This Surprising Nutrient Could Supercharge Your Immune System
Key takeaways
- Author: Ava Durgin May 02, 2026Assistant Health Editor By Ava Durgin Assistant Health Editor Ava Durgin is the former Assistant Health Editor at mindbodygreen.
- A new study suggests that one of the key nutrients in carrots, zeaxanthin, may do far more than just support eyesight; it could actually enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer1.
- Shop nowZeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan-thin) is a carotenoid, a plant pigment that gives carrots, kale, spinach, and orange peppers their bright color.
Why this matters: practical guidance grounded in recent research or expert insight.
Author: Ava Durgin May 02, 2026Assistant Health Editor By Ava Durgin Assistant Health Editor Ava Durgin is the former Assistant Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She holds a B.A. in Global Health and Psychology from Duke University.Image by Trinette Reed / Stocksy May 02, 2026Growing up, my mom always gave my siblings and me carrots to snack on before dinner. I remember her persuading us to eat them with the promise, “Don’t you want to see better than everyone else?” At the time, it sounded like a fun myth to get us to finish our veggies, but she was on to something after all.
A new study suggests that one of the key nutrients in carrots, zeaxanthin, may do far more than just support eyesight; it could actually enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer1.
Shop nowZeaxanthin (pronounced zee-uh-zan-thin) is a carotenoid, a plant pigment that gives carrots, kale, spinach, and orange peppers their bright color. It’s long been prized for protecting the retina from oxidative stress and blue light damage, which is why it’s a common ingredient in eye health supplements.