Antioxidants are thought to be protective of mood disorders including anxiety and depression. The reason for this may relate to the fact that inflammation is a leading causative agent in the development of mood disorders and the detrimental effects of inflammation may partially be caused through the generation of free radicals. Carotenoids are phytochemical antioxidants which are absorbed in humans and accumulate in cell membranes. Carotenoids are known to function as antioxidants in humans and other animals. Studies have shown that carotenoid concentrations in humans may be inversely correlated with anxiety. For example, in one study, researchers measured the carotenoid concentrations in the skin of women patients with breast cancer. The results of the study showed that the dermal carotenoid concentrations in the subjects was correlated with the level of anxiety they felt. Those women with the highest levels of carotenoids had the lowest levels of anxiety and vice versa.
Peppers, tomatoes, carrots and green leafy vegetables are good sources of carotenoids. Carotenoids provide many of the red, orange and yellow colours in vegetables.
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