Beta Carotene Health Benefits..The All-Round Antiaging Antioxidant

From where you ask?

Try fruits, veggies and/or pills.

What is beta carotene?

Basically, it is the all-round antiaging antioxidant nutrient. It has extra antioxidant powers that 'fill the gaps' where other vitamins and antioxidents leave off. It is the orange pigment that was first isolated from carrots over 150 years ago. It is part of the family of antioxidant carotenoids.

What can beta carotene do?

It can convert in the body to Vitamin A..which has antiaging powers of its own..and is excellent in helping the immune system.

Interestingly, it also protects the integrity of cells by wiping out aging free radicals, especially a particular spiteful one, known as singlet oxygen, which will corrupt your body's cells' genes, turn their fat rancid and toxic, and destroy cell structure.

Beta Carotene Health Benefits...The Cancer Blocker.

If you really want to avoid cancer (who doesn't?), then don't skimp on it. Numerous studies have shown that folks with high levels of beta-carotene in their diet and blood are about half as likely to develop various cancers. These would be most notably of the lung, but would also include mouth, throat, larynx, esophagus, breast, stomach and bladder.

In fact a recent study in Australia found that women with breast cancer who consumed the most beta carotene had a survival rate that was 12 times better over a six year period than those who ate the least.

It will also block the growth, or proliferation of cancer cells. However, if you are are, or were a longtime cigarette smoker, then don't expect a fast-track cure. Apparently it can take up to 12 years of high doses to halt the onset of lung cancer.

Studies and tests have also shown it to ward off heart attacks or cardiovascular disease, probably by keeping arteries from clogging up. Again protection can take up to 2 years to work, suggesting that beta-carotene slows the progression of plaque build up in arteries.

Stroke Prevention

What is one of the most feared consequences of aging? A stroke. Listen to this, women who ate at least 5 beta carotene-rich carrots a week were 68 percent less likely to have a stroke compared to women who ate carrots once a month or less. This was revealed by a Harvard University study of 90,000 women. Also chomping spinach, which is rich in BC too, cut the risk of a stroke by 40 percent.

In fact it has the strongest promise of preventing strokes, whereas vitamin E seems to work better against the prevention of heart attacks.

What Foods Are Rich in Beta Carotene?

Mainly fruits and vegetables such as carrots (of course), spinach, apricots, sweet potato, peppers, kale, pumpkin, collard green, winter squash.

Beta Carotene Health Benefits..What About Supplements?

In supplementation form it is actually better absorbed by the body, so if you want some extra insurance against aging, then it is recommended to take 10 to 15 milligrams daily. Tip, always take it with meals, as some fat in the diet is essential for it to be absorbed in the body.

Beta Carotene Health Benefits..Can You Overdose On It?

Because it is considered one of the most non-toxic vitamins, then the answer is, no. In fact numerous studies on laboratory animals given mega doses have shown literally no toxic effects.

Final Word and Caution!

Don't confuse beta carotene with plain retinol-type vitamin A, which is derived from animal foods such as liver. Too much of this will build up to toxic levels in your liver. So check your supplements carefully as many can contain quite high amounts of retinol vitamin A.

So in answer to the original question..can beta carotene slow down or even stop the aging process? I think we can safely say yes.

And to finally convince you, here is a quick summary of the antiaging benefits of beta carotene....

• Prevents cancer of the breast, lungs and stomach
• Prevents strokes and heart attacks
• Destroys tumor cells
• Blocks oxidation of cholesterol that blocks arteries
• Causes precancerous lesions in the mouth to dissapear or regress
• Stimulates immune functions
• Prevents cataracts

Related Pages to Beta Carotene Health Benefits at This Website

Anti Age Yourself

How Do Antioxidants Work

The Ultimate Beat Cancer Diet Part 1

The Ultimate Anti Cancer Diet Part 2

Antiaging Diet Strategy

The Antioxidant Raw Food Diet

Foods to Slow Aging

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