Beta carotene is a type of carotenoid that is is a substance pigment on vegetable and red, yellow, and orange fruit. Beta carotene can be obtained naturally from vegetables and fruit, it can also be from supplements. However, natural beta carotene is recommended because it is safer.
Natural sources of beta carotene are vegetables and fruits, such as carrots, kale, broccoli, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, sapodilla, and apricots. You can meet your daily beta carotene needs by consuming a variety of these foods.
Benefits of Beta Carotene for Body Health
In the body, beta carotene is converted into vitamin A, which plays a number of important roles. The following are the various health benefits of beta carotene that you need to know:
- Maintain eye health, especially to prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of sunburn, including in people whose skin is sensitive to sunlight.
- Preventing short-sightedness and reducing the risk of death in pregnant women due to Beta carotene is also important to reduce the risk of fever and diarrhea after childbirth.
- Prevent the risk of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, beta carotene also helps prevent bronchitis and shortness of breath.
- Prevent various types of cancer, especially breast cancer, skin cancer, and ovarian cancer after
- Help treat AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), headaches, heartburn, alcoholism, depression, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, vitiligo, and psoriasis.
Beta Carotene Supplements
As has been said above, the need for beta carotene can be met by consuming foods that are natural sources of beta carotene. You are not advised to take beta carotene supplements without any indication. In addition, the use of beta carotene supplements must also be in accordance with doctor's recommendations.
Beta carotene supplements are divided into two types, namely water-based and oil-based supplements. A study showed that water-based beta-carotene supplements were better absorbed by the body than oil-based supplements.
The dose of beta carotene supplements that are safe for adults to consume is 6-15 mg per day. While for children, a safe dose is 3-6 mg per day.
Be aware of the emergence of various side effects due to consumption of beta carotene supplements with doses that are too high, including yellow or orange skin. If excessive, beta carotene can actually cause health problems. In fact, it is suspected that beta carotene supplements taken with high doses of multivitamins can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men.
To avoid excess beta carotene, prioritize the intake of natural beta carotene by eating vegetables and fruits rather than beta carotene in the form of supplements. If you really need additional supplements, ask your doctor first so that the dosage can be adjusted.
