Beta-carotene

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that converts into vitamin A.

• Beta-carotene helps support immune health by enhancing the function of the thymus gland. 
• It is also a vital component of the body's natural antioxidant defenses against free radicals.
• Beta-carotene has shown promising results in cognitive function in men.

Beta-carotene benefits

Vitamin A is essential for vision, growth, cell differentiation and proliferation, and the immune system's integrity.  

Beta-carotene is the most potent precursor to vitamin A, but its conversion to vitamin A in the body is limited by a feedback system. It is definitely an important antioxidant and one that can only build up to toxic levels in rare circumstances. 

Beta-carotene foods

As a rule of thumb, the stronger the color of fruit or vegetable, the richer it is in beta-carotene. Yellow, leafy greens, orange and red fruits (such as carrots, spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and winter squash). 

One of the highest beta-carotene containing foods is the sweet potato. Eating sweet potatoes can offer improvement in a variety of areas where beta carotene supplementation is recommended.