Beta Carotene

Beta carotene is part of a family of chemicals called carotenoids, which are responsible for the orange pigment in vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. It can also be found in various other fruits, vegetables, and grains. This chemical is known to have many health benefits for a wide array of illnesses. It is also the material that is used to synthesize vitamin A, which is a vital antioxidant for proper function of the immune system.

The Uses of Beta Carotene

Beta carotene has different medical uses. Some of its benefits include, but are not limited to, the treatment of heart disease, cataracts, alcoholism, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, epilepsy, headache, heartburn, infertility, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, and psoriasis. What all these diseases have in common is that they take advantage of a weakened immune system caused by a deficiency of vitamin A.

It is estimated that the chemical is the source for up to half of the vitamin A that the body produces daily. It is for this reason that it is a valuable part of any diet. There are many foods that contain the chemical, and they include: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, squash, spinach, broccoli, apricots, green peppers, and lettuce. By receiving the recommended daily serving of fruits and vegetables, you can easily maintain a healthy immune system since it will get plenty of vitamin A.

Moreover, the consumption of beta carotene has been known to reduce the chances of getting cancer and heart disease. Since the chemical is an antioxidant, it has the ability to latch on to ‘free radicals’ in the body. Free radicals are rogue oxygen molecules that break off as the oxygen is burned. These roaming molecules can damage other cells, which can lead to cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants are able to locate these free radicals and neutralize them before any damage can be done.

The Possible Dangers of Beta Carotene

Although beta carotene has many health benefits, some studies have shown that it could cause health problems in certain people. One study, named the Beta Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trail, tested the levels of beta carotene and vitamin A in heavy smokers, former smokers, and current and former workers who have been exposed to asbestos. The study expected to find that those taking the chemical would show a decreased risk of cancer compared to those taking the placebo.

However, the study found was that by taking just 30 milligrams of the supplement daily, the subjects actually increased their chances of getting lung cancer compared to those whom took the placebo. This means that while the chemical does have some benefits, it is vital that smokers do not take it in supplement form. Indeed, there is enough beta carotene in the recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables anyway.

Therefore, in conclusion, whilst beta carotene does have many health benefits, it can also pose a risks to smokers and former smokers in supplement form. Thus, it is encouraged that people receive their daily allowance of beta carotene through fresh fruits and vegetables, rather than through synthesized derivatives of the chemical.