| Betacarotene | |||||
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Beta-carotene is a vitamin that has potent antioxidant properties, protecting the cells in the body from oxidation by free radicals.
Beta-carotene is found in fruits and vegetables - it is the substance that gives orange fruits and vegetables their colouring. Other non-orange coloured vegetables also contain beta-carotene.
The beta-carotene in food that is eaten, is converted into the more active, fat-soluble Vitamin A in the liver, where it is stored until it is required by the body.
- Beta-carotene is a vitamin A precursor
- Beta-carotene belongs to the family of fat-soluble vitamins called carotenoids
- It is stored in the liver, where the body converts it to vitamin A, as required
- An anti-aging vitamin, it is a powerful antioxidant that slows down the aging process
- An antioxidant that protect against oxidation and free radical damage to the cells
- Recent studies show that food sources of beta-carotene are far better for your health than those from supplements
Why beta-carotene is important
Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant and so protects the body cells from oxidative damage from free radicals. As it occurs naturally in fruits and vegetables, it is very important to sustaining good health.
Fruits and vegetables that have high levels of beta-carotene:
- Apricots
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Spinach
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Yams
Getting beta-carotene from food sources is possibly better for your health than taking beta-carotene supplements as the other healthful nutrient compounds found naturally in food work together to enhance the effectiveness of each other.
references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
- CSIRO Antioxidant Fact Sheet (Australia)
- Nutrient Reference Values (Australia)
