All the health conscious people must have heard about the term Beta Carotene. We know it is a healthy compound and very good for our body. But what is exactly Beta Carotene? Let’s find out.

What Is Beta Carotene?

Beta Carotene is a natural molecule known as carotenoid that can be found mainly in plants and fruits. Beta Carotene is extremely essential for us as our body converts Beta Carotene into active Vitamin A. Beta Carotene has antioxidant properties and it is responsible for the pigment in all the bright orange color fruits, trees and plants. It is also responsible for the pigment in red, yellow, and green colored fruits and vegetables. We can safely say Beta Carotene is another form of Vitamin A. It’s Provitamin A, also referred as A-Beta-Carotene.

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Function of Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene plays an important role for the pigmentation of the colored fruits and vegetables especially in the bright orange colored fruits and vegetables. Beta Carotene can be found in the whole extent of the fruits and vegetables including skin and roots. When we eat Beta Carotene rich foods our body transforms Beta Carotene to Vitamin A.

It can be done in two ways.

• By cleavage at the centre or by breaking the molecule down from one end.

• The breakdown of beta-carotene occurs in the walls of the small intestine (intestinal mucosa). This creates retinol- a soluble form of Vitamin A.

Health Benefits of Beta Carotene

• Beta Carotene is an essential nutrient for our health. It has numerous health benefits.

• Beta Carotene is good for skin. It prevents skin from sun damage.

• Beta Carotene helps to fight free radicals and protects from the harmful damage.

• Beta Carotene is good for the eyesight and night blindness.

• Beta Carotene is helpful in preventing diseases such as Gastritis, Asthma, Sickle Cell Anemia, Angina pectoris, Heart Disease and Light Sensitivity.

• Beta Carotene promotes good immune system. Researched showed beta-carotene supplementation improves the immune functions. It also prevents any infections.

• Beta Carotene has powerful antioxidant properties and helps body from the damage caused by free radicals. Various researches showed us Beta Carotene is an important anti-aging and anti-cancer compound because it protects cells from any damage.

Sources of Beta Carotene

Various food source of Beta Carotene are-

• Carrots

• Pumpkins

• Sweet Potatoes

• Cantaloupe

• Winter Squash

• Apricots

• Spinach

• Kale

• Cabbage

• Collard

• Turnip Greens

Beta Carotene Supplements

Various Beta Carotene dietary supplements are available which are made from Beta Carotene. These supplements come in gel or capsule forms. However high dose of Beta Carotene supplements should not be taken as it can be damaging for the health. Research suggests high dose of Beta Carotene may increase the cancer risk of those who smoke and drink alcohol heavily.