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2024
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What are the efficacy and side effects of beta-carotene?
Beta-carotene is a natural plant compound that is widely found in vegetables and fruits. It belongs to one of the carotenoids and is a precursor of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the human body and has many important physiological functions. The efficacy and side effects of β-carotene are described below.
1. Antioxidant effect: β-carotene is an effective antioxidant, which can remove free radicals in the human body, reduce cell oxidative damage, and help protect cells from environmental pollution and ultraviolet radiation.
2. Immune enhancement: β-carotene can enhance the body's immune system function, improve the body's resistance, and reduce the occurrence of infection and inflammation.
3. Protect eyesight: β-carotene is the precursor of vitamin A. After being converted into vitamin A in the human body, it can maintain the normal function of the retina, promote visual development and protect eye health, and prevent night blindness and dry eyes.
4. Promote growth and development: Vitamin A plays an important role in regulating normal growth and development. As a precursor of vitamin A, β-carotene can ensure the normal growth and development of the human body.
5. Promote cell regeneration: β-carotene helps to maintain the health of skin and mucous membranes, promote cell regeneration, and reduce dry and rough skin.
6. Anti-cancer effect: Studies have shown that beta-carotene has a certain anti-cancer effect
7. Improve skin problems: adequate intake of beta carotene can improve skin pigmentation, dull and other issues, so that the skin more healthy and bright.
8. Promote cardiovascular health: β-carotene can reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood viscosity, and help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Although beta-carotene has many benefits, excessive intake may also produce some side effects. Here are some of the possible side effects:
1. Jaundice: Excess beta-carotene can cause yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, called jaundice. This is because beta-carotene accumulates too much in the human body and cannot be completely converted into vitamin A, but is deposited in the skin and mucous membranes.
Vomiting and diarrhea: High doses of beta-carotene may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
3. Hair loss: A large intake of beta-carotene may cause excessive intake of vitamin A, leading to hair loss problems.
4. Impaired liver function: long-term intake of β-carotene may have a burden on the liver and cause damage to liver function.
5. Hypertension: Some studies suggest that excessive intake of beta-carotene may be associated with the occurrence of hypertension, but the results are inconsistent.
In summary, the effects of β-carotene mainly include anti-oxidation, immune enhancement, protection of eyesight, promotion of growth and development, promotion of cell regeneration, anti-cancer, improvement of skin problems and promotion of cardiovascular health. However, excessive intake may cause side effects such as jaundice, vomiting and diarrhea, hair loss, and impaired liver function. Take beta-carotene reasonably and avoid excessive intake to fully enjoy its benefits while reducing possible side effects.
