Incorporating a healthy diet and nutrition in your lifestyle is a revolution in itself. It takes deliberate effort and conscious planning every day to make sure you treat your body with the best dietary nutrients available. The beta carotene-rich leafy greens and yellow- and orange-colored veggies make for a vibrant, appealing meal. Continue reading to know more about beta carotene and its beneficial properties.
What is Beta Carotene?
Carotenoids are naturally occurring pigments found in plants that are responsible for imparting vibrant colors to fruits and vegetables. They are abundant in nature. It is estimated that there are 500 different carotenoids, including beta carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, cryptoxanthin, and zeaxanthin, distributed throughout the plant and algae world.
Beta Carotene is a derivation of the Latin name for carrot, as this compound was first derived from the carrot roots. It is an organic compound that is chemically classified as a hydrocarbon and specifically as a terpenoid. It is a strongly colored pigment that imparts the yellow and orange fruits and vegetables their rich hues. Once ingested, it gets converted into vitamin A (retinol) which performs several biological functions within the body. Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant that protects cells from the damaging effects of harmful free radicals (1), (2).. Beta carotene and several other carotenoids are also known as “provitamin A” because they act as precursors to the production of vitamin A in the body. Other carotenoids like lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin cannot be converted into vitamin A. About 50% of vitamin A in a vegetarian diet is provided by beta carotene and other carotenoids. Beta-carotene is also produced synthetically or from palm oil, algae, and fungi. Vitamin A is involved in the formation of glycoproteins. It is essential for vision and is subsequently converted to retinoic acid which is used for processes such as growth and cell differentiation (3), (4).
Nutritional Value of Beta Carotene
When ingested into the body, beta carotene is converted to vitamin A (retinol) in the small intestines of mammals by beta-carotene 15 and 15 monooxygenase, an enzyme. Excess retinol is stored in the liver and synthesized into active vitamin A in times of need. It is one of the most common forms of carotene and is fat-soluble but not water-soluble. To ensure its proper absorption, 3 to 5 grams of fat should be consumed (5). Carotenoids suspended in oil are more absorbable than those in water and food. According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended intake of beta-carotene is 900 mcg RAE (Retinol Activity Equivalent) and 700 mcg RAE for adult males and females respectively. Similarly, it recommends a dosage of 500 mcg RAE for infants of 7-12 months of age, 300 mcg RAE for children aged 1-3 years, 400 mcg RAE for children aged 4-8 years and 600 mcg RAE for children aged 9-13 years (6). Carotenoid facilitates communication between cells by improving the expression of a gene that codes for connexin proteins. These proteins form pores or gap functions among cell membranes, thus allowing the cells to communicate through the exchange of small molecules (7).
Health Benefits Of Beta Carotene
The primary beta carotene benefits can be attributed to the fact that it is involved in the formation of vitamin A which is vital for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Some of beta carotene benefits are as follows.
1. Cardiovascular Health:
Taking a diet rich in beta carotene may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases to a significant extent (8). Animal studies suggest that beta carotene works with vitamin E to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, thus lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease (9).
2. May Prevent Cancer
Beta carotene helps fight cancer through its antioxidant capacity. Besides, it helps to keep your cells in proper communication, thus preventing the growth of cancer cells. Hence, dietary intake of beta carotene rich foods lowers the risk of breast, colon, oral cavity, and lung cancers (10), (11).
3. May Be Good for the Brain
Research suggests that consumption of carotenoids such as beta carotene may significantly delay cognitive aging. Moreover, it may fight oxidative stress that can damage brain cells over time, thus reducing the risk of dementia (12).
4. May Help In The Treatment of Respiratory Ailments
High intake of beta carotene foods may help increase lung capacity and relieve the symptoms of respiratory ailments, thus helping improve breathing disorders like asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema (13). Animal studies also have shown the same effect (14).
5. May Help Prevent Diabetes
Various studies have shown that people with adequate levels of beta carotene in their bodies are less likely to suffer from impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes(15).
6. May Help Prevent Macular Degeneration
Age related macular degeneration is an eye disease in which the macula of the eye, responsible for central vision, starts to break down. Consumption of adequate levels of beta carotene (15mg) along with other nutrients can slow down the progression of age related macular degeneration (ARMD) (16).
7. May Help Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis
Deficiency of beta carotene and vitamin C acts as a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (17). Thus, consumption of adequate levels of beta carotene is necessary to prevent the occurrence of this condition.
8. May Strengthen Immune System
Beta carotene strengthens your immune system by activating the thymus gland which is one of the most important sources of immune protection. The thymus gland enables your immune system to fight off infections and viruses, thus destroying cancerous cells before they can spread (18), (19).
Skin Benefits of Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A which is vital for the maintenance of healthy skin. Your body converts as much vitamin A from beta carotene as it needs; high doses of this vitamin can be toxic. The benefits of this pigment for skin are as follows.
9. May Reduce Sun Sensitivity
Beta carotene prevents premature skin aging by acting as an antioxidant, a substance that reduces oxygen damage caused by UV light, pollution, and other environmental hazards like smoking. Consumption of adequate levels of beta carotene imparts a natural glow to your skin, thus making it more attractive and beautiful (20). Excess intake, however, should be avoided as it can cause the soles of your feet, palms of your hands, your nose, and even the white portion of your eyes to turn pumpkin yellow in color.
10. Reduces Sun Sensitivity:
High doses of beta carotene make your skin less sensitive to the sun. Thus, it is particularly beneficial for people with erythropoietic protoporphyria, a rare genetic condition causing painful sun sensitivity as well as liver problems (21). Moreover, it can boost the effectiveness of sunscreen. Consumption of beta carotene may provide protection against UV damage. However, quality research is warranted in this regard. Therefore, foods containing beta carotene or supplements can be coupled with sunscreen to enhance its effectiveness.
11. May Help In Treating Oral Leukoplakia
Oral leukoplakia is a condition characterized by white lesions in the mouth or tongue which is caused by years of smoking or drinking alcohol. Consumption of beta carotene reduces the symptoms and risk of developing this condition (22). However, it is advisable to consult your physician before taking beta carotene supplements for the treatment of leukoplakia.
12. May Help In The Treatment of Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder characterized by hardened skin. It occurs due to low levels of beta carotene in your blood. Beta carotene supplements are thought to be helpful for people with scleroderma. However, there is not enough evidence to substantiate the claim. Therefore, consult your physician before using these supplements.
13. May Treat A Variety Of Skin Conditions
Beta carotene is effective in the treatment of skin conditions like dry skin, eczema and psoriasis (23), (24). Vitamin A, being a powerful antioxidant, is involved in the growth and repair of body tissues and hence, protects the skin against damage. When applied externally, it helps in treating ulcers, impetigo, boils, carbuncles and open ulcers, and removes age spots. It also speeds up the healing of skin lesions, cuts and wounds.
Hair Benefits of Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body which is necessary for all cell growth including hair cells. Consumption of beta carotene can help you get rid of various hair problems. However, high doses of vitamin A can also cause hair loss (25). I is advisable to consume beta carotene from food sources rather than taking vitamin A supplements. Beta carotene is beneficial for your hair in the following ways.
14. Prevents Dandruff and Other Hair Problems:
Deficiency of vitamin A can cause dry, dull, lifeless hair and dry scalp which can flake off into dandruff. Hence, consumption of foods rich in beta carotene is inevitable for preventing these conditions.
15. Spurs Hair Growth:
Hair thinning, particularly among females, is caused due to poor nutrition. Thus, if you are suffering from hair loss, it is advisable to consume the recommended daily allowance of beta carotene to stop hair loss and encourage hair regrowth (26).
Sources of Beta Carotene
Beta carotene is most abundant in fruits and vegetables which are green, yellow, or orange in color. Some of the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts which have the highest content of beta carotene are given in the list below.
Does carotene lighten the skin? No. However, beta-carotene does add a yellowish tinge to the skin. Is turmeric high in beta-carotene? No. Turmeric contains low amounts of beta-carotene (27).
