The Benefits Of Beta Carotene (Foods With Orange Or Red Color)

Firstly, let's know what beta carotene is? It is a red-orange, yellow pigment found in fruits and vegetables like carrots and other colorful plants. Our body converts Beta Carotene into vitamin A (retinol), which is known as a vital nutrient for vision and helps in maintaining the organs like the heart, kidneys, and lungs. It even plays a critical role in cell growth. It is an antioxidant that is very good for the skin and eyes. Utopia Life Coach has come up with some benefits of beta carotene. Here are some of them:

Skin Protection:

Research shows that antioxidants, that include beta carotene, can help in maintaining skin health and appearance. It may even protect the skin against UV radiation from the sun.

Cancer Prevention And Lung Health:

Diet rich in beta carotene and other antioxidants may reduce the risk of certain cancers that include lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer.

The BMJ published a report in March 2006 which showed that high blood beta carotene levels compensate for some of the damage to the lungs caused by oxygen free radicals.

Improved Cognitive Function:

Like other antioxidants, even beta carotene may improve cognitive and memory functioning. And it might be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's.

A review of multiple studies found that long-term beta carotene supplementation had positive effects on cognitive function and memory.

Eye Health:

It is a provitamin A carotenoid or a nutrient that our body converts into vitamin A. Researchers have found out that eating beta carotene-rich food is good for eyes and even prevents eye disease.

Foods like pumpkin, carrot, sweet potatoes, squash, cantaloupe, etc also contain beta carotene. To know more about healthy foods and diet contact a dietitian or a life coach.

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Nutritionist & Diet Coach

1. Anita Sahu - Nutritionist & Diet Coach - Utopia Life Coach & DP's Cuisine Restaurant in Siliguri, West Bengal, India.