2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Carotenoids are pigments that give fruits and vegetables such as carrots, melons, sweet potatoes and cabbage their vibrant orange, yellow and green color. Beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein are different varieties of carotenoids.
They all act as antioxidants - powerful weapons to fight cancer. Antioxidants protect cells from free radicals - substances that work to destroy cell membranes and DNA.
Smokers tend to have higher concentrations of free radicals in their blood. This is due to the chemicals they inhale. Therefore, it is not surprising that studies confirm that antioxidants reduce the risk of lung cancer for smokers.
This, of course, is not a reason to smoke, as it is impossible to predict who will develop cancer and when. Carotenoids are also thought to help prevent skin, breast and prostate cancer.
Some carotenoids have the ability to be converted into vitamin A, which is necessary for good vision and cell growth.
Carotenoids are found in almost all brightly colored fruits and vegetables. However, not all of these carotenoids can be converted to vitamin A. Lutein, for example, is an important antioxidant, but has no vitamin A activity. Beta-carotene, on the other hand, has extremely high levels of vitamin A.
It is best to consume natural carotenoids through food, not through supplements. Fresh foods partner with an abundance of cancer-fighting compounds that are lacking when taking carotenoids in pill form. In addition, the body is able to convert natural carotenoids into vitamin A in the required doses.
Vitamin A supplements given in doses of 4-5 times the recommended daily dose can be toxic. The body is unable to get rid of excess vitamin A and stores it in the liver indefinitely.
Vitamin A toxicity can lead to dry, flaky skin, and in more severe cases, thinning of the bones and even liver failure.
Beta-carotene supplements are also not the same as beta-carotene in foods. Studies show that high doses of beta-carotene, given in an additional form to cancer patients, increase the risk of lung cancer.
This is because the doses are very high or because excessive intake of beta-carotene interferes with the absorption of other nutrients.
Therefore, the intake of beta-carotene should be through the fruits and vegetables in which it is contained. These are mostly fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes.
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