Articles > Benefits of Beta Carotene

Beta carotene has been touted as a nutrient that can protect against cancer and heart disease. These benefits are attributed to its ability to boost the immune system and act an a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are highly reactive chemical substances that can damage cellular material, leading to premature disease and aging.

Beta carotene, a fat-soluble plant compound, is a nutrient that is converted by the body into vitamin A when needed. Beta-carotene is a member of the carotenoid family. Carotenoids are the pigments that provide the red, yellow, orange, and green colors of fruits and vegetables, and more than 500 different types have been identified. The primary dietary carotenoids include beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin.

Carotenes have an antioxidant effect. They are able to form with cancer-causing chemicals in the body, neutralizing them and destroying their ability to damage cells. Carotenes have several advantages over other free-radical fighters. They are unaffected by their reactions with cancer-causing substances therefore they can travel through the bodly killing many free radicals. They also work in areas of low oxygen, such as capillaries, which other free radical scavengers are unable to do.

Even doctors are taking beta-carotene and discovering its benefits. A study showed that doctors taking 50 mg of beta-carotene daily had half the strokes and heart attacks of doctors who took no supplements. It seems that carotenes prevent build-up in the arteries.

Carotenes not only prevent cancer, but they also protect many areas of the body from damage and disease. Carotenes are necessary to keep the skin and mucous membranes healthy. Beta-carotene has shown to increase the number of helper T-cells, strengthen the immune system. Studies show that carotenes may prevent cataracts from developing and may ease the pain of ulcers. Carotenes maybe helpful in recovering from a sprain or torn ligament.

Many people became unnecessarily worried about taking beta-carotene when a study done in Finland reported that beta-carotene supplementation could actually increase the risk of cancer. As further investigation ensued, several serious flaws were found in the study, while the long-standing knowledge of at least 50 other reputable studies show that beta-carotene does fight against cancer.

Vitamin A is very toxic, but beta-carotene is absolutely non-toxic. Beta-carotene is a pre-cursor to Vitamin A. This means that the body can make beta-carotene into Vitamin A when it needs it, but if it doesn't need it, it won't be channeled. When taking beta-carotene there is an increased need for Vitamin E. It is recommended to take one tablet daily with a meal.

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