Beta Carotene

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Beta carotene is perhaps the best known of the approximately 50 known carotenoids. It is a provitamin A compound that can be converted in the body to retinol, the active form of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a natural pigmentwhich produces colors in orange and yellow and for this reason most of the foods containing it are in these colors. Beta carotene is thought to significantly boost the immune system.

Beta carotene functions

Prevention of vitamin A deficiency - foods that contain beta-carotene help prevent vitamin A deficiency. In addition to alpha carotene and beta cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene is among the most commonly consumed carotenoids in various diets.

Antioxidant and boosting immune activity - beta-carotene helps in the fight against cancer and is a compound used against aging. It is a powerful antioxidant, protecting the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Promotes proper cellular communication - researchers believe that poor communication between cells can be one of the causes of excessive cell growth - a condition that subsequently leads to cancer. By promoting good communication between cells, carotenoids play an important role in cancer prevention.

Beta carotene also supports reproductive health - it is considered to play an important role in women's reproduction.

Beta Carotene Deficiency

Low intake of foods containing carotenoids such as beta carotene is not known to directly cause disease or health complications, at least in the short term. However, if the intake of beta carotene and other carotenoids is too low, can cause symptoms associated with vitamin A deficiency. In the long run, this insufficient intake is associated with chronic diseases, including heart disease and various cancers.

Beta carotene overdose

In turn, high intake of foods and supplements containing carotenoids is not associated with toxic side effects. The sign of excessive consumption of beta carotene is the yellowish color of the skin, which most often appears on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This condition does called carotenoderma and is reversible and harmless.

Beta carotene is more useful of ordinary vitamin A, as excessive use of the latter can lead to side effects - nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and discomfort, itching and others that can not occur with an overdose of beta carotene.

Benefits of Beta Carotene

Carotenoids such as beta carotene are fat-soluble substances and as such require the presence of dietary fats for proper absorption through the digestive tract. Therefore, the status of beta carotene in the body may be impaired by a diet that is extremely low in fat or if there is a disease that causes a decrease in the ability to absorb dietary fats such as pancreatic enzyme deficiency, Crohn's disease, cystic fibrosis, surgical removal of part of the stomach, bile and liver disease.

As for the benefits of beta carotene for the skin, taken in moderation and recommended amount, it can only contribute to its healthy and beautiful appearance. Helps rejuvenate the skin, makes it soft and radiant. If you are intolerant or hypersensitive to sunlight, taking beta carotene can help, as it reduces the skin's sensitivity to the sun. Helps increase the effect of sunscreen cosmetics.

The valuable element can also help with psoriasis, eczema, too dry skin, flaking, removal of boils and age spots. Accelerates the healing process of wounds, as well as the healing of skin lesions.

Beta carotene helps for various hair problems. In addition to promoting its growth and strength, it also fights some medical conditions related to it. It is important that the antioxidant is taken from natural food sources for hair problems. You can get rid of nasty dandruff by eating food, rich in beta carotene. It will get rid of the problem of dry scalp and lifeless hair, which is a prerequisite for the appearance of dandruff. The element has a positive effect on hair loss, restoring the strength and strength of hair follicles.

If you complete your diet or nutrition regimen with more beta carotene from natural sources, ie focus on fruits and vegetables that contain it, fast and effective results are guaranteed. Healthy and tasty food and at the same time - the beautiful figure you dream of.

Smokers and people addicted to alcohol have been found to consume fewer foods that contain carotenoids. Cigarette smoke has also been shown to break down carotenoids. This leads to the need for these people to procure the necessary quantities beta carotene and carotenoids through various foods and supplements.

Cholesterol-lowering drugs associated with bile acid isolation lead to lower blood levels of carotenoids. Also, some foods such as margarine enriched with plant sterols and fat substitutes that are added to some snacks can reduce the absorption of carotenoids.

Carotenoids are essential for human health and help prevent a number of diseases such as AIDS, age-related macular degeneration, angina, asthma, cataracts, cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia, heart disease, laryngeal cancer, lung, male and female infertility, osteoarthritis, pneumonia, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, skin cancer, vaginal candidiasis, etc. It also reduces the risk of diabetes.

Sources of Beta Carotene

Beta carotene Contained in a variety of foods, including sweet potatoes, carrots, cabbage, spinach, green turnips, winter squash, St. John's wort, fresh thyme, melon, lettuce and broccoli. Of the fruits you will find it in nectarines, apricots, melons, watermelons, mangoes, plums, cherries, oranges, guavas. From herbs, you can to find beta carotene in thyme, basil, coriander and parsley. As for nuts, you can get it from walnuts and pistachios.

These foods need to be eaten raw or lightly stewed to preserve their carotenoid content. In some cases, however, cooking can improve the availability of carotenoids in foods. For example, lightly stewed carrots and spinach improve the body's ability to absorb carotenoids in these foods.

The powerful antioxidant belongs to the fat-soluble vitamins, which is why it is absorbed faster and easier by the body if it is accompanied by fat. A good choice is the combination of carrots with vegetable oil, for example. Other ideas for easier breakdown of the vitamin are: sautéing vegetables with olive oil, hummus in the dressing, seasoning salads with fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. The principle is the same - add a little fat for more efficient absorption of the element.

Yellow foods contain at least beta cartoine, orange - medium amount, and those with bright red color have the greatest abundance of antioxidants. However, carrots hold the first place in terms of substance content. In fact, the name of the antioxidant comes from the Latin name for carrot - carrot, as it is first derived from the roots of carrots.

It is necessary to consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day, as this level of intake provides about three to six milligrams beta carotene.

Beta carotene is good for everyone, but there are several groups of people who must take it in order to maintain their good health. These are:

- people who take medications that interfere with the absorption of fat in the body;

- people who are often exposed to X-rays for one reason or another;

- during pregnancy and lactation

- people living in more polluted areas where the ecological balance is disturbed.