Beta-Carotene : Carrot Anyone?
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What is Beta-Carotene?
Beta-carotene is a type of organic nutrient under a group called Carotenes (sometimes also known as Carotenoids). Carotene is a pigment that causes many vegetables and fruits to have the orange color characteristics such as carrots, apricots and pumpkins. To many people, the most familiar source of beta-carotene is the carrots.
When consumed, the human body will convert the beta-carotene into vitamin A. Vitamin A is one of the many antioxidants found in the foods that we consume. Surveys have found that a diet rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A helps lower risks of many kinds of cancer. There is also evidence that shows a diet high in beta carotene and vitamin A sourced from various green and yellow vegetables or other foods can decrease the risk of lung cancer, and hence, beta-carotene supplement is used as a form of cancer prevention. Despite the cancer prevention roles, researches have in fact found that beta-carotene tends to increase the risks of lung cancer in smokers and alcoholics. In a study involving 29,000 men, it is found that the group of smokers who took a daily beta-carotene supplement shows higher incidence of lung cancer. Smokers who receive beta-carotene had a 46% higher risk of developing lung cancer. The same goes for alcoholics. Those who consumed more than 11g of alcohol (about a drink per day) showed adverse response to beta-carotene supplement in the lung cancel trial.
Why is Beta-carotene needed?
The use of beta-carotene includes:
- As a prevention against cancer and heart diseases
- To boost immunity
- To control high blood pressure
- To protect skins from sunburn
- To slow the progress of cataracts
- Treat depressions
- Treat asthma
Sources of beta-carotene
The main sources of beta-carotene from dark green and orange or yellow fruits and vegetables are as follows:
- Carrots
- Sweet Potatoes
- Pumpkins
- Squash
- Broccoli
- Romaine Lettuce
- Apricots
- Green Peppers
- Spinach
The Benefits Of Beta-Carotene
Beta-Carotene in the News
- Women At Risk From Vitamin A DeficiencyMedical News Today3 days ago
Almost half of UK women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A due to a previously undiscovered genetic variation, scientists at Newcastle University have found. The team, led by Dr Georg Lietz, has shown that almost 50 per cent of women have a genetic variation which reduces their ability to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A from beta-carotene.
- Women At Risk From Vitamin A DeficiencyredOrbit4 days ago
Almost half of UK women could be suffering from a lack of vitamin A due to a previously undiscovered genetic variation, scientists at Newcastle University have found.The team, led by Dr Georg Lietz, has shown that almost 50 per cent of women have a genetic variation which reduces their ability to produce sufficient amounts of vitamin A from beta-carotene.Vitamin A – also known as retinol – plays ...
- Pumpkin soup among ways to enjoy seasonal favoriteThe Oklahoman5 days ago
The good news is that it is possible to enjoy the Thanksgiving meal and festivities in a balanced and healthy way. It’s also a great opportunity to incorporate seasonal produce to add variety to the diet.Pumpkin is a staple for fall festivities. It is versatile squash that can be served in many simple-to-prepare recipes and is a great source of fiber, potassium, beta carotene and other nutrients ...
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agusfanani says:
4 months ago
I agree that betacarotene (contained in carrots) is very good for eyes, that's why no rabbits wear glasses.