Doctors reviewed 11 metabolic syndrome studies between 1997 and 2017 covering 29,673 participants including adults and adolescents. Overall, as levels of mixed carotenoids increased, chances for metabolic syndrome decreased.

The individual carotenoids beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin were most beneficial. These carotenoids are provitamin A meaning your body can turn them into vitamin A. Beta-carotene is the orange pigment in carrots, papaya or sweet potatoes.

According to the doctors, carotenoids may play a role in regulating and distributing fat adipose tissue, possibly reducing or preventing its accumulation around the abdomen, or waist, a key factor in metabolic syndrome. Carotenoids may also help reduce inflammatory factors and insulin resistance.

Reference: Nutrition Reviews; January 2019, Vol. 77, No. 1.