7 Facts About Antioxidant Beta Carotene
5. As the name suggests, ‘beta’ and ‘carotene’ are derived from Greek and Latin words respectively, the latter being ‘carota’ literally meaning “carrot.” Carrots are probably the most important sources of beta carotene because of the sheer concentration of the compound found in them. One carrot is enough for the daily intake of beta carotene for an average adult.
6. Carrot juice gives you more beta carotene than the raw vegetable because raw carrots also contain fiber which the body gets rid of and much of the beta carotene is also removed along with it. While juicing a carrot, however, the fiber is effectively removed and all the beta carotene is still there in the juice.
7. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient which all human beings need for normal health and growth. Non-vegetarians get most of their vitamin A from dairy products like eggs. But vegetarians must ensure that they have adequate fruits and vegetables which are red, orange and yellow in color throughout the day because beta carotenes are the only source of vitamin A for them. Beta carotenes convert to vitamin A in our bodies, and therefore vegetarians need more of them through their diet.
