We’ve all heard of beta-carotene as a substance that helps get a great tan. However, this fat-soluble substance of the carotenoid family has other benefits for our health.

Beta carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and is characterized by a plant pigment yellow or orange tone that when ingested are converted into vitamin A in the liver and small intestine.

Beta Carotene food

Foods rich in beta carotene have antioxidant properties that reduce the likelihood of developing cancer of the lung, mouth and stomach. Also, it has been shown that its active ingredients inhibit the growth of cancer cells and including the prostate.

Some comparative studies have concluded that it is much lower incidence of cancer in people who have a vegetarian diet rich in carotenoids. However, the use of it in the form of supplements may increase lung cancer in smokers, although it has not been able to prove scientifically, but it is believed that the fact of missing oxygen in the lungs of people who smoke have made that beta-carotene oxidation behavior and not an antioxidant.

It is excellent in the summer to prepare the skin before tanning and many specialists recommend their intake in the form of juices containing a large amount of carrot, apricot, peach and papaya.

Also, the intake through foods that contain beta-carotene prevent suffering from heart disease because of its antioxidant properties are essential even prevent the formation of deposits in the arteries, promoting circulation.

It has been shown that beta carotene works with the immune system because it increases the number of lymphocytes, and this has been seen in studies of patients with AIDS and also because he gave a good response against foreign bodies that may harm the body.

To be discovered vitamin A thought that could only be obtained from food of animal origin (liver and eggs). Then found in the vegetable, especially in the color orange, yellow and red and other green leafy vegetables like spinach or broccoli.

Vitamin A is essential for our body and must be consumed daily either through foods that contain or through supplements. The deficit of it can cause conditions such as night blindness, fatigue, mouth and skin problems and ease of getting infections.

And then: Where can we find beta-carotene are natural sources of vitamin A?:

In foods such as:

  • Carrot
  • Spinach
  • Boniato
  • Melon
  • Pumpkin
  • Broccoli
  • Mango
  • Peach
  • Apricot
  • Papaya
  • Red pepper
  • Tomato
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