What is Beta Carotene?

Carotene is an element found in plants and trees that gives leaves and flowers a bright orange color. Carotenes can be found mostly in vegetables and fruits, especially in different varieties of lettuce and berries. Carotene can also be taken as a supplement like a vitamin if you don’t normally eat a lot of fruits and vegetables.

Why is carotene important? Carotene, which is sometimes called Beta-Carotene in reference to its chemical structure, is important for health because the body will convert Carotene to Vitamin A and then store it. Since most people don’t get enough Vitamin A it’s important to get Carotene regularly either through eating a lot of fresh fruits and berries or through dietary supplements. Goji Berries are also a great way to get your daily dose of Beta-Carotene.

Beta –Carotene supplements give your immune system a nice boost and can help you stay healthy but Carotene is especially helpful for protecting your sight. Like other supplements that are found in plants such as Lycopene or Lutein taking Beta Carotene is often recommended for people that are getting older to help their eyes stay strong and to help their vision. There are no known side effects of taking Beta-Carotene but if you take a high dose of Beta-Carotene for a long time you skin might develop an orange tone as a result.

Taking Carotene or Beta-Carotene has other benefits to the body as well as being able to be converted to Vitamin A. Taking Beta Carotene can be beneficial for preventing and treating these conditions:

• Gastritis
• Asthma
• Night Blindness
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Light Sensitivity

If you are already taking medication for a serious illness then you should check with your doctor before taking Beta-Carotene or let your pharmacist or doctor know that you take Beta-Carotene in case there are any possible drug interactions you need to be aware of.