One of the many pigments contained in plants that has natural health benefits is beta carotene. It is found in certain fruits and vegetables, as well as natural supplements that can be taken if you don’t get enough through food alone.
Here is some information about why beta carotene is important and how to get more of it in your daily diet.
What Is Beta Carotene?
Beta carotene is an orange-red pigment that is found in plants, a carotenoid, and an antioxidant. In the human body, it is converted into vitamin A and important for overall dietary health. This pigment is what makes certain fruits and vegetables red, orange, and yellow in color.
Benefits of Beta Carotene
As an antioxidant, beta carotene is useful in the body because it provides protection against free radicals. Free radicals can lead to chronic illnesses, so a diet rich in beta carotene and other essential nutrients can help you fight off diseases.
Beta carotene has also been studied for its ability to boost cognitive functioning and support healthy lungs. Meanwhile, beta carotene has been linked to the promotion of healthy skin and healthy eyes.
Foods Rich in Beta Carotene
Carrots are the best-known source of beta carotene, and they are certainly rich in this nutrient. However, other good sources of beta carotene include sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, red and yellow peppers, apricots, and squash. Pumpkin, spinach, onions, grapefruit, and plums also contain beta carotene. Some spices and herbs even contain beta carotene, such as paprika and chili pepper.
How to Get More Beta Carotene
The easiest way to get more beta carotene in your diet is to eat fresh and natural foods on a regular basis. Add a few of the foods mentioned above to your grocery list so you remember beta carotene as you go shopping and prepare meals. As a dietary supplement, the Mayo Clinic recommend that adults get about six to 15 milligrams of beta carotene per day, which is about 10,000 to 25,000 units of vitamin A daily.
If you don’t like the taste or texture of carrots, or whenever fresh carrots aren’t in season, you can get the beta carotene your body needs through natural supplements. Seagate’s carrot and garlic capsules are a good source of beta carotene, over 400 other carotenes, and antioxidants. Our Beta Glucan + Carrot Powder capsules have a small particle size and water solubility, which makes them ideal for absorption across the intestinal membranes. Meanwhile, our unique freeze-dried carrot powder is cost-effective at only about $1.00 per serving and great to mix in recipes.