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Why is human fat yellow?

Published in Human Biology 1 min read

Human fat can appear yellow due to the presence of carotene, a pigment found in vegetables and grains. When we consume these foods, our bodies don't always fully metabolize the carotene, and some of it ends up settling in our fat cells, giving them a yellowish hue.

  • Carotene: This pigment is responsible for the orange color of carrots and other vegetables.
  • Fat Storage: Carotene, being fat-soluble, is stored in our fat cells.
  • Metabolism: Our bodies have a limited capacity to metabolize carotene, leading to its accumulation in fat cells.

The yellowness of human fat is often considered a sign of a healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits. While some individuals may have naturally yellow fat due to their diet, others may see more noticeable yellowness if they consume a particularly high amount of carotene-rich foods.

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