The nutritional benefits of beta carotene come from its abundance of antioxidants and its ability to convert to vitamin A. The antioxidants and vitamins help keep the body healthy and strong. The main nutritional benefit is prevention of disease and general health decline.
Beta carotene can be found in many fruits and vegetables. The most abundant sources are carrots, green leafy vegetables, and tomatoes. Dietary supplements are a preferable alternative to no beta carotene. Eating foods is, however, preferable to dietary supplements because synthetic beta carotene is thought to increase the risk of lung and colorectal cancer.
Beta carotene is the most common pro-vitamin A compound. It is easily converted to retinol, which is an active vitamin A and also one of the body's most essential nutrients. Eating foods high in this nutrient can help prevent vitamin A deficiency. The consequences of vitamin A deficiency are vulnerability to respiratory and urinary infection as well as eye and skin problems.
Some experts believe that many unwanted health conditions are prevented by sufficient intake of beta carotene and other carotenoids. Some of these conditions include asthma, cataracts, and heart disease. Skin cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer might also be prevented.
Medical experts have linked the antioxidants in beta carotene with cancer prevention. The theory is that cell communication is stimulated by the antioxidants. Poor cell communication is thought to be responsible for cell overgrowth, which leads to cancer. The body's immune system is also strengthened by antioxidants, which can help fight off cancer and other diseases.
The antioxidants can also protect the body from free radicals, also known as oxidants. Free radical molecules occur naturally in the body during metabolism or when fighting off bacteria or viruses. They are also a result of pollution from things like cigarette smoke.
A free radical is produced when weak cell bonds split and leave a molecule without an electron. The molecule will then attack and try to steal an electron from another molecule. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical and therefore neutralize it. When antioxidants are not present, free radicals can cause cell damage. This cell damage is thought to be a primary cause of cancer.
Female reproductive health is also associated with beta carotene. It is not yet known how this nutrient assists in the reproductive process. It is known that there is a very high concentration of it in the corpus luteum, which is a temporary endocrine structure in the ovaries. One theory is that beta carotene assists in egg development and might help women struggling with infertility problems.
