subject: The Wonderful Benefits Of Beta Carotene [print this page] The bright orange color of carrots comes from beta carotene, a pigment that also has numerous health benefits for the human body. When you eat foods or take natural supplements that contain beta carotene and other carotenoids, your body turns it into vitamin A. Not only does this prevent a Vitamin A deficiency, it also provides your body protection from cancers as well as other illnesses.
Cancer Prevention
The pigment offers antioxidant protection against cancer, as it protects the cells in your body from damage caused by oxidation or free radicals. This improves communication between the cells of the body. One reason cells may overgrow or develop into cancers is the limited communication between cells in your body. When the cells communicate properly, the risk for cancer is reduced dramatically and carotenoids helps the communication process.
Carotene has been shown to be somewhat effective at reducing the risk of certain types of cancer in people, such as :
For women who are pre-menopausal who either have a family history of breast cancer or drink to excess. Ovarian cancer in women who are past menopause. Benefits as You Age
Even though supplements may slow the progression of many conditions they probably can't prevent them from occurring eventually. If you have one of the following conditions, consider taking carotenoids to treat or reduce the severity of the condition:
Age related macular degeneration: If you have advanced AMD, taking a carotene supplement along with zinc and vitamins C and E, can help slow the progression of the disease and prevent the loss of sight, according to the National Institutes of Medicine. Osteoarthritis: Carotene supplements may help slow the development of this joint condition. Other Benefits
There are other benefits carotenoids provide when you take them as supplements or you get them from food. The pigments can boost the immune system and improve the function of the reproductive system.
Offers sun protection. If you burn easily, boosting the amount of the pigment you take in each day can provide some protection. The pigment doesn't prevent sunburn in all people, though, but it could definitely help those who are particularly sensitive. It is especially effective at preventing sunburn in people who have a disorder called erythropoietic protoporphyria, according to the National Institutes of Health. Prevents asthma attacks and other breathing problems. People who smoke benefit from making sure they take in enough carotenoids, as the pigments help them to breathe and keep bronchitis away. Also, carotene reduces the number of asthma attacks brought on by exercising. If you worry that you do not get enough beta carotene in your diet, taking natural supplements can offer protection and benefits and help you maintain your health.
