Sonic Health

While beta-carotene has long been noted for its benefit to the body, alpha-carotene is also making news as a healthy addition to everyone’s diet. Like beta-carotene, alpha-carotene is converted into vitamin A in the body, which is necessary for the development of a healthy immune system, skin, bones, and vision. Unlike beta-carotene, alpha-carotene is not as effective.
As an antioxidant, however, alpha-carotene is a leader. People who have higher levels of alpha-carotene appear to have a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cancer, and more. All carotenoids, such as alpha and beta-carotene help to prevent damage from oxidants.
Antioxidants prevent free radicals from breaking down cells. Eating foods rich in alpha-carotene can help remove free radicals from the body before any damage can be done. Alpha-carotene also seems to thwart cancer by encouraging communication between cells, which leads to correct cell division.
Alpha-carotene is found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, cantaloupe, kiwi, spinach, broccoli, kale and lettuce. The alpha-carotene provides the color and flavor to those foods. Most of the benefit is found in the skin, so avoid peeling. To help the body to absorb the alpha-carotene, steam spinach and carrots before consuming.
Dietary fats are necessary for the body to absorb alpha-carotene. There are certain conditions, which can prevent a person from digesting fats, such as cystic fibrosis or Crohn’s disease. This of course makes it difficult for a body to absorb alpha-carotene, so discuss this with your doctor. Other things that inhibit alpha-carotene absorption can be smoking, drinking of alcohol, and cholesterol medicine.
The best way to ingest alpha-carotene is through the consumption of five or more servings of veggies and fruits each day. Carotenoid supplements are available if you find it difficult to consume enough fruits and vegetables. If you smoke, discuss the use of supplements with your health care provider, as it may actually be harmful.