Beta carotene… exposed

Everybody seems to be making a fuss about beta carotene at the moment, and rightly so!

This important nutrient is a fantastic all-rounder, even if few people know about it, so I’m going to hit you with 6 very impressive benefits up-front:

1) It helps prevent night blindness and other eye problems
2) It aids skin disorders
3) It protects against toxins and cancer formations
4) It enhances immunity and protects against colds, influenza and infections
5) It is an antioxidant and protector of the cells while slowing the aging process
6) Recent reports show natural beta carotene aids in cancer prevention

But what is beta carotene?

It’s a type of carotenoid (antioxidant) that’s found in many fruits and vegetables that gives them their bright colour. While you don’t need beta carotene to survive, the list of health benefits above is too impressive to ignore. Also, your body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, which you do need, and it performs the same functions as vitamin A in your body.

How much beta carotene should I get?

There’s no evidence to suggest that the beta carotene we get from food is harmful and you should get enough from eating a varied diet. Supplements are a different story – the Food Standards Agency advises against taking more than 7 mg of beta carotene in supplement form a day.*

What foods should I choose for a beta carotene boost?

Beta carotene is present in some fantastically common and readily available foods… so no excuses!

Make sure you have a few of these on your shopping list each week:

• Carrots
• Pumpkin and butternut squash
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cantaloupe
• Apricots
• Mango
• Nectarines

Pretty simple, hey? And if you’re already eating the recommended 5 servings of fruit and vegetables a day, chances are you’re already sorted and you should feel pleased you were doing such a fantastic thing for your body without even realising it. Smug? Us?

All the best.

* High-dose supplements (30 milligrams or more of beta carotene a day) have been linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, and people who smoke or have been heavily exposed to asbestos are advised not to take any beta carotene supplements.