What is the main source of beta
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We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Show 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”. In this article, we explain all about beta carotene, what it does in the body, and what foods it is found in. We will also cover any associated risks. 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’s chemical formula – C40H56 – was discovered in 1907 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. There are a number of ways that beta carotene can benefit human health. Below, we give some examples: Beta carotene is an antioxidantBeta 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 developing cancer 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. Beta carotene may slow down cognitive declineMen 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 keeps lungs healthy as people ageThe BMJ 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. Share on PinterestA healthful and varied diet can provide a person’s beta carotene requirements.The following foods are rich in beta carotene:
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. 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:
Further research has suggested that the high intake among smokers is nearly always due to supplements, and not food intake. Beta carotene drug interactionsDrug 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:
Long-term alcohol consumption can interact with beta carotene, raising the chances of developing liver problems. Beta carotene supplements are available for purchase online. Speak to a doctor before taking new supplements. What is the source of a beta particle?The beta particle, which may be either negatively charged (negatrons) or positively charged (positrons), originates from the nucleus of an atom. A beta particle is emitted from the nucleus of an atom during radioactive decay. The electron, however, occupies regions outside the nucleus of an atom.
Where is beta found?Beta cells (β-cells) are a type of cell found in pancreatic islets that synthesize and secrete insulin and amylin. Beta cells make up 50–70% of the cells in human islets. In patients with Type 1 diabetes, beta-cell mass and function are diminished, leading to insufficient insulin secretion and hyperglycemia.
How is beta formed?A beta particle forms when a neutron changes into a proton and a high-energy electron . The proton stays in the nucleus but the electron leaves the atom as a beta particle.
What is the composition of beta?Beta radiations are composed of fast moving electrons and are negatively charged. Gamma radiations are composed of photons or electromagnetic waves like X rays.
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