A new study shows that antioxidants are used at a higher pace in overweight children, placing them at a greater risk of heart diseases.
According to the study published in Obesity, overweight and obese children have higher requirements for carotenoids, as these compounds are used to neutralize inflammation.
The study showed that the high inflammation rate, commonly found in the tissues of the obese, contributes to the high cardiac disease risk in these individuals.
Findings revealed a significant negative link between carotenoid levels and the child's weight.
Previous studies had reported that high antioxidants levels particularly carotenoids are associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events.
Scientists concluded that obese and overweight kids require an antioxidant-rich diet consisting of fruit and vegetables in order to tackle cardiac diseases.
Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene in carrots, act as antioxidants and are responsible for the repair of damaged cells. Fruit and vegetables are the only major source of these compounds in the human diet.
PKH/HGH