β-carotene and vitamin A
Simply put, carotene is a yellow or red pigment. It is abundant in dark green and yellow vegetables and fruits. And it is also in milk, egg yolks, and body fat. Common carotenes are α, β, γ and δ. These 4 kinds of carrots can be converted into vitamin A. Among them, β-carotene is the most common in foods and a typical representative of vitamin A precursors. Therefore, it is also the most common provitamin A in food. Provitamin A refers to the general term for the components converted into vitamin A in the human body.
β-carotene is the precursor substance of vitamin A. They need to be transformed through a biochemical reaction process. 15,15’-BCMO1 played a key role. Under the catalysis of the enzyme, a β-carotene molecule is divided into two, and the ends are connected with an oxygen atom to transform into two retinal molecules. It is further reduced to retinol, which is vitamin A, by dehydrogenase.
What are the benefits of vitamin A?
Vitamin A is significant in protecting eyesight. Vitamin A is stored in our body in the form of retinol, so it is chemically named "retinol." A lack of vitamin A can cause night blindness. At the same time, the eyes also need vitamin A to nourish the cornea. Therefore, it is a vitamin necessary for the human body. In addition, vitamin A can also help maintain the structure of epithelial cells and play the role of growth hormone.
If he does not follow the doctor's advice or take a large amount of vitamin A for a long time, he will be stored in the liver in the form of retinol, which will cause chronic liver damage over time.
How to supplement β-carotene?
Spinach, kale, and broccoli have relatively high β-carotene content.
β-carotene and vitamin a are fat-soluble substances, which can be eaten after being fried in oil or stewed together with meat, which is more conducive to absorption.
HSF's Natural Beta-carotene 10% CWS Beadlet Powder utilizes Advanced Healthful Biotech Micro-encapsulated Process for Solid Powder. Provide high content β-carotene. It is a good supplement for people who lack Beta carrote or vitamin A.
Misunderstanding about β-carotene
1. The only food rich in β-carotene is the carrot?
Carrots are rich in β-carotene. What foods are also high in beta carotene? However, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and dark green leafy vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene. Fruits are rich in mangoes and oranges. The more intensely colored fruits or vegetables are, the more affluent in Beta carrote.
2. Why does the skin turn yellow after taking β-carotene?
Excessive intake of β-carotene will cause a large amount of orange pigment to enter the bloodstream, causing the skin to turn yellow. This symptom is called "carotenemia." It sounds like a terrible name, but don't worry. The recovery of this symptom is a delicate process. As long as you stop taking foods with a large amount of Beta-carotene for 2 to 6 weeks, it will subside on its own, and it will not affect your health.