Weight Loss Programs & The Essentials—Beta Carotene

Source: SheKnows.com

Beta carotene is the most well-known and one of the most beneficial carotenoids, which are a class of chemical compounds that act as precursors to Vitamin A. It’s an essential nutrient that should be incorporated into the meal plan of all easy weight loss programs, due to its wide variety of benefits. In addition to having powerful anti-aging properties and protecting your body from the damage caused by free radicals, beta carotene can help fight off certain diseases.

Beta carotene is an orange pigment found in many fruits and vegetables; more importantly, it’s a water-soluble vitamin-A, meaning that your body can convert it into vitamin A. At our medical weight loss centers, we recommend that patients get beta carotene from food rather than supplements—since its present in many foods that also benefit the effects of weight loss programs, getting your fill is a win-win.

Since its discovery in 1831, beta carotene was thought to boast many positive health benefits in addition to helping prevent night blindness and other vision problems. Research in the 1980s revealed its antioxidant properties and possible cancer-fighting abilities. More recent studies showed that individuals who eat a diet rich in carotenoids had a much lower risk of breast, colon and lung cancer.

As if those weren’t reason enough to recommend beta carotene-rich food to patients of our weight loss clinics, later research has shown that this likable carotenoid boosts immunity, prevent skin disorders and protect from toxins. Since beta carotene fights free radicals, it also can help slow the aging process. 

Foods that contain beta carotene are often also good sources of fiber—one of the keys to achieving success with easy weight loss programs. Those who eat a diet rich in beta carotene also have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and lower LDL-cholesterol. Studies have shown that individuals with a high level of beta carotene are less likely to suffer from diabetes and issues with blood sugar levels. In addition, those with high intakes of beta carotene had increased lung capacity and less respiratory problems.          

At our medical weight loss centers, we recommend eating a diverse diet that includes approximately four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables per day, if possible. Adhering to this guideline will also help you get your beta carotene in—some great sources include the obvious orange-colored foods such as sweet potatoes, butternut squash, pumpkin, cantaloupe, apricots, mango, nectarines, carrots and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Not all beta carotene-rich foods is orange colored—some surprising sources that are also great choices for all weight loss programs include dark green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Many other lettuces and cabbage are also good sources. 

Additional findings about beta carotene that we like to promote to visitors of our weight loss clinics is that high intake can lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, prevent oxidative damage from rigorous workouts, and can effectively help heal dry skin as well as the painful effects of psoriasis and eczema.