Beta Carotene Benefits And Side Effects

What gives sweet potatoes, pumpkins and carrots the power to be yellow and orange

? Beta carotene! Beta carotene is good for your health, frequently credited as a powerful immune booster thats especially desirable as people age. Many medical professional also believe beta carotene can help prevent cataracts, macular degeneration and certain cancers.

Sometimes referred to as provitamin A, beta carotene is an antioxidant within the carotenoid nutrient group. The word carotene is also sometimes spelled as carotin and is derived from the Latin word carota meaning carrot.

Please note that most dieticians generally consider beta-carotene to be the inactive form of Vitamin A. Although Vitamin A and beta-carotene are closely related, they are not the same. Beta carotene is converted into Vitamin A within the body. While hundreds of various carotenoids exist some estimates claim a minority of around 10% of them are provitamin A cartenoids. And, as with many supplements, there are both natural and synthetic versions of this nutrient. A doctor can help which form is best for an individuals specific needs.

Although specific nutritional values can vary, apricots may have more beta carotene than carrots in some cases. Other good sources of beta-carotene include carrot juice, cantaloupe, cabbage, pumpkin, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables.

Consuming antioxidants like beta carotene help the human body neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can hurt healthy cells, contribute to cancer and can impact the body in other negative ways. Beta carotene is believed to be a notable weapon in fighting oral and lung cancers for some people, in particular. There may be exceptions, of course. In particular, smokers who routinely take supplements with this nutrient may have an increased chance of developing certain lung cancer ailments.

Beta carotene has many other health benefits, besides the ones previously listed. The nutrient is sometimes credited by dieticians to enhance immunity, aid in recovery from select skin disorders, prevent night blindness and also slow the general aging process. In addition, some herbalists recommend beta carotene dietary or supplement plans to people who are sensitive to the sun, claiming that the nutrient can help protect against sunburn.

Beta carotene supplement products commonly include tablets, capsules and various creams. Dermatologists may apply beta carotene products citing the nutrients ability to enhance cell turn-over and regeneration. Suntan lotions manufacturers also may inforporate the ingredient due to the tinting enhancement capabilities and potential to help heal scratches, reduce itchiness and/or aide in other skin irritations.

As with all concerns regarding a specific patients supplement needs, answers concerning beta-carotene are best acquired from a medical professional familiar with a patients particular circumstances. Most doctors will advise those in their care to avoid taking beta-carotene supplements if they are already taking various prescription drugs such as statins. Beta-carotene seems to work especially well when taken with select other antioxidants, including Vitamin E and Vitamin C.

by: Holly Avens

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