Beta Carotene and Vitamin A

Beta carotene is found in fuits and vegetables as a pigment that contributes to their colors in red, orange, and green. They are the natural form of vitamin A, also known as provitamin A. What it means is the they are converted in our body into vitamin A whenever required.

It is important to note that this antioxidant and other types of carotenes found in plants have very powerful anti-cancer properties. These pigments in plants have been providing them with the necessary protective effects and similarly when consumed in our body it provides us with benefits such as:

• Detoxify carcinogens. Example charboiled meats, industrial waste, and cigarette smoke.
• Get rid of free radicals (singlet oxygen)
• Function as an anti-oxidant that enhances our immune system
• Inhibits cancer growth and malignant transformation
• Inhibits radiation

There were some conflicting trials done with beta-carotene and vitamin A supplements in cancer. One showed that vitamin A actually aggrevate the situation of lung cancer patients. The problem with this particular trial is that it involved using the synthetic form, which is usually known as vitamin A, as well as very low doses. While another showed benefits in preventing cancer and this trial used the non-synthetic form which is beta-carotene itself that was also combined with other antioxidants.

Therefore, we are very clear that this the non-synthetic form has positive implication to our body. When taking your multivitamin mineral supplements, it be recommended to have at least 5,000 I.U.s (international units) of beta carotene. Another fantastic way to consume good amounts of it is also by juicing vegetables and fresh fruits. Juices can provide more supplements than can be consumed within a day. At the same time you can also consume other available antioxidants, carotenes, and nutrients required by our body.

Foods with extensive amount of beta carotene are those in dark orange, green, red, or yellow. Examples are dandelion greens, carrots, collard greens, kale, sweet potatoes, yams, parsley, spinach, turnips, mustard greens, beet greens, chives, yellow squashes, mangos, sweet peppers, cantaloupe, papayas, broccoli, green onions, and Romaine lettuce.

Other important nutritional supplements:
Types of Supplements for Detox:
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Calcium Supplements
Folic Acid
Vitamin B Complexes
Selenium
Zinc
Lycopene

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