What Is Beta-Carotene? What Are The Benefits Of Beta-Carotene?

Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially carrots and colorful vegetables.

The name beta-carotene comes from the Greek beta and Latin carota (carrot). It is the yellow/orange pigment that gives vegetables and fruits their rich colors. H. Wachenroder crystallized beta-carotene from carrot roots in 1831, and came up with the name "carotene".

Beta-carotene's chemical formula - C₄₀H₅₆ - was discovered in 1907.

The human body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A (retinol) - beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. We need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucus membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision.

Beta-carotene in itself is not an essential nutrient, but vitamin A is.

Beta-carotene from food is a safe source of vitamin A

Vitamin A can be sourced from the food we eat, through beta-carotene, for example, or in supplement form. The advantage of dietary beta-carotene is that the body only converts as much as it needs.

Excess vitamin A is toxic. Toxic vitamin A levels can occur if you consume too many supplements.

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant

The flamingo's characteristic red-orange color is caused by beta-carotene in their diet.

Beta-carotene, like all carotenoids, is an antioxidant. An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules; it protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals damage cells through oxidation. Eventually, the damage caused by free radicals can cause several chronic illnesses.

Several studies have shown that antioxidants through diet help people's immune systems, protect against free radicals, and lower the risk of developingcancer and heart disease. Some studies have suggested that those who consume at least four daily servings of beta-carotene rich fruits and/or vegetables have a lower risk of developing cancer or heart disease.

Which foods are rich in beta-carotene?

The following foods are rich in beta-carotene:

• Apricots
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Carrots
• Chinese cabbage
• Chives
• Dandelion leaves
• Grapefruit
• Herbs & Spices - chilli powder, oregano, paprika, parsley
• Kale
• Ketchup
• Many margarines
• Onions
• Peas
• Peppers
• Plums
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Squash
• Squash
• Sweet potatoes

If you follow a healthy diet rich in beta-carotene you do not need supplements. As mentioned above, supplements can lead to undesirable excesses in beta-carotene levels - this cannot occur if your source is from the food you eat.

Smokers and beta-carotene lung cancer risk

A French study involving adult females published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute(September 2005 issue) found that smokers with high beta-carotene levels had a higher risk of lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers than other smokers. They also found that non-smokers with high beta-carotene intake had a lower risk of lung cancer.

They found that the risk of lung cancer over a ten-year period was:

• 181.8 per 10,000 women for non-smokers with low beta-carotene intake
• 81.7 per 10,000 women for non-smokers with high beta-carotene intake
• 174 per 10,000 women for smokers with low beta-carotene intake
• 368.3 per 10,000 women for smokers with high beta-carotene intake

Further research has suggested that the high intake among smokers is nearly always due to supplements, and not food intake.

Beta-carotene may slow down cognitive decline

Carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene.

Men who have been taking beta-carotene supplements for 15 or more years are considerably less likely to experience cognitive decline than other males, researchers from Harvard Medical School reported in Archives of Internal Medicine(November 2007 issue).

Oxidative stress is thought to be a key factor in cognitive decline, the researchers explained. Studies have shown that antioxidant supplements may help prevent the deterioration of cognition.

Their study, involving 4,052 men, compared those on beta-carotene supplements for an average of 18 years to others who were given placebo. Over the short-term, they found no difference in cognitive decline risk between the two groups of men, but in the long-term it was clear that beta-carotene supplements made a significant difference.

The researchers emphasized that there may have been other factors which contributed to the slower decline in cognitive abilities among the men in the beta-carotene group.

Beta-carotene drug interactions

Drug interaction refers to a substance interfering in how a medication works, by either making it less effective, increasing its potency, or changing what it is supposed to do.

The following drugs may be affected by beta-carotene supplements:

• Statins - the effectiveness of simvastatin (Zocor) and niacin may be decreased if the patient is taking beta-carotene with selenium and vitamins E and C.
• Some cholesterol-lowering drugs - cholestyramine and colestipol can reduce blood levels of dietary beta-carotene by thirty to forty per cent.
• Orlistat (Xenical, Alli) - this is a weight control medication. It can undermine the absorption of beta-carotene by up to 30%, resulting in lower blood beta-carotene levels. Those choosing to take a multivitamin while on orlistat should take them at least two hours before having their medication.
• Mineral oil - used for the treatment of constipation can lower blood levels of beta carotene.

Long-term alcohol consumption can interact with beta-carotene, raising the chances of developing liver problems.

Beta-carotene slows down lung power decline as people age

The British Medical Journal published a report in March 2006 which showed that high blood beta-carotene levels compensate for some of the damage to the lungs caused by oxygen free radicals.

They measured the FEV1 of 535 participants and measured their beta-carotene blood levels.

FEV1 measures how much air you can breathe out in one go.

They found that those with high beta-carotene levels had much slower decline in FEV1 measures. 

Vitiligo and diet

For managing your vitiligo naturally you must have sufficient information about vitiligo and healthy living. This can help you formulate a plan to address vitiligo through natural means. Vitiligo (vit-ill-EYE-go) is a disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body. This happens because the cells that make pigment (color), melanocyte in the skin are destroyed.

Melanocytes are the main cells that produce melanin which gives color to the skin. In some cases these melanocytes does not get completely destroyed and in that case it is easier to restore pigment. You should follow a diet plan which would minimize the inflammation that characterizes the loss of skin color in people with vitiligo.

FACT
It is important to remember there is no simple nutritional answer or ‘vitiligo diet’ to vitiligo that is well supported by scientific data. People with vitiligo may need to follow a special diet to prevent the condition from worsening or to replenish any nutritional deficiencies that may occur. Since it is an autoimmune disease, a healthy diet with balanced nutrition rich in antioxidants, phytochemicals, betacarotene from a variety of sources (raw Veggies and fruits) is a good way to support the immune system. A diet with a good supply of nutrients that promotes healthy skin may aid in the pigmentation process.
Dr. Grimes has said that blueberries and pears contain natural hydroquinones, which are depigmenting agents, and should thus be limited or avoided. Citrus fruits can cause problems for some people, though not for others. Turmeric, often used as a seasoning, has caused problems for some people, so one might consider limiting or avoiding its use. Some people recommend dairy or red meats or other foods be avoided, but there is no evidence of these impacting vitiligo unless there is some underlying allergy to the products.

VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES
Researchers have observed that people with vitiligo have deficiency of vitamin B12 so they can take supplements that contain each of the major B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C daily. Before taking any supplements to replenish lost nutrients, try eating foods that are rich in them. Vitamin B12 can be found in meat, soy milk, dairy products, fish, and shellfish. Folate, the natural form of folic acid, can be found in fruits, dried beans and peas, and fruits. Zinc can be found in beef, shellfish, nuts, and legumes.

To briefly summarize these dietary and lifestyle measures, they are:

Eat a plant-centered diet – the bulk of your food choices should be vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains that your body doesn’t have trouble digesting.

Ensure adequate intake of vitamin B12 and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid that strict vegans tend to be deficient in).

Ensure adequate vitamin D status through diet and sunlight exposure and supplementation if necessary.

If you choose to eat some animal products, stick with small amounts of organic eggs and wild fish. Closer to raw is best. Lightly cooked is acceptable.

Strive to be emotionally balanced. Work at being a master of managing emotional stressors.

Get high quality sleep as often as possible. For most humans, nine to ten hours of restful sleep every day is an optimal amount.

These measures give your melanocytes all the support that they could ask for to produce pigment in areas that need it, as well as to minimize new bouts of inflammation that can create more loss of skin color.

But there is one other essential stimulus for re-pigmentation: sunlight exposure.

Your melanocytes produce pigment (melanin) in response to sunlight exposure, as melanin serves to protect your skin against burning. Dr. Ben Kim

Cleansing
Cleansing of the body with a special attention to the Liver and Bowel often helps to get rid of Vitiligo. But be careful if you have never paid attention to your health and decided to cleanse your body, you may incite intensification of all chronic disorders that they already have. In this case start from a diet, quitting alcohol and smoking and starting physical exercises. You should attempt cleansing under supervision of a health care provider.

Ref: http://www.vitsaf.org/vitiligo-treatmentsproducts/vitiligo-and-diet

NUTRITION & VITILIGO

Vitiligo causes skin to lose pigment, and is therefore more noticeable on people with darker skin to start with. Skin first appears blotchy, and finally becomes light like an albino. Other symptoms include whitening of hair, loss of color inside the mouth and loss of eye color. This chronic condition is still poorly understood and there is no cure, but experts say diet could play a role in reducing the symptoms of vitiligo. If you have vitiligo, speak to a specialist about your diet.

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Omega Oils

Scientists M.R. Namazi and G. Chee Leok advise vitiligo patients to avoid omega-6 fatty acids found in cereals, vegetable oils, poultry, meat and eggs, writing for the "Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology" in 2009. In contrast, it is advisable to increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, say the scientists. Omega-6s are found in oily fish, whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables, and may increase the formation of free radicals, while omega-3s are known to inhibit inflammation.

Quercetin

Quercetin, found mainly in apples and onions, has been shown to prevent cell death in vitiligo patients, Namazi and Chee Leok say. Onions are also high in antioxidants, which may help vitiligo sufferers.

Folic Acid and Vitamin B12

Some studies have shown vitiligo patients to have reduced levels of folic acid and vitamin B12, meaning that taking supplements may be advisable. However, a 2009 study published in the "European Journal of Dermatology" showed that additional studies need to made in this area. Seek medical advice if you feel you could benefit from nutritional supplements.

Foods to Avoid

Tannins, which occur in wine, tea, red and black berries, mangos, cashews and pistachios, are thought to exacerbate the symptoms of vitiligo, so avoid them where possible. Experts at the health website Health Guidance recommend avoiding high-gluten foods such as wheat, oats and rye, as gluten is thought to hinder healing in the body.

Lifestyle

To promote healing, Health Guidance recommends avoiding stress where possible, getting adequate sleep, exercising, having social contact, taking hot showers, drinking warm milk and enjoying the sunshine, as well as following a general healthy lifestyle.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/364441-nutrition-vitiligo/

VITAMINS TO RESTORE MELANIN

Photo Credit skin image by Robert Kelly from Fotolia.com

The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin that contain cells called melanocytes. These cells are responsible for creating melanin, a pigment that determines skin color. Melanin also helps protect the skin from ultra violet rays from the sun that cause skin damage. If the body does not produce enough melanin or use it properly, certain skin conditions can occur. These include skin pigmentation, discoloration, sun damage and skin cancer. Eat a well-balanced diet that provides essential vitamins to restore melanin and protect the skin from further damage.

VITAMIN A

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient stored in the liver. The vitamin is produced from beta carotene and other carotenoids in fruits and vegetables. According to The Reader's Digest Association, vitamin A inhibits melanoma, which is a deadly form of skin cancer that can develop if melanin is not protecting the skin. Eating fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and oranges ensures you are getting vitamin A to restore melanin. Include a little fat into the diet to help with absorption.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C strengthens blood cells, boosts the immune system and more importantly, is essential for the formation of collagen in the skin. Collagen is a protein that supports the restoring of skin as well as other bodily tissues. Food sources of vitamin C to add to your diet are oranges, grapefruits, broccoli, red peppers, strawberries and kiwifruit. The vitamin works more efficiently when combined with vitamin E.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is fat soluble and stored in fat tissue and the liver. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals from the sun that cause damage to skin cells and melanin. Vitamin E is found in only a few foods such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, green leafy vegetables and whole grains. Many of these sources are high in fat, so you may choose to take a supplement that contains 400 to 800 international units (IU) as an alternative. Vitamin E is more effective when taken with vitamin C.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/275761-vitamins-to-restore-melanin/ 

WHAT VITAMINS TO TAKE FOR VITILIGO

Feb 22, 2011 | By Virginia Franco

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that destroys cells that produce brown pigment in the skin, causing the skin to change color. While there is no known cure for vitiligo, studies involving vitamin treatment have provided mixed results, leaving the question of what vitamins to take for vitiligo unanswered.

VITAMIN DEFICIENCIES

Common vitamin deficiencies in people with autoimmune conditions like vitiligo include folic acid, B-12, copper and zinc. As a result, doctors may prescribe vitamin supplements to fortify or help stabilize your immune system, in conjunction with other traditional vitiligo treatments.

Vitamin-B12 with Folic Acid

Studies focusing on vitamin B-12 deficiencies and vitiligo show a high incidence of vitiligo among individuals with pernicious anemia, a condition that hinders B-12 absorption. Nevertheless, no recent studies indicate that supplementing vitamin B-12, or B-12 with folic acid, will help improve skin pigmentation.

Vitamin D

Epidemiological studies have found that autoimmune diseases increase as the latitude increases, suggesting that vitamin D synthesis may play a role in the development of these diseases, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. The results of several studies also suggest that adequate vitamin D intake could possibly decrease the risk of autoimmune diseases. With this in mind, doctors should test vitiligo patients for vitamin D deficiency and prescribe supplements accordingly.

Copper and Zinc

A study appearing in "Veterinary Record" looked at buffalo and dairy cattle in India with leucoderma, another name for vitiligo. Researchers discovered that a treatment combining copper and zinc improved moderate leucoderma within 10 days. Unfortunately, 20 percent of recovered animals relapsed shortly after treatment ended.

Ref: http://www.livestrong.com/article/388807-what-vitamins-to-take-for-vitiligo/?utm_source=livestrong_opar&utm_medium=3&LS-2659