Beta-carotene - what is it? Beta-carotene in foods
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?
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
- First, provitamin A is necessary for cell growth.
- Second: beta-carotene restores vision.
- Third: E160a maintains healthy nails, hair and skin.
- Fourth: beta-carotene is needed for the full functioning of the sweat glands.
- Fifth: provitamin A affects the development of the embryo during pregnancy.
- Sixth: E160a strengthens the enamel of teeth and bones.
The more useful beta-carotene in comparison with vitamin A
E160a is much more useful than normalretinol. 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 depositedin 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?
In addition, experts note that thermal treatment of products contributes to the destruction of 30% of this vitamin.
Beta-carotene, like all carotenoids, refers tofat-soluble vitamins. This means that for its assimilation, fats are needed. Therefore, doctors recommend eating carrots with sour cream or vegetable oil.
It should be noted that provitamin A is escortedextremely important antioxidants, such as vitamin E and C. They enhance each other's action. Also, vitamin E promotes better absorption of the above substance.
Deficiency of provitamin A in the human body
- "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 areas with colder climates need beta-carotene less than those that live in hot regions.
What foods contain the above provitamin A
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).
Carrots are 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
Patients claim to strengthen their hair and nails,and also to eliminate dandruff, it was beta-carotene that helped them. 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 ofopinions of people who, as a result of taking the drug, felt a decrease in fatigue and a surge of new strength. 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 for 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 differentcompatibility with other medicines and even with alcohol. The only exception is the medicine "Xenical". If you use this drug, then the absorption of beta-carotene is significantly reduced by almost 30%.
Vitamin E160a is an extremely important substance fororganism. 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 a part of multivitamin complexes.
