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Beta-carotene - What you need to know

In the following, you will learn everything important about beta-carotene. Among other things, how much you should take, why it's needed in the body and which foods belong to the beta-carotene suppliers.

What is beta-carotene?

Beta-carotene is a secondary plant substance and comes from the carotenoid family. It can be converted into vitamin A in the body and is also called provitamin A for this reason. In its natural form, it is found in a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. Beta-carotene is used as a colourant in numerous foods, beverages and medicines, giving these products their orange or red colour. It is also added to food supplements and other foods such as vitamin bears.

What foods contain beta-carotene?

In natural form, beta-carotene is found in vegetables and fruits, especially carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, tomatoes, peppers, apricots, melons and mangoes. In addition, spinach, kale, broccoli and other dark green vegetables are also rich in beta-carotene.

Effect of beta-carotene

Beta-carotene has a high antioxidant effect and can thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, heart attack and various types of cancer. It also reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and, therefore, inhibits the development of atherosclerosis. Studies also show that carotenoids can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Because beta-carotene can be converted into vitamin A, which is important for the stomach lining, stomach walls and gastric juices, the risk of stomach cancer can also be reduced.

In addition, beta-carotene also has a positive effect on brain function. Due to the antioxidant effect, the life span of brain cells can be increased. It also has an influence on the processing of beta-amyloid protein, which is particularly important in preventing Alzheimer's disease. Beta-carotene also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Vitamin A is very important for the sense of sight. Accordingly, a deficiency can lead to vision problems in the long term.

NASSIM JAMALZADEH:

"You should not underestimate the effect of beta-carotene in any case. Because it not only has an effect on the immune system, but has an important role for cell growth. But also some studies could show positive effects on cardiovascular diseases or even cancer. Therefore, a diet with beta-carotene should not be neglected."

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FAQS ABOUT BETA-CAROTENE

FAQS ABOUT BETA-CAROTENE

Studies on the importance of beta-carotene

We provide the following scientific studies for your general information. The results obtained in these studies do not necessarily apply to all individuals. Feel free to click on the corresponding links to get more detailed information.

Effects of beta-carotene on gout

This study shows that beta-carotene and green tea powder can assist in the prevention and treatment of gout by reducing joint swelling and pain due to beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene for thyroid disorders

According to this study, thyroxine and hyperthyroidism accelerate the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A. Hypothyroidism causes yellowish skin discoloration due to hyper-beta-carotenemia, while retinol deficiency is observed in both hyper- and hypothyroidism.

Protective effect of beta-carotene against UV reactions of the skin

In clinical experiments, beta-carotene and carotenoid-N have been shown to reduce UV sensitivity manifested by skin redness.