Beta-carotene is a compound produced by plants that the body converts into vitamin A. It also acts as both an antioxidant and an immune system enhancer. Beta-carotene is the most abundant carotenoid in human foods and is generally thought to be the most important carotenoid for humans. Other members of carotenoid family include cryptoxanthin, alpha-carotene, zeaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene. However, unlike beta-carotene, most of these antioxidants are not converted to vitamin A in significant amounts.

Like other antioxidants, beta carotene helps to protect the body against free radicals. As mentioned earlier beta carotene can also help to strengthen the immune system, increase lung capacity, reduce the skin’s risk to sun and DNA damage as well as reduce cholesterol levels. Adequate amounts of beta carotene are essential for a healthy body and its benefits can increase when taken with other antioxidants like vitamins C and E.

Getting enough beta carotene means eating a well-rounded diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. The National Institute of Health recommends 9 milligrams of beta carotene daily for adult men and 7 milligrams for adult women. Foods with high levels of beta carotene include: pumpkin, sweet potato, carrots, cooked greens, apricots, sweet peppers, kale, turnip greens, broccoli, mango and squash varieties. Not enough beta carotene can lead to an increased risk for joint problems.

Beta Carotene supplements are helpful in disease provention for those who do not get enough beta carotene in their diet.

Beta Carotene Benefits

• Is an important antioxidant that helps to prevent harmful free radical damage in the body
• Believed to be helpful in such disease as high cholesterol
• Helps delay the progression of age-related cataracts
• Intakes of beta-carotene are inversely associated with lung cancer
• Low levels of beta-carotene are also associated with a greater risk for cancer of the cervix, esophagus, gastrointestinal tract, lung, mouth, throat, neck, and stomach
• May also enhance immunity by boosting the activity of certain immune fighting agents in the body
• May also offer relief to people who suffer from a genetic disorder, erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), that makes them abnormally sensitive to sunlight

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