Beta-carotene - what is it? Beta-carotene in products

Experts say that it is especially important for every person to daily enrich their body with a substance such as beta-carotene. What it is? Read on.

Beta-carotene - what is it?

"Elixir of Youth", "a source of longevity", "natural protective weapons" - these names characterize a unique substance. It's called beta-carotene. What it is? Let's try to understand.

The scientists note: provitamin A or, in other words, beta-carotene, E160a is a plant pigment of yellow-orange color, belongs to the carotenoid group. These substances are formed during photosynthesis. Also produce mushrooms, algae and bacteria beta-carotene. This dye in the body is able to turn into retinol (vitamin A).

Beta-carotene: properties

To slow the aging process in the body, reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases, strengthen immunity, experts recommend eating foods that contain beta-carotene. What is it and what are its functions?

- First: Provitamin A is necessary for cell growth.

- Second: beta-carotene restores vision.

- Third: Е160а supports healthy nails, hair and skin.

- Fourth: beta-carotene is needed to fully function sweat glands.

- Fifth: provitamin A affects the development of the embryo during pregnancy.

- Sixth: Е160a strengthens enamel of teeth and bones.

The more useful beta-carotene in comparison with vitamin A

E160a is much more useful than normal retinol. It turns out that when an overdose of vitamin A, the following symptoms are observed: nausea, vomiting, joint pain, itching, colic in the stomach, digestive tract disorders.

Beta-carotene does not cause such side effects. The main advantage of E160a is that it is completely non-toxic and in large quantities does not pose a threat to human health.

Provitamin A has the ability to be deposited in the depot (subcutaneous fatty tissue). Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the amount that is necessary for the human body at a particular stage of its functioning.

How is beta-carotene metabolized in the body?

The above vitamin is absorbed into the intestine. Assimilation of beta-carotene depends on such factors as the completeness of cell membrane rupture. Scientists say: it is because of this that the whole carrot is digested much worse than, for example, carrot puree.

In addition, experts note that thermal treatment of products contributes to the destruction of 30% of this vitamin.

Beta-carotene, like all carotenoids, refers to fat-soluble vitamins. This means that for its assimilation, fats are necessary. Therefore, doctors recommend eating carrots with sour cream or vegetable oil.

It should be noted that provitamin A is accompanied by extremely important antioxidants, such as vitamin E and C. They strengthen each other's action. Also, vitamin E promotes better absorption of the above substance.

Deficiency of provitamin A in the human body

If the body receives an insufficient amount of E160a, the following problems may occur:

• "Night blindness" (when visual impairment is observed with reduced illumination);
• Redness of the eyelids, dryness of the mucous membranes of the eyes, tearing organs of vision in the frost;
• Dry skin;
• Dandruff and split hair;
• Brittle nails;
• Frequent viral infections;
• Increased sensitivity of tooth enamel.

The reasons that lead to the above symptoms are different. This is primarily an unbalanced diet. That is, food is eaten with a limited amount of fats and full proteins.

Secondly, the reason for the deficiency of this vitamin is also a metabolic disorder with too intensive use of E160a.

In addition, a variety of diseases of the liver, pancreas and bile ducts can provoke a shortage of the above substance.

Daily demand for provitamin A

It is known that every human body needs to receive beta-carotene daily. Vitamin E160a is indispensable, and its daily requirement is about 5 mg.

There are some groups of people who primarily need to provide their body with the above substance:

• If they live in ecologically unfavorable areas;
• Exposed to X-rays;
• The state of pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding;
• If drugs are taken that interfere with the absorption of fat.

It is also interesting that people living in territories with colder climates need beta-carotene less than those that live in hot regions.

What foods contain the above provitamin A

Interestingly, the lowest content of E160a has yellow plants, medium orange color, high - bright red products.

Beta-carotene in products contains the following:

• In vegetables (carrots, pumpkin, spinach, cabbage, zucchini, broccoli, sweet potato, green peas);
• In fruits (melon, apricots, cherries, mangoes, plums, nectarines).

Carrot is the leader among all the above products. It has in its composition about 6.6 mg of provitamin A.

Also contains beta-carotene in products such as, for example:

• mustard;
• Dandelion medicinal ;
• Green beet leaves.

The concentration of this substance in vegetables and fruits depends on the degree of maturity and season.

Reviews about provitamin A

On the Internet, there are many opinions of people who took beta-carotene. Their responses are 100% positive. No side effects were recorded.

Patients claim that it was beta-carotene that helped them to strengthen hair and nails, as well as eliminate dandruff. Their reviews also show that with the application of the above drug, the skin condition improves, and also such unpleasant phenomena as redness of the eyelids and dryness of the mucous eyes are eliminated.

In addition, a separate group of responses are the opinions of people who, as a result of taking the drug, felt a decrease in fatigue and a rush of new forces. They have significantly improved their mood and even in some cases the depressed state has disappeared.

Contraindications

Beta-carotene (E160a in other words) is not dangerous to the human body. It is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. Also does not promote the development of mutations, which is especially important for embryos.

Provitamin A has no special contraindications. But in some cases (for example, a regular excess of consumption of beta-carotene), caroteneemia may occur. This is a non-hazardous condition and leads only to a slight yellowing of the skin.

If the shade of the skin does not change, even if the beta-carotene intake has been discontinued, the doctor should be contacted immediately.

In very rare cases, individual intolerance to the above substance was documented.

It should be noted that E160a is compatible with other medications and even with alcohol. The only exception is the medicine "Xenical". If you use this drug, the absorption of beta-carotene is significantly reduced by almost 30%.

Vitamin E160a is an extremely important substance for the body. It affects the condition of the skin, hair, nails and not only. Therefore, with a deficiency of beta-carotene, it is necessary to include foods containing it in the diet. In addition, this substance can be taken as part of multivitamin complexes.