Bell Peppers Provide Consistent β-cryptoxanthin Content Independent of Organic Status Fresh or Cooked North American Country of Origin and Season

摘要

The carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin is a natural pigment that is both an antioxidant and a precursor to retinol. Research supports that β-cryptoxanthin has greater bioavailability than β-carotene in humans. Red bell peppers have more than double the amount of β-cryptoxanthin than any of the top seven consumed vegetables, as ranked by the USDA. To determine if the amounts of β-cryptoxanthin in bell peppers are dependent upon the organic status, color, cooking, season or location that the fruit was grown within North America, β-cryptoxanthin was measured and compared in green, red and yellow bell peppers.