Beta Carotene-ProVitamin A

Beta carotene is a form of vitamin A referred to as carotenoid. Carotenoid is the name given to a group of nutrients found in high concentrations in the pigments of fruits and vegetables. Plants are sources of beta carotene and once you consume it and it reaches your liver, it is transformed to vitamin A.

Beta Carotene Health Benefits

Beta carotene both lowers cholesterol and helps minimize arterial hardening. It may also benefit sufferers of cataracts, cancer, AIDS, high blood pressure, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, headaches, and asthma brought on by exercise. And it may help prevent cancer and hart disease. Beta carotene may also, because of its ability to act as a powerful antioxidant within the human body help prevent cancer and heart disease. In addition, because anti-oxidants neutralize the cell-structure damaging chemical reactions of free radical, beta carotene may slow free radical related aging and disease. A Harvard University study indicated that those who take 50mg of beta carotene daily have their risk of heart attacks and strokes cut in half! Beta carotene will also improve vision and skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. And acts to prevent the development of precancerous cells mouth and respiratory tract.

Risks and Precautions from Beta Carotene intake

Ingesting very large amounts of beta carotene can lead to an orange discoloration of the skin and urine; it has also been associated with a heightened risk of lung cancer, so smokers especially should avoid the supplement, or at the very least, consult with their doctors before taking it. Large doses of beta carotene could prove toxic to anyone suffering from liver damage, or lead to birth defects if taken in the first three months of pregnancy.

Beta carotene, in all other situations, has been shown to be extremely safe. Because the body only converts necessary amounts of beta carotene, it does not have the toxic effects of larger doses of Vitamin A. Although no Recommended Daily Allowance has been established for beta carotene, experts advise taking between 2500 IU and 10000IU per day.

Beta-carotene is found in many foods such as carrots, cantaloupe, squash, pumpkin, mangos, and sweet potatoes. Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, liver, spinach, kale, tomatoes, and whole grains are also rich in beta-carotene. In general, the greater the intensity of the color of the fruit or vegetable, the more beta-carotene it contains.