Beta carotene benefits

Information on Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is a certain type of naturally occurringcarotenoid which can be found in several types of vegetables and fruits, butmostly sweet potatoes and carrots. It provides the vegetables and fruits withthe characteristic orange or red color. Human beings need to intake betacarotene on a regular basis because once it enters the body it gets convertedinto vitamin A. Beta carotene can be taken in the supplemental form, and assuch it is often recommended to all those who suffer from vitamin A deficiency.It is known as one of the safest vitamin supplements. Beta carotene is a verypowerful antioxidant so it may come in very handy when it comes to fighting offthe free radicals and reducing the amount and severity of damage they causeinside the human body. The free radicals are among the most potent factors whenit comes to the development of certain ailments such as cancer, heart diseasesand similar. Beta carotene is very efficient in the prevention and treatment ofall such medical conditions. It may also be affiliated with several differentsorts of side effects.

Sources of Beta Carotene

Food items which are rich in beta carotene need to beconsumed on a regular daily basis. The daily intake should not exceed 10.8milligrams. It can also be obtained in the form of gel or tablets. Food itemsrich in beta carotene include apricots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, greenpeppers, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, winter squash, broccoli and spinach.

Benefits of Beta Carotene

Beta carotene may be very useful when it comes to preventingcataract, macular degeneration and numerous other types of eye related medicalconditions. It may also be very efficient in boosting the immune system andmaintaining proper skin health. Beta carotene may also be of great help for allthose who suffer from infertility, high blood pressure, depression, psoriasis,arthritis, asthma, erytropoietic protoporphyria and increased sun sensitivity.

Side Effects of Beta Carotene

The most common side effect affiliated with beta carotene isdiscoloration of the skin. This usually occurs when a person takes betacarotene in the form of supplements. It is a temporary thing which commonlygets resolved in a couple of days. Some other side effects which are not thatcommon, but still may occur in some cases, include unusual bleeding, unusualbruising, diarrhea, dizziness and joint pain. Pregnant and breastfeeding womenshould steer clear of beta carotene supplements.