Beta Carotene Foods

Numerous plants and vegetables contain beta carotene which is converted into vitamin A in our body. The red-orange pigments in the plants denote that they contain beta carotene which helps them in the process of photosynthesis. The attractive orange color of several vegetables and fruits including carrots, oranges and cantaloupes, is due to the carotene content.

There are about 600 known forms of carotenoids and human beings or animals can not produce any of them. This explains why beta carotene foods should be included in your diet. The other carotenoids like alpha carotenes, beta carotenes, cryptoxanthin, etc., are also useful for the human body but beta carotene is the most active carotenoid which gets converted into provitamin A carotinoids or retinol. At least 800 mcg of vitamin A is required by a normal person for healthy functioning of the body. 12 mcg of beta carotene equals to 1 mcg of vitamin A. An average daily intake of beta carotene of about 2 to 7 mg. is normally prescribed by the doctor, taking into consideration an individual's health. When a need for more foods that are rich in beta carotene arises? The need arises when there is low intake of fruits and vegetables and also if you consume alcohol regularly or if you are a regular smoker. Here is a list of foods with beta carotene and the quantity of beta carotene present in them.

Foods Rich in Beta Carotene

Beta Carotene Foods	Beta Carotene /200 Calorie Serving
Red Hot Chili	63455 mcg
Raw Romaine Lettuce	61469 mcg
Raw Green Leaf Lettuce	59240 mcg
Green Dandelion with Salt Boiled, Drained	52888 mcg
Spinach with Salt Boiled, Drained	54668 mcg
Canned Carrots	51646 mcg
Pokeberry Shoots with Salt Boiled, Drained	52197 mcg
Raw Mustard Greens	48463 mcg
Carrots with Salt Boiled, Drained	47614 mcg
Turnip Greens with Salt Boiled, Drained	45741 mcg
Kale with Salt Boiled, Drained	58388 mcg
Carrot Juice Canned	46525 mcg
Babyfood with Vegetables, Carrots Strained	41299 mcg
Pumpkin Canned with Salt	40836 mcg
Cabbage Raw Chinese	41247 mcg

Other foods high in beta carotene include sweet potatoes, pumpkins, broccoli, green peppers, apricots, tomatoes, collard green, fresh thyme, winter squash, cilantro, cantaloupes, and other green leafy vegetables. Apart from these beta carotene foods, beta carotene supplements are available in the market. As you have now read the list of foods containing beta carotene, let us have a look at the health benefits of beta carotene foods.

Health Benefits of Foods Rich in Beta Carotene

• Beta carotine rich foods enhance the functioning of your immune system.
• Beta carotene is useful in treating arthritis, chest pain, cataract, HIV/AIDS, prostate cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer etc., osteoporosis, photo-sensitivity, infertility, etc.
• Beta carotene intake is recommended as it plays the important role of an antioxidant. It protects the body from getting affected by harmful chemicals called free radicals.
• Consumption of beta carotene foods keeps away all the eye problems, for instance, night blindness, colorblindness, formation of visual purple in the eyes, etc.
• Beta carotene foods are beneficial during pregnancy and they play a vital role in curing male and female fertility as well as in aiding the human reproduction.
• Vitamin A from beta carotene foods keeps the bones and teeth sound.
• Beta carotene has anti aging properties. It is used in the manufacturing of facial creams.
• Cardiovascular diseases are prevented because of the antioxidant properties of beta carotene.
• Regular intake of foods high in beta carotene helps prevent the ill effects of deficiency of vitamin A.

In spite of several health benefits of beta carotene foods, precautions should be taken as beta carotene overdose can cause toxicity, particularly if you are taking supplements. A healthy combination of beta carotene foods in your diet can definitely offer you all the above mentioned benefits.