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”, “source of longevity”, “natural protective weapon” - these names characterize a unique substance. It's called beta-carotene. What it is? Let's try to figure it out.
Scientists note: provitamin A or, in other words, beta-carotene, E160a is a plant pigment of yellow-orange color, belongs to the group of carotenoids. These substances are formed during photosynthesis. Mushrooms, algae and bacteria also produce beta-carotene. This dye in the body is able to turn into retinol (vitamin A).
Beta-carotene: properties
To slow down the aging process in the body, reduce the risk of developing infectious diseases, strengthen the immune system, experts recommend eating foods that contain beta-carotene. What is it and what are its functions?
- First, provitamin A is essential for cell growth.
- Second: beta-carotenerestores vision.
- Third: E160a maintains he althy 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 tooth enamel and bones.
The benefits of beta-carotene compared to vitamin A
E160a is much he althier than regular retinol. It turns out that with an overdose of vitamin A, the following symptoms are observed: nausea, vomiting, joint pain, itching, abdominal cramps, digestive tract disorders.
Beta-carotene does not cause these side effects. The principal advantage of E160a is that it is completely non-toxic and does not pose a threat to human he alth in large quantities.
Provitamin A has the ability to be deposited in the depot (subcutaneous fat). 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 absorbed in the body
The above vitamin is absorbed in the intestines. The assimilation of beta-carotene depends on such a factor as the completeness of the rupture of cell membranes. Scientists say that it is because of this that whole carrots are absorbed much worse than, for example, carrot puree.
In addition, experts note that the heat 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 fats are needed for its absorption. 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 enhance each other's action. Vitamin E also contributes to better absorption of the above substance.
Provitamin A deficiency in the human body
If an insufficient amount of E160a enters the body, the following problems may occur:
- "night blindness" (when visual impairment is observed in low light);
- redness of the eyelids, dryness of the mucous membranes of the eyes, watery organs of vision in the cold;
- dry skin;
- dandruff and split ends;
- 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, foods with a limited amount of fats and high-grade proteins are used in food.
Secondly, the reason for the deficiency of this vitamin is also a metabolic disorder with too intensive use of E160a.
In addition, various diseases of the liver, pancreas and biliary tract can provoke a lack of the above substance.
Daily requirement for provitamin A
It is known that the body of every person dailyyou need to get beta-carotene. Vitamin E160a is essential and its daily requirement is about 5 mg.
There are some groups of people for whom it is first of all important to provide their bodies with the above substance:
- if they live in environmentally unfavorable areas;
- exposed to x-rays;
- pregnancy status and lactation period;
- if you are taking drugs that interfere with the absorption of fats.
It is also interesting that people living in colder climates need less beta-carotene than those living in hotter climes.
What foods contain the above provitamin A
Interestingly, yellow plants have the lowest E160a content, orange-colored plants have an average, and bright red products have a high content.
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 contains about 6.6 mg of provitamin A.
Also contains beta-carotene in foods such as:
- mustard;
- dandelion officinalis;
- green beet leaves.
The concentration of this substance in vegetables and fruits depends on the degree of maturity and season.
Reviews aboutprovitamin A
There are a lot of opinions on the Internet of people who have taken beta-carotene. Their reviews are 100% positive. No side effects have been reported.
Patients claim that it was beta-carotene that helped them strengthen hair and nails, as well as eliminate dandruff. Their reviews also indicate that with the use of the above drug, the condition of the skin improves, and such unpleasant phenomena as redness of the eyelids and dryness of the mucous membranes of the 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 surge of new strength. Their mood improved significantly and even in some cases their depression disappeared.
Contraindications
Beta-carotene (E160a in other words) is not dangerous to the human body. It is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. It also does not contribute to the development of mutations, which is especially important for embryos.
Provitamin A has no particular contraindications. But in some cases (for example, regular excess consumption of beta-carotene), carotenemia may occur. This is a benign condition and results in only slight yellowing of the skin.
If skin tone does not change even after beta-carotene has been discontinued, see a doctor immediately.
In very rare cases, individual intolerance to the above substance has been recorded.
It should be noted that E160a is compatible with otherdrugs and even alcohol. The only exception is the drug "Xenical". If you use this remedy, then 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 more. 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.
