What is Alpha Carotene and Benefits of Alpha Carotene
Alpha Carotene is a Provitamin A and one of the fifty carotenoids able to be converted in the body into retinol or Vitamin A. It is also known as α-carotene- a form of carotene with a β-ring at one end and a ε-ring at the other. It’s a very potent antioxidants and recent research has shown that this perhaps more potent antioxidant than Beta Carotene. Alpha Carotene is very beneficial for those who are in the habit of smoking and alcohol consumption. Also, people with low intake of fruits and vegetables need more Alpha Carotene.
Alpha Carotene contains flavonoids (large classes of plant pigments having a chemical structure based on or similar to flavone) which are responsible for the color in many fruits and vegetables.
Food Sources of Alpha Carotene
1. Sweet Potatoes 2. Carrots 3. Kale 4. Spinach 5. Pumpkin 6. Winter Squash 7. Turnip Greens 8. Collard Greens | 9. Romaine Lettuce 10. Broccoli 11. Fresh Thyme 12. Cantaloupe 13. Apples 14. Avocados 15. Cilantro 16. Green Beans |
Foods rich in Alpha Carotene are good for the cells. Antioxidant property in Alpha Carotene protects the cell from free radical damages. Free radicals break down the cells which can lead to many dangerous diseases. Alpha Carotene enhances the function of the immune system. Alpha Carotene also promotes the reproductive system.
Alpha Carotene and Health Conditions:
Alpha Carotene may play an important role in the prevention of following diseases and conditions:
|
|
Deficiency Symptoms of Alpha Carotene
Long-term inadequate intake of Alpha Carotene can lead to many chronic diseases. Low Alpha Carotene in the body increases the chance of free radical damage or tissue damage. This can result in heart disease and cancers. Most importantly, prolonged Alpha Carotene deficiency in the diet can lead to Vitamin A deficiency. High intake of carotenoid-containing foods and supplements do not have any toxic side effect.
Benefits of Alpha Carotene
· Alpha Carotene is a Provitamin A which our body converts into Vitamin A. In this way Alpha Carotene is a good source of Vitamin A and helps to prevent the Vitamin A deficiency. It is important to maintain healthy skin and bones, good eyesight, and a healthy immune system.
· Alpha Carotene is also an antioxidant. Thus it helps to fight free radicals and protect our body from free radical damage. Therefore, it is a good anti-aging compound and also protects us from the diseases like cancer and heart disease.
· Alpha Carotene is also known for its ability to enhance immune system. Like other carotenoids, Alpha Carotene stimulates cell communication. Thus it prevents overgrowth of cells- which can lead to cancer.
Alpha Carotene Supplements
You can find Alpha Carotene dietary supplements from algae Dunaliella and from mixed carotenes from palm oil. Smokers should use carotenoid supplements with caution. There have been some studies that indicate carotenoid supplements may do more harm than good for smokers.
 Related and RecommendedFacts About Vitamin A: What is Vitamin A? Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for our health and mostly found in foods of animal origin. Vitamin A plays an important role for preventing and treating many diseases.Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin which is also known as Retinol. It is first identified in 1913 and also called as anti-infective vitamin. Vitamin A is very good for the eye sight and immune system. Vitamin A can be found in two major forms in foods- retinol and carotenoids. While retinol is associated with foods of animal origin, carotenoids can be found in some fruits and vegetables. Retinol is called preformed Vitamin A and carotenoids are referred to as provitamin A... Read Full Article |
Category Article Alpha carotene, alpha carotene is a provitamin a, Benefits of Alpha Carotene, Fruits and Vegetables, Immune System, Vitamin A, What is Alpha CArotene
Random Posts
-
Pyramid Escape 2 is the next version of Pyramid Escape v1.35 and in these map you can play with all your friends to escape from the pyrami... -
Java is a OO programming language and can use it freely. Java run on the Java virtual machine (JVM). If you like to programming with java fi...
-
I liked posting the future menu last weekend so I will do so again this weekend. Last week mixed micelles won over the behentrimonium (which...
-
Our first show and tell comes from Chai of backtocurly I love the change of texture from woven to fabric to beading to feathers. If you wan... -
Here's a lovely announcement from a lady with a lovely name! Sunshine (see her blogs here and here ) is starting a social network for n...