4 Benefits of Beta-Carotene, the Pigment That Makes Carrots Orange
Beta-carotene, also called provitamin A, is a bright orange-red pigment (carotenoid) found in some fruits, vegetables, and spices, such as carrots, broccoli, grapefruits, and paprika. Your body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A to use it for several important processes, including cell growth and immune function. As the main source of vitamin A in humans, beta-carotene is also available as a supplement. Beta-carotene also acts as an antioxidant in the body to neutralize damage from free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can lead to disease. The carotenoid pigment has shown promise in reducing the risk of various types of cancers, while it has also been found to slow down vision loss in adults with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Beta-carotene is a disease-fighting antioxidant that has been found to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Research has found that diets rich in beta-carotene can help prevent heart-related problems because beta-carotene's antioxidant...