There are just over 560 carotenoids that are found in the dark green, dark orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables - and beta carotene is one of them. Other carotenoids include alpha carotene, lycopene, as well as canthaxanthin. However, beta carotene is the one carotenoid that is most easily converted to vitamin A by the body.
Even though researchers have known since the early times of this century that this substance found in plants (beta carotene) could be converted over to vitamin A by the body, it was not until the early 1980's that research provided the proof that beta carotene had functions that were separate from its role with vitamin A.
Over the past two decades, we have learned more about the interrelation between vitamin A and beta carotene. But moreover, we possess the knowledge from studies that now show that beta carotene enhances health and provides disease-prevention. This includes strengthening the immune system, antioxidant functions, cancer prevention, and cell cross-communication.
Beta Carotene As An Antioxidant
The body contains highly reactive substances that are called “free radicals”. If these free radicals are left unchecked, they can be the cause of many diseases. These diseases range from heart disease to arthritis, to cancer, as well as cataracts. Beta carotene works to disarm these substances and makes its mark as a highly effective antioxidant.
By taking the recommended amounts of beta carotene, the body cells are protected due to beta carotene discouraging abnormal formation of cells and helps to limit any free radical damage to the fatty parts of cell membranes. In fact, it only takes one molecule of beta carotene to destroy 1,000+ free radicals.
Beta Carotene's Role In Preventing Cancer
You may have read several studies that have reported that low levels of blood beta carotene is a red flag for the increased risk of cancer. In contrast, if you eat more foods that are abundant in beta carotene then your chances of cancer are greatly reduced. It is also interesting to note that even people who smoke are less likely to get lung cancer if they are consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in beta carotene. Beta carotene is also known to help protect your skin from any damage that may occur from too much sunlight and UV light.
Beta Carotene Helps Boost The Immune System
Last but not least, beta carotene helps to stimulate your immune system. It does so by increasing the number of immune cells. These immune cells are simply white blood cells that form the core of the immune response.
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