in healthy volunteers. In the case of lutein, a triglyceridesand with beta -carotene the significant effect was null. This is something that surprised the researchers, but even more they were amazed to see that by providing several carotenoids together the effect was more effective than with the use of an isolated carotene. This already gives us an important clue. Real food wins the game. The clearest verdict came from dietary intervention studies. When participants were provided with foods such as tomato or carrot juices, or they were indicated to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables in the diet, the benefits were more notable and consistent than with the pills. Interventions with tomato juice in lycopene managed to reduce key inflammatory molecules in atherosclerosis, while increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables improved antioxidant capacity of “good” or HDL cholesterol. In this way, scientific evidence suggests that carotenoids have to be consumed in ‘groups’ to have a greater effect. The conclusion is clear: we must not replace the vegetable. On many occasions we try to supplement what we do not like with herbalist treatments. This is not ideal in this case, since the cardioprotective effect of the carotenoid seems to be amplified with other compounds that the original food such as fiber or vitamins presents. But it also adds to the need to complement it with other fruits and vegetables. And you don’t have to become obsessed with tomato and carrot in this regard. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that can be included in the diet in a varied way so as not to end ‘hating it: peppers, pumpkin, broccoli or kale are some of the examples we find. Time is vital for your protection. As in medicine, the effects are not usually immediate when a change in the habits of a patient is made. In this case, long -term observational studies show the strongest results, that is, It is the sustained habit of consuming these foods What really protects the heart. A good diet is fundamental. This conclusion is no secret to us, since there are many studies that point to important benefits of following a good diet. For example, the Mediterranean diet It can help us stop the aging of the brain. Although it is also a reality that there are many diets such as potato diet either Miracle diets In general, they are a pathology to face it in the absence of nutrients or a subsequent rebound effect. Images | Claudio Schwarz Kenny Eliason In Xataka | We have just discovered one of the best kept secrets of the Mediterranean diet: its compounds