What contains carotene products. Your eyes need beta-carotene! What determines the need for beta-carotene and vitamin A

25.11.2020

Beta-carotene is a pigment of plant origin, which is part of the group of natural carotenoids. Carotenoids are also natural organic pigments that give color to fruits, algae, some mushrooms and vegetables.

The natural dye carota has an orange-yellow color, which means "carrot" in Latin. Beta-carotene is valued for its antioxidant properties, as well as being a conductor of retinol (vitamin A). What is the difference between vitamin A and beta-carotene? Unlike retinol, carotene has practically no contraindications and side effects in overdose, and is also considered more beneficial. This substance activates immune system, increasing the resistance of the human body to various negative chemical, physical and biological influences. But that's not all beneficial features substances that women, men, children and the elderly can use!

The composition of beta-carotene includes unsaturated hydrocarbons and antioxidant molecules (the structural formula of the composition can be seen in the photo). This substance is obtained mainly from plant products, although chemical extraction is also possible, but this is not necessary. Beta-carotene is made from plants, beneficial bacteria, fungi and algae, which are abundant in nature.

The production of this useful pigment is based on raw materials from carrots, which prevail in terms of antioxidant content compared to other plant products. Carrots contain about 90% the right substance, while the pumpkin contains only up to 70%.

What is beta-carotene for?

Why and who needs a useful element beta-carotene? Many people know that this pigment is found in many fruits and vegetables, but not everyone understands how it affects a person. Provitamin is extremely useful for the whole organism of both children and adults:

Being a powerful antioxidant, beta-carotene protects the body from harmful effects;
prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases and diseases associated with oncology;
protects tissues from early aging;
provides prevention in the treatment of malignant tumors in the uterus and lungs;
affects the degree of cholesterol in the blood, thereby reducing the likelihood of diseases such as coronary heart disease and atherosclerosis;
serves as a protective barrier of the skin from ultraviolet radiation, accelerates the healing process sunburn;
prevents the development of glaucoma or cataracts;
necessary in the treatment of the urinary and reproductive systems of men and women;
active support of immunity and resistance to infectious processes.

Also found beta-carotene wide application for cosmetic purposes. The benefit of the component is due to the beneficial effect on the skin and hair. Reviews using this product note beneficial effect on hair, skin and eyes, because the absorption of provitamin occurs much faster than other elements and does not require certain combinations.

Since this pigment improves the condition of the epidermis, during tanning it actively protects skin cells from destruction, and also independently gives a beautiful even shade to the surface of the dermis due to the appropriate pigments. In order to prepare the body for solar procedures, it is advisable to consume carotenoids before tanning.

During pregnancy

Provitamin is necessary during pregnancy, as it supports all processes in the body. future mother. Beta-carotene contributes to the full formation and development of the fetus, strengthens the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

Retinol in case of overdose is quite dangerous for pregnant women, as it can negatively affect the liver. And when taking beta-carotene, the harm is reduced to a minimum, since the substance is converted into vitamin A only in the quantities needed by the body.

Children's body

A saturated provitamin is also necessary for a growing child's body. Due to the active growth of cells, babies quickly lose the accumulated vitamins, which are used to grow and maintain the healthy functioning of organs. Beta-carotene protects the body of children from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, fights infections and inflammatory processes and enriches the cells with oxygen. A useful element strengthens the child's body both inside and out, but it is not recommended to give the baby such drugs on its own, since an additive in the form of an auxiliary drug can only be allowed after 3 years. Individual cases are considered by specialists who individually prescribe the duration of the course and the allowable dose.

Norm of antioxidant

Due to the fact that beta-carotene is considered one of the most non-toxic substances, the daily intake of an antioxidant can vary significantly. If you take provitamin exclusively in the composition of food products, then you can practically not limit yourself, because the natural pigment is not as well absorbed as the medical one, besides, during prolonged heat treatment, many substances are destroyed.

The need for beta-carotene in the form of a drug for the most part should be identified by the attending physician. For prevention, you can and should take about 3-6 mg per day, but this intake should be accompanied by food, since at least vegetable fats are simply necessary for good absorption of the carotenoid.

lack of provitamin

With a lack of provitamin human body especially susceptible to immune and viral diseases. A lack of beta-carotene can manifest itself not only in internal malfunctions of the body, but also be visible, in particular, on the skin.. If there is a shortage of an element, then the following symptoms can be observed:

inhibition of the growth of the child's body;
dullness and brittle hair;
exfoliating nail plate;
dry and flaky skin;
acne or acne;
lowered immunity;
deviations in reproductive processes;
dry mucous membranes due to a violation of microflora;
weakening of vision.

Such indications give reason to think about a serious lack of provitamin, which must be filled without fail.

Overdose

Hypercarotenemia is an overdose of provitamin, which is extremely rare. Unlike retinol, beta-carotene has low toxicity, and an excess of the substance can lead to serious consequences only in exceptional cases. Most often, an excess of an element is not considered a serious danger, although it can lead to yellowing of the skin.

Carotenemia can be observed with excessive consumption of carrots, but in a healthy body it will not cause a dangerous condition either.

beta carotene in foods

Sources of beta-carotene can be unmistakably identified by the color of the product. Natural food ingredients come in vibrant shades of green, red, orange and yellow flowers.In addition to provitamin, such products have a fairly complete nutritional value, thanks to which it is possible to replenish useful elements with little or no use of vitamin complexes.

Below is a list of food items that contain beta-carotene, high provitamin content will begin the list and lower content will end:

raw carrots;
sea buckthorn berries;
sorrel leaves;
fresh parsley;
watercress;
dog-rose fruit;
spinach leaves;
celery leaves;
wild garlic;
mango;
garlic;
melon;
sweet red pepper;
green onion;
head lettuce, leaf;
apricot;
pumpkin;
broccoli;
chokeberry;
tomatoes;
sweet green pepper;
dill;
liver;
peach;
asparagus;
green pea;
Brussels sprouts;
natural butter;
natural sour cream;
red cabbage;
plum;
watermelon;
cherry;
cottage cheese natural;
natural milk;
potato.

Here is an incomplete list of what contains beta-carotene, which the body needs. You can add blueberries, persimmons, black currants, gooseberries, grapefruit and camel milk to the list.

Separately, it is worth noting a large salt lake on the Crimean peninsula, which contains provitamin. natural element enters the reservoir due to the flowering of certain algae, which managed to take root in harsh ultra-saline conditions. Lake Sasyk is considered a unique deposit of sea salt containing beta-carotene.

Preparations containing carotenoids

Vitamin preparations containing carotenoids can be bought at a pharmacy, where the variety of medicines is replete with variety, creams with these elements can be found there or in the cosmetic department. Online stores can also please not only with a wide range, but also with more rare and unique products.

Basically, medications based on beta-carotene are necessary for athletes whose metabolism in the body is much faster, or for people working in difficult physical conditions.

Commodity forms of vitamins containing beta-carotene can be purchased in tablets, syrup, capsules, oil solution or drops without a doctor's prescription. Preparations containing provitamin:

"Arnebia" beta-carotene plus calcium;
"Beta-carotene";
"Solgar";
Bluebonnet Nutrition with Vitamins C, E and Selenium;
"Vitrum" provitamin and folic acid;
"Antioxypax" - a vitamin-medicinal preparation with ascorbic acid, zinc oxide and beta-carotene;
Bilberry Vita Complex dietary supplement with riboflavin, blueberry extract and carotenoid;
"Doppelgerz Active";
"Trimegavital" provitamin and sea buckthorn.

This is just a small list of the most famous names of vitamin or medicines containing organic matter and other useful components. There are also similar medicines with a difference in composition or manufacturer. The most similar in therapeutic properties and chemical composition are: "Retinol acetate", "Cyclocar", "Carotene", "Retinol palmitate". Thanks to the widest range you can choose the most suitable products, taking into account the cost.

Instructions for use

Apply beta-carotene according to the instructions for a doctor's prescription or independently at home. The drug is taken orally (inside) or externally as compresses. The duration of the treatment course is determined by the attending physician.

For preventive purposes, the oil solution should be used after meals or during meals. Adults and children over 12 years of age can consume 1 tsp of provitamin oil. per day. As an external medicine, paper or napkins are impregnated with beta-carotene and applied to the affected areas 1-2 times a day.

Tablets and capsules are most often prescribed by specialists individually and the intake is adjusted during the course of treatment. Basically, they use 1 tablet of provitamin 1 time per day after a meal..

Contraindications

There is no doubt that beta-carotene is extremely important for the body, but like any drug, provitamin has contraindications, and if they are not taken into account, then some harm can be done to the body.

Any instruction states that before taking vitamins and medicines, it is necessary to consult a doctor to identify certain predispositions or allergic reactions. So, this component should not be used independently by persons with hypersensitivity to these components.

The intake of plant matter is contraindicated in case of alcohol intoxication, violations of all kidney functions, hypercarotenemia, progressive liver diseases, viral hepatitis, hypothyroidism.

Smokers should take this drug only after a full medical examination, as studies conducted over decades have shown that taking provitamin increases the incidence of cancer. It has also recently become known that indeed, smokers are more at risk of developing lung cancer when consuming high doses of beta-carotene.

A similar effect of carotenoids applies exclusively to people who smoke and those who come into contact with harmful substances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to recall that beta-carotene is a unique substance that can slow down the development of neoplasms in small doses. The provitamin coming from food is absolutely safe for those who are not allergic to individual components, and can be consumed in unlimited quantities.

Only 5 mg per day of this substance can prevent many possible diseases, make the immune system stronger and more stable, and also fully establish the working processes in the body. For women, beta-carotene is an excellent substance that has a positive effect on the external condition and well-being.

Sources of beta carotene can be products of plant and animal origin.

What foods contain beta-carotene?

beta carotene found in orange and red vegetables and fruits, as well as in their oil extracts and some oils.
Rich in beta-carotene: sea buckthorn and rosehip oil, Palm oil; it is also found in carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, broccoli, peaches and apricots.
Contain beta-carotene animal liver and poultry, milk and egg yolk.

Natural beta-carotene absorbed better from carrot puree or juice than whole carrots. That is, from those substances in which the concentration of the substance will be higher. It should be noted that for the absorption of beta-carotene, fats are needed, for example, yogurt, cream, sour cream, etc.

Signs of a beta-carotene deficiency can include dry, flaky skin, acne, unhealthy hair and brittle nails, decreased vision, or a weakened immune system.

AT cosmetics beta-carotene can be found quite often.
For example, it contains:

- Sunscreens. To protect the skin from UV radiation.
- Means for the skin of the face, hands, body. Beta-carotene for the skin is used to soften the skin, reduce skin dryness, prevent aging, reduce inflammation, including acne, stimulate healing.
- Means for nails. Carotene is used in these products to strengthen them and accelerate growth.
- Hair products. Beta-carotene for hair is good because it makes them silky, eliminates their fragility and the formation of split ends.

Taking several antioxidants at the same time promotes their synergy. Beta-carotene with vitamin E enhance each other's action.

Beta-carotene supplement is contained in Oxylic.

Oxylik is a biologically active supplement that helps to preserve youth, stop skin aging, thanks to the synergy of its vitamins and microelements: beta-carotene selenium, vitamin C and E, lycopene.

beta carotene- the most significant of the carotenes, which are unsaturated hydrocarbons. It is a fat-soluble vitamin and is only absorbed appropriately in the presence of fats. In the form of crystals, beta-carotene is purple-red in color, and the oily solution is in shades of yellow and orange.

It was first synthesized in 1956, but research has been going on since 1831, when Wackenroder isolated beta-carotene from carrots. Natural carotene is more active than its chemically synthesized form. In addition, a synthetic analogue can cause allergic reactions.

Carotene got its name from the Latin "carota" - carrots, it is in it that its record amount is located. It is a yellow-orange pigment found in plants, giving them their respective color. It is formed in them by photosynthesis and, depending on the dose of carotene, the color saturation changes - from yellow to saturated red.

Beta-carotene can be used as food coloring, mainly lemonades, juices and margarine. It is officially registered under code 160a as a dietary supplement. Produced mainly from natural sources.

Huge “deposits” of natural beta-carotene have been discovered in the unique Crimean salt lake Sasyk-Sivash. Here, under the influence of ultra-high salt content and solar radiation, algae were able to adapt and produce beta-carotene.

The action of beta-carotene

The action of the vitamin is clearly demonstrated by the numerous names given to it in various experiments - “the source of youth and longevity” or “the elixir of youth”, and it is also called a natural defense weapon.

When ingested, beta-carotene is synthesized through complex reactions into vitamin A (retinol), which differs significantly from other carotenoids.

In addition to the fact that beta-carotene is a supplier of retinol to body tissues, it itself has a great protective effect:

is the strongest antioxidant capable of protecting body tissues from the effects of radicals that cause the development of oncological diseases and diseases of the cardiovascular system, protects tissues from premature aging;
according to studies, beta-carotene has proven to be a preventive measure against lung cancer and cervical cancer;
a high concentration of beta-carotene reduces the growth of diseases such as atherosclerosis or coronary heart disease by acting on cholesterol levels;
prevents sunburn, thereby protecting the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, also has a cosmetic effect on the skin, hair and nails;
an important component of healthy vision, beta-carotene slows down the development of cataracts, glaucoma and is responsible for the healthy state of the retina, allowing you to see well even in old age;
indispensable in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and genitourinary system;
used to accelerate skin regeneration in case of burns, wounds and ulcers, it is able to build up bone tissue, which is used in the treatment of teeth and oral cavity;
beta-carotene is the main friend of men in maintaining the healthy functioning of the prostate gland;
preservation of immunity and, accordingly, the fight against infectious processes, according to the results of studies, large portions of natural beta-carotene significantly inhibit the destruction of cells in AIDS.

Beta-carotene is not toxic even in high doses, unlike vitamin A, but it is less active, especially in the form of an oily solution. The presence of bile in the intestines is very important for assimilation, in children the ability to assimilate is less. Approximately 10-40% is absorbed due to the fibrous structure of carotene, the rest is excreted naturally.

Vitamin tends to be deposited in vital organs, skin and subcutaneous fat.

Beta-carotene is synthesized into retinol only when there is a deficiency of the latter in a ratio of 6:1, and before that, beta-carotene works as an antioxidant. In terms of effectiveness, 1 mg of beta-carotene is equivalent to 0.17 mg of vitamin A, and in the diet this ratio is expressed as nine times the dosage of beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene is exposed to the destructive action of oxidation and ultraviolet radiation, and long-term storage and dehydration of products also negatively affects (grated carrots lose part of the vitamin after a quarter of an hour). But freezing, on the contrary, preserves all the carotene, just like heat treatment - carrots enhance their antioxidant properties by 5 times!

Daily rate

The daily intake of beta-carotene is 2 to 6 mg for adults and begins to increase during pregnancy and increased training in athletes. By the way, expectant mothers should take beta-carotene instead of vitamin A, because. it does not have the toxic effect of hypervitaminosis, unlike the latter, and therefore cannot harm the health of the baby.

The famous Paul Bragg in his book “The Miracle of Fasting” recommends eating carrot and cabbage salads with greens for breakfast, because they have more than enough carotene. But we recommend dressing these vegetables, for example, with olive oil. After all without the assistance of fats, beta-carotene will transit through your body.

It is better to take beta-carotene with food, because. For its assimilation, a certain amount of fat is required. Otherwise, it will be taken simply in vain.

Lack of beta carotene

A lack of beta-carotene can lead to negative consequences, its first signs are:

dry flaky skin;
acne;
unhealthy hair and exfoliating nails;
weakening of the immune system;
loss of vision;
children have growth retardation.

Despite the fact that beta-carotene is a provitamin A, its action should not be neglected. Recent studies make it more serious to take it as an independent component of the full life of the body.

High doses of beta-carotene

An excess of animal products can lead to toxic poisoning of the body, but plant sources can only heal you. Unless the skin on the palms, feet and elbows can acquire a yellowish tint. You should not worry - this process is reversible, as soon as the excess of the vitamin comes out, the color will disappear and the natural skin tone will be restored.

Natural Sources of Beta Carotene

There is one important sign by which the content of carotene can be determined - the color of the product. All plant sources have color scheme green, yellow, orange and red colors. These include: carrots, sea buckthorn oil, sorrel, apricots, watermelon, cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkin, chicory, spinach. Animal sources include liver, homemade milk, egg yolk.

Interaction with other substances

Vitamins C and E are the main allies and enhancers of beta-carotene in antioxidant action in the aging process, prevention of strokes and cancer. Moreover, the joint action greatly enhanced the effect, despite the fact that each of the components in itself is a strong antioxidant.
Vitamin E contributes to protection against destruction;
Beta-carotene is much better absorbed in the presence of vitamin P, fats and proteins.

Studies in the United States have shown that when divided doses of beta-carotene into 3 doses, it increases its ability to be absorbed more than one daily dose of the same volume.

Indications for appointment

beta carotene used in medicine as a therapeutic agent and prophylactic (the reception can be permanent or a course of treatment is prescribed):

Sometimes there is a need for external use in such cases: psoriasis, tonsillitis, treatment of wounds, burns and frostbite, dermatoses, vitiligo, pigmentation on the skin.

Those who take beta-carotene claim that it has become easier for them to endure the heat in the summer.

There are contraindications for taking beta-carotene:

increased individual sensitivity;
existing overdose of vitamin A;
treatment of alcohol dependence, hepatitis and liver cirrhosis;
chronic kidney disease.

When taking beta-carotene, side effects may develop in the form of allergies, rashes, itching on the skin, swelling, dizziness, pain in the bones and joints, loss of appetite, and nausea.

Vitamin is produced in such pharmacological forms - tablets, gelatin capsules, oil solution for oral and external use, solution for inhalation. Beta-carotene is included in multivitamins.

To get the most benefit from taking a beta vitamin, here are a few tips to follow:

store food in a dark and cool place;
it is advisable to eat vegetables raw or quickly stew with the addition of butter (you can season salads with porridge, boil porridge in milk or add a little butter);
do not store food for a long time and eat cooked food immediately.

Carotenoids are present in many plant foods. Despite this, it is quite difficult to make a tasty and at the same time healthy diet. In addition to the fact that nutrition should be as varied as possible, you need to know where carotene is contained and in what form it is better absorbed, as well as to have information about the symptoms of a lack or overdose of a substance.

What foods contain beta-carotene

Of course, in carrots. And not only in it, but also in any vegetable, painted in red and yellow colors. In addition, beta-carotene is present in many leaf crops where chlorophyll overlaps the orange tint. By autumn, the green pigment disintegrates and we see brown leaves and bushes.

It is interesting. The least beta-carotene is found in yellow vegetables and fruits, a little more in orange and a record amount in rich red plants.

Foods rich in carotene:

vegetables - green peas, tomatoes, sweet potato, broccoli, Bell pepper, zucchini, cabbage, spinach, pumpkin and carrots;
fruits - persimmons, nectarines, plums, mangoes, cherries, peaches, apricots, melons;
berries - black and red currants, blueberries, gooseberries, rose hips.

The amount of provitamin A in plants depends on the season and degree of maturity. Most of the substance is found in vegetables grown under the open sun on ecologically clean and fertile soils.

Among other products - sources of beta-carotene - green onions, various leafy lettuces, lettuce, sorrel, mustard, beet and carrot tops, spinach can be noted. A lot of provitamin A and in natural sea salt.

It will seem surprising to many, but even cucumber contains beta-carotene. Of course, the β-isomer itself is not much in greenery, only 1% of the daily value. But the vegetable is rich in carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin - 100 g of the product contains 383% of the daily dose.

These substances, like beta-carotene, are able to accumulate in the tissues of the eye, providing protection and visual acuity.

It is interesting. A huge amount of provitamin A is found in green seaweeds. AT last years many successful attempts have been made to cultivate this amazing plant in limited reservoirs. So, back in 2010, Orenburg scientists began to grow useful algae in one of the lakes of Sol-Iletsk.

Which root crop contains more carotene

Carrots have always been considered the champion in the amount of provitamin A. 100 grams of vegetable contains at least 6-7 mg of a useful substance. To meet the daily requirement of an adult for beta-carotene, you only need a couple of fresh and juicy root vegetables.

However, recent studies have found that carotene in pumpkin is no less than in carrots. It turns out that 100 grams of gourds contain 3100 micrograms of plant pigment, which is 62% of the daily requirement. To get the most out of the pumpkin, cook it in the oven or over low heat, adding milk or butter.

Where is beta-carotene found?

Carotene in food is one of the ways to compensate for vitamin A deficiency in the body. But for this, one should know not only what the plant pigment contains, but also in what quantities it is present.

With this information, you can make a very tasty and healthy diet for every day for both a child and an adult.

Let's make a table of the content of beta-carotene in products.

Products	Provitamin A (mg/100 grams)
Carrot
Pumpkin
Sweet potato (sweet potato)
Sea buckthorn
Sorrel
Parsley, greens
Rosehip berries
Spinach
Sweet pepper
Mango
Green onion, feather
Melon
Apricots, fresh
tomatoes
Peaches
Persimmon
Green peas
Corn
Plum
Cherry
fresh cucumber

The table below shows which foods contain the highest amount of beta-carotene. These should be included in your daily diet.

Attention. The level of provitamin A in carrots largely depends on the variety of the root crop. This should be taken into account when compiling a diet.

It is not recommended to keep vegetables, fruits and herbs in the light for a long time without packaging - this is fraught with the loss of a significant amount of nutrients and a decrease nutritional value products. Fast freezing of plants, on the contrary, completely preserves their biological activity. Enhance the action of carotene tocopherol and ascorbic acid.

As a supplement to foods to increase the level of carotene in the body, dietary supplements can be used, for example, the food supplement Beta Carotene from Solgar. .

Daily intake of beta-carotene

In some circumstances, significantly more beta-carotene is required:

severe deficiency of vitamin A;
pregnancy and lactation;
serious sports and mental stress;
stress or period of illness;
predisposition to cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis;
cancer alertness;
living in ecologically unfavorable areas or working in hazardous industries;
increased eye strain, especially in children and students.

According to physicians, in the considered cases, the excess of the average daily norm of beta-carotene is quite justified. In addition, large portions of provitamin A are completely safe for the body and can only lead to temporary yellowing of the skin. You can get rid of the unpleasant phenomenon by simply adjusting the diet.

carotene in carrots

Carrots are considered the leader in the content of beta-carotene. Its amount depends on the variety and increases markedly in bright orange, sugary vegetables with a small core.

The sweet root crop is rich not only in β-carotene, but also in alpha-carotene (69% of the daily value), as well as other useful substances: folic acid, boron, vanadium, silicon, manganese, molybdenum, rubidium, cobalt, potassium.

Attention. Carrots are capable of accumulating the highly toxic microelement mercury, as well as arsenic and strontium. Therefore, it is better to eat root crops grown by one's own hands.

The sometimes greening of the tops is due to the accumulation of chlorophyll in the tissues of the vegetable. These parts may taste bitter, but they are quite edible after boiling.

How is Carotene from Carrots Absorbed?

The orange vegetable can be consumed raw or stewed. Oddly enough, but in the latter case, it turns out to be more useful - it is better and faster absorbed, and it also contains 14% more carotene.

In order not to lose part in the cooking process beneficial vitamin, the pot should be kept covered. A slow-cooked dish will have a richer color and a pleasant taste.

Vinaigrette is made from ready-made carrots, adding to it vegetable oil, fried and put in soups or used as a side dish for meat and meatballs.

The stewed vegetable is especially indicated for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - it does not cause flatulence, is easily digested and does not irritate the mucous membranes.

For lovers of raw carrots, it is better to gnaw it whole, having previously eaten 20-25 grams of butter. However, this method of consumption is not very comfortable, and not everyone likes the taste of a simple root crop. As an option, from fresh vegetable can be done delicious salad, adding sour cream, sugar or raisins to the dish, pour olive oil or milk.

Carrot juice is very rich in carotene, but only freshly prepared. It should not be used with flour products and treats, although for a better taste, sweet lovers can add a spoonful of honey.

Advice. The tops of the root crop can also be used as food. Greens contain a lot of carotene, so they are often put in salads or added to soups.

Varieties of carrots with a high content of carotene

Scientists say that the amount of provitamin A depends on the degree of maturity of the root crops, their storage and harvesting time. However, if the vegetable initially had a lot of carotene, then it will remain more after all the manipulations.

Therefore, for cultivation on your own plot, it is better to choose root crops with a high content of provitamin A.

Carrot variety	Description
Sweet Tooth F1	Excellent hybrid, sweet and juicy. Suitable for making juices and baby food. Harvest.
Crofton F1	The hybrid has a very long root crop, excellent keeping quality and taste.
Leander	Good old variety. Long shelf life, sweet and fruitful.
Major F1	Hybrid with a long, bright root crop. Very juicy.
Niagara F1	Beautiful, large carrots of late ripening.
Nebula F1	medium size vegetable cylindrical shape. Productive and sweet.
autumn king	A proven variety with a juicy spindle-shaped root crop. Well kept.

This is far from full list carrots are high in carotene. You can also note the variety of September, hybrids Romans F1, Santa Cruz F1, Siroko F1 and Tsetor F1.

Provitamin A, contained in plant foods, is very useful and completely safe for the body. In addition, it is available and cheap. To cover the daily need for carotene, 1-2 carrots are enough, which can be eaten raw or boiled. There will be benefits in both cases.

All materials on the site are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any means, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!

We constantly hear that vitamins are good for health, but we rarely think about what exactly. For example, why does the body need beta-carotene? Everyone knows that the substance is responsible for the health of the eyes and the youthfulness of the skin. But maybe provitamin A has other valuable properties? Let's find out.

Why does the body need beta-carotene?

Beta-carotene is a plant pigment that gives vegetables a pleasant taste. orange red color. In the human body, it plays the role of an antioxidant, protecting cells from free radicals, strengthens the immune system, reduces the risk of infectious and colds, and also acts as an adaptogen.

In addition, the natural substance increases the body's resistance to stress, reduces the risk of strokes and heart attacks, prevents the formation of sclerotic plaques and cleanses blood vessels.
Other benefits of beta-carotene:

maintains visual acuity, nourishes the cornea, prevents senile changes in eye tissues, fights cataracts and glaucoma;
stimulates cell division and bone growth;
maintains the health and youth of the skin, protects from sunlight;
accelerates the healing of wounds, burns and bedsores;
provides normal functioning prostate gland and improves the quality of seminal fluid;
protects teeth from destruction, and the oral mucosa from aphthous stomatitis;
It has a beneficial effect on the well-being of the expectant mother, as well as on the growth and development of the baby.

Beta-carotene is also needed when the ambient temperature rises, after undergoing chemotherapy, with frequent X-ray exposure or living in ecologically disadvantaged areas.

Attention. The need for beta-carotene increases dramatically with increased physical or mental stress.

In order for the carotenoid to bring more benefits, it is recommended to take it in combination with other antioxidants - vitamins C and E. These substances enhance the effect of the organic dye and accelerate its breakdown.

Beta-carotene: benefits for women

Plant pigment is essential at all stages of a woman's life. For young girls, the substance will help to cope with acne and pimples, older ladies will get rid of the first wrinkles and lethargy of the skin, and in the postmenopausal period it will protect against uterine fibroids and breast cancer.

In addition to these functions, provitamin A performs a number of other tasks aimed at protecting women's health:

maintains the reproductive organs and the genitourinary system in working order;
corrects hormonal balance, fights spontaneous and habitual miscarriages;
helps to solve the problem of infertility;
improves complexion, condition of hair, nails and teeth;
protects against stress, emotional breakdowns and nervous disorders;
facilitates the course of menopause;
strengthens bones, protects against osteoporosis and other osteodiseases.

Useful beta-carotene and losing weight ladies. It speeds up the metabolism, makes the body strong and resilient, helping to give it all in training, and also maintains the firmness and elasticity of the skin after losing extra pounds.

To maintain the normal functioning of the body, women need to consume 5-6 mg of beta-carotene daily. In diseases, the dosage can be increased to 10-15 mg.

You can get the substance both through nutrition and with the help of various vitamin supplements produced specifically for women. They are most often additionally enriched with zinc, selenium and vitamins.

beta carotene for skin

Deficiency of beta-carotene noticeably affects the skin - it becomes pale and dry, thinner and begins to peel off. The first wrinkles appear around the eyes and mouth, and acne and pimples often occur.
A properly selected diet and intake of beta-carotene in oil or tablets will help keep the dermis young and healthy.

You can supplement the care with external products containing plant pigment. In addition, creams with provitamin A help to sunbathe safely, replacing sunscreen.

Beta carotene for hair

The state of curls also depends on the amount of beta-carotene in the body - with a lack of substance, they become dry and lifeless, lose their luster, split and fall out.

Contraindications for use

Beta-carotene has no significant restrictions on intake. You can only pay attention to individual sensitivity to the substance and severe kidney damage.

Advice. It is not recommended to take provitamin A at the same time as drinking alcohol and active smoking. In the first case, carotene dye can provoke serious illness liver, and in the second - lung cancer.

If the daily dose of beta-carotene is regularly exceeded, carotenemia may develop. This condition is not life-threatening, although it causes some inconvenience, but rather an aesthetic one - yellowing of the skin, especially the face, arms and legs. With the abolition of drugs or a change in diet, unpleasant symptoms quickly disappear.

Beta-carotene: a vitamin or not

Not everyone understands what beta-carotene is, what kind of vitamin it is, and whether it is a vitamin at all. Indeed, it is impossible to call a plant pigment a vitamin in the usual sense of the word. Once in the body, the substance accumulates in the subcutaneous fat and dermis, protecting it from ultraviolet radiation, and, if necessary, turns into retinol (this is directly vitamin A).

At the same time, most of the carotenoid continues to work as a powerful adaptogen, antioxidant and immunostimulant.

The best vitamins for sunburn

German researchers have proven that the organic dye not only protects the skin from UV damage, but also contributes to a deeper, more lasting and intense tan.

To get a beautiful bronze hue, you need to prepare in advance for the beach season and include foods rich in provitamin in your diet. you will find out where carotene is contained.

Advice. Most easy way tan - daily use grated carrots with sour cream or butter. Alternatively, in the morning you can drink a glass of fresh pumpkin or carrot juice.

Vitamins with beta-carotene for tanning: how to take it correctly

Vitamin supplements for tanning with carotene will also help to get a pleasant skin color. It is recommended to start taking dietary supplements in advance, no later than 7 days before the start of the summer holiday and continue for several weeks after - all this time the production of melanin will be increased and the chocolate shade will last longer.

To protect the skin from ultraviolet radiation and prepare for tanning, you need 6-8 mg of vegetable dye per day.

To obtain a good effect, taking vitamins with beta-carotene should be long-term and regular. It is better to divide the daily dose of the drug into two portions and use them immediately before tanning and immediately after. If desired, the rate of the drug can be exceeded. There will be no harm from this.

Carotene options for tanning

Today, there are many products containing beta-carotene for tanning. For example, the well-known brand Solgar offers, which will help you acquire and maintain a pleasant bronze tint for a long time.

In addition to plant pigment, the drug contains other substances necessary for the body. Learn more about Solgar Beta Carotene Supplement.

Worth a try and carotene for tanning from Country Life in capsules. The advantage of the drug is the presence of vitamin E, which enhances the protective properties of the vegetable dye. A good result is shown by the supplement from Now Foods - Natural Beta Carotene. The dietary supplement has good bioavailability and contains tocopherol.

Of the Russian funds, Vetoron drops are very popular. This multivitamin preparation with beta-carotene is taken immediately before tanning, diluting 10 drops of the solution in a glass of water. In summer, the food supplement can be consumed every day without fear of overdose.

The tocopherol included in its composition will moisturize the skin and protect against the appearance of premature wrinkles, and ascorbic acid will enhance the antioxidant activity of carotene.

Vitamins for sunless tanning

Girls who dream of tanned skin in winter time, but cannot or do not want to visit the solarium, you can recommend the French product Sun Cap Soleil with beta-carotene, lecithin, carrot oil and vitamins.

Solar capsules, in addition to providing a chocolate shade, will protect the skin from abnormal cell growth and prevent the risk of developing melanomas.

You can buy a Sun Cap at a pharmacy or specialty store. It is recommended to take 1-2 tablets per day. A jar will last for 15-30 days.

The benefits of beta-carotene for the body can not be overestimated. The substance not only protects cells from oxidants, but also reveals a bright cosmetic effect, protects the skin from sunlight and gives saturation and an even shade to the tan. However, despite all the benefits of provitamin. Oh, you shouldn't get carried away. dosage forms. It is much more useful to add natural foods containing carotene to the diet.

All materials on the site are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any means, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!