What is Beta-Carotene?Beta-Carotene BenefitsOther Benefits and UsesBeta-Carotene Side Effects and DosageThe Bottom LineWhat is Beta-Carotene?Beta-carotene is one of about 700 different plant pigments (carotenoids) present in fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices, giving them a bright orange color. Some examples are carrots, apricots, plums, peppers, chilies, pumpkin and sweet potatoes. Even green leafy vegetables like spinach have these pigments. The deeper the color, the higher the beta-carotene content (x, x, x).A German pharmacist named Heinrich Wackenroder was the first to extract beta-carotene from carrots in 1831. The pigment wasnamed “carotene” after the Latin word carota for “carrot.” Carrots are the richest known source of beta-carotene, though some of the nutrient are lost through food storage and cooking (x, x, x, x).Beta-carotene is often written asβ-carotene. Some also call it “provitamin A” because the body converts it intovitamin A. Vitamin A is critical for the body to fu...
