It’s known as carota in Latin, the very red orange pigment found in plant and fruits has got to be a very sonorous title for a legume. Being converted to vitamin A in the body, it serves as goodness for the cells. Some evidence suggests that beta carotene might slow cognitive decline, how else can we hope for a better mental function?
Giving vegetables and fruits their rich colors, Carotene remains the red/yellow-orange pigment in plants. H. Wachenroder crystallized beta carotene from carrot roots in 1831, and came up with the name “carotene”. beta carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. We need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucus membranes, for a better immune system, and good eye health and vision.
Vitamin A can be sourced from the food we eat, through beta carotene, for example, or in supplement form. The advantage of dietary beta carotene is that the body only converts as much as it needs. Beta carotene in itself is not an essential nutrient, but vitamin A is. Like all carotenoids, Beta carotene is an antioxidant, a substance that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules; it protects the body from free radicals.
Free radicals damage cells through oxidation. Eventually, the damage caused by free radicals can cause several chronic illnesses. Several studies have shown that antioxidants through diet help people’s immune systems, protect against free radicals, and lower the risk of developing cancer and heart disease.
Some studies have suggested that those who consume at least four daily servings of beta carotene rich fruits and/or vegetables have a lower risk of developing cancer or heart disease. Carotene can be gotten from various sources of which Carrot is one and the major source of carotene, other sources of beta-carotene includes sweet potatoes, dark leafy greens, such as kale and spinach, romaine lettuce, squash, cantaloupe, red and yellow peppers, apricots, peas, broccoli ?. Let’s take a journey on down the lane with beta carotene today, for a healthy skin, vision, immunity and better health. It’ll be worth it.
