Beta-Carotene Antioxidant
 One of the most recognized and abundant antioxidants, beta-carotene is one of the most important compounds in your body. As with other carotene compounds, beta-carotene is used (in conjunction with alpha-carotene) to produce vitamin A, and more specifically, retinol.
Retinol is an active form of vitamin A and is vital in maintaining proper eye health as well as optimum cell communication. Since beta-carotene is most commonly found in carrots, the actually is some truth to the old wives tale about eating carrots to improve your vision!
Aside from carrots, beta-carotene is found in many other vegetables including:
- Turnip greens
- Spinach
- Kale
- Collard greens
- Sweet potatoes
- Winter squash
- Cilantro
- Thyme
- Parsley
While it is rare to find extreme vitamin A and beta-carotene deficiencies in many American diets, it is a fairly common ailment in other parts of the world and for people with extremely poor diets. Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency include night blindness (trouble seeing at night) and a weak immune system, among others.
If you fear you may not be getting sufficient amounts of beta-carotene, speak with your health care provider. He or she will be able to recommend changes in diet or supplements that may be able to aid you in achieving health levels of this important nutrient.
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