Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene is the most well-known and researched member of the carotenoid family. It is a water-soluble provitamin-A, meaning that it can be converted by the body into Vitamin A.This carotenoid works in combination with the other carotenoids and members of the network antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, lipoic acid, and the antioxidant enzymes produced in your body: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Beta-carotene is not an essential nutrient, although vitamin A is.

Sources of Beta Carotene

Good sources of beta-carotene include dark green and orange-yellow vegetables, such as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, apricots, and green peppers.

However

It has been shown through numerous studies involving comparison groups that Beta Carotene is more bioavailable in supplement form than it is from the diet

Benefits of Beta Carotene

Shiny Hair - More so than any other vitamin, beta-carotene works directly to produce shinier hair. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A and uses it to produce sebum. This light yellow secretion of the skin moisturizes and nourishes the scalp, follicles and the roots of the hair. Well-hydrated hair appears shiny and full of luster.

Heart disease - People whose diets are rich in beta carotene have lower risk of heart disease. It works with vitamin E to reduce the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol, which lowers the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease.

Respiratory System problems - High intakes of beta carotene and vitamin C were found to increase lung capacity and relieve respiratory problems, as well as protecting you from breathing disorders such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.

Cancer - Studies show that people who eat a diet rich in carotenoids, had a much lower risk of breast, colon cancer and lung cancer. One way that carotenoids fight cancer is through their antioxidant capacity. Another way that they help is to keep your cells in proper communication, an effective preventive measure against the growth of cancer cells.

Immune system - Beta carotene helps activate your thymus gland, one of your most important sources of immune protection. The thymus gland stimulates your immune system to fight off infections and viruses, and destroy cancerous cells before they can spread.

Radiation - Combining beta carotene with vitamin C and vitamin E offers significant protect against ultraviolet radiation from the sun, as well as from chemotherapy. It's interesting to note that vitamin C and vitamin E do not offer this protection on their own. This reinforces the fact that antioxidants work more effectively as a team.

Diabetes - Studies have shown that people with low levels in their bodies are much more likely to suffer from impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Studies have shown that low levels of beta carotene and vitamin C have been found to be a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

Additional beta carotene benefits include:

• Effective as a treatment for dry skin, eczema and psoriasis
• Prevents oxidative damage from strenuous exercise
• Plays a significant role in prevention vision problems

Remember

• There is some concern that high doses of beta-carotene can cause a slight increase in the risk of heart disease and cancer, especially in people who smoke cigarettes and who consume excessive alcohol
• Other side effects include diarrhoea and a yellowish tinge to the skin if intake is too high.
• Do not take Beta Carotene supplements if you are taking vitamin A supplements or any multivitamins that contain vitamin A.