Natural Society | January 11 2013
An antioxidant responsible for giving many vegetables their rich, vibrant colors, beta-carotene is one of several plant compounds called carotenoids. These compounds are converted into vitamin A within the body and serve to provide numerous health benefits. But not many people seem to know about beta-carotene benefits. Let’s change that!
Beta-Carotene Benefits – Cancer and Heart Disease
Beta-carotene offers several benefits—very important ones at that. Firstly, it can protect against various cancers. Stomach cancer and cancers of the digestive system are particularly affected by carotenoids. But, they can also work to prevent prostate, ovarian, cervical, and liver cancer just to name a few. Hesh Goldstein from NaturalNews reports that “eating foods chock-full of vitamin A, alpha carotene, and beta carotene seem to slash stomach cancer in half”.
Foods rich in beta-carotene can also help prevent cardiovascular disease. They do this by reducing cholesterol and hardening of the arteries. How? Beta-carotene is an antioxidant able to destroy free-radicals that cause cellular damage.