Beta Carotene: Super Antioxidants

Beta Carotene: Super Antioxidants. Carotenoids are natural compounds found in the pigment in plants. Although more than 600 carotenoids have been isolated, only a fraction are found in sufficient quantities in human blood and Network. The most prominent carotenoids are alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, Cryptoxanthin, and lycopene. Carotenoids work together to prevent and control free radicals and to limit free radical / oxidative damage. Beta carotene is an antioxidant to fight free radicals as well as vitamins C and E, alpha-lipoic acid, polyphenols, and the enzyme superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase.

Much has been written about the dangers of free radicals, which are the result of metabolic processes berasaI from environmental pollutants (nitrogen dioxide and ozone in the air polluted), heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, etc.), halogenated hydrocarbons, ionizing radiation, and cigarettes. Unless destroyed by antioxidants, free radicals attack is very strong cell walls and cell constituents such as DNA. Another possible target is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). When reacting with PUFAs, free radicals can produce a chain reaction in the profession, damaging the structure and function of cells, nucleic acids, proteins and regions of dense electron. Oxidative damage from free radical attack is associated with many degenerative diseases and conditions, including cancer.

Carotenoids have a diverse range of biological functions. For example, some carotenoids such as beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A and can be metabolized and converted into vitamin A, which is soluble in fat in the body. Alpha-carotene and Cryptoxanthin is also a carotenoid provitamin A.

Beta-carotene, which is perhaps better known as carotenoids, is a family of phytonutrients that represents one of the major groups of pigments in plants. This is one of the most abundant carotenoid and one of about 50 carotenoid compounds known as "provitamin A", and can be converted in the body into retinol, which is the active form of vitamin A.
Beta-carotene produces color from orange to yellow. Foods rich in beta-carotene may have a color other than the colors. This is because other phytonutrients pigments blend together with Beta-carotene so as to provide a unique color. Besides other orange and yellow colors are pink, red or white.

Beta-carotene functions:

1. Prevent deficiency of vitamin A. Until the end of the 20th century, the function of carotenoids, including beta-carotene, only discusses the potential activity of vitamin A. Beta-carotene is one of about 50 carotenoids, compounds called "pro-vitamin A "because the body can convert them into retinol, the active form of vitamin A. As a result, foods containing beta-carotene may help prevent deficiency of vitamin A. In addition to alpha-carotene and beta-Cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid that The most commonly consumed.
2. Antioxidants and boost immune activity. In recent years, carotenoids including beta-carotene have received a tremendous amount of attention as a potential anti-cancer compounds and anti aging. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant, which protects cells from free radical damage. It is also believed that carotenoids boost immune system function.
3. Encourage communication between cells more smoothly. Aside from being an antioxidant and boost immune activity, carotenoids including beta-carotene demonstrated its ability to stimulate communication between cells. Researchers now believe that poor communication between cells may be one cause excessive cell growth, a condition that eventually causes cancer. By building good communication between cells, carotenoids may play a role in cancer prevention.
4. Supporting reproductive health. Beta-carotene is also believed to play a role in female reproduction. Although the exact function in female reproduction has not been identified, it is known that the corpus luteum has the highest concentration of beta-carotene and every organ in the body. Nutrition plays an important role in the reproduction process.

Beta-carotene deficiency Symptoms






A low dietary intake of carotenoids such as beta-carotene are not known to directly cause disease or health conditions interfere, at least in the short term. However, if the too low intake of vitamin A, dietary beta-carotene and / or provitamin A carotenoids can exhibit symptoms associated with a deficiency of vitamin A.

Additionally, intake of carotenoids is less in the long term can lead to chronic diseases, such as heart disease and various cancers. One important mechanism for the association between carotenoids and disease is the appearance of free radicals. Research shows that a diet low in beta-carotene and carotenoids can increase the body's susceptibility to damage and free radicals. As a result, in the long term, dietary beta-carotene may increase tissue damage and free radical activity, and increase the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

Excess Beta-carotene Symptoms

A sign of excessive intake of beta-carotene is a yellowish color change in the skin, and most often occurs on the palms and soles of the feet. This condition is called carotenodermia. It is reversible and harmless.

A high intake of carotenoid-containing foods or supplements are not associated with toxic side effects. Therefore, the Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences does not specify tolerances for the highest intake carotenoid when discussing this compound in 2000.
However, the results of the two studies showed that those who smoke heavily and drink alcohol regularly, can increase their chances of getting cancer of the lungs and / or heart disease if they take supplements of beta-carotene in amounts greater than 20-30 milligrams per day.

How to Cooking, Storage and Processing

In certain cases, cooking may increase the availability of carotenoids in the diet. Steaming carrots and spinach briefly can improve your body's ability to absorb carotenoids in this food.
In most cases, it is important to note that cooking vegetables in a long time can reduce the availability of carotenoids by changing the shape of the natural carotenoids from the trans-configuration to the cis-configuration. Whiskers, fresh carrots contain 100% trans beta-carotene, whereas canned carrots contain only 73% of trans beta-carotene.

Factors that Influence Function Beta-carotene

Carotenoids are fat-soluble substances, and thus require the presence of dietary fat for proper absorption through the digestive tract. Therefore, the status of carotenoids you may be disturbed by a diet very low in fat or if you have a medical condition that causes decreased ability to absorb fats and foods such as deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, Crohn's disease, ulcers, surgical removal of part or all of the stomach, gall bladder disease and liver disease.
Due to the lack of eating fruits and vegetables, many teenagers and young adults do not get beta-carotene intake is sufficient. Additionally, if you smoke or drink alcohol, you may have high levels of beta-carotene lower. Smokers and drinkers consuming Iebih few foods that contain carotenoids such as beta-carotene. Also, researchers suspect that cigarette smoke damage the carotenoids.

Interaction of Nutrition, Substance

Beta-carotene supplements to reduce levels of lutein while they can also increase the levels of beta-Cryptoxanthin. Supplementing your diet with pectin can lower the absorption of carotenoids.

Benefits of Beta-carotene for Health

Carotenoids may play a role in the prevention of the following health conditions:

1. Asthma.
2. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
3. Age-related skin degeneration.
4. Cataract.
5. Cervical cancer.
6. Cervical dysplasia.
7. Infection kiamidia.
8. Heart disease.
9. Cancer of the larynx (laryngeal cancer).
10. Lung cancer.
11. Infertility in men and women.
12. Osteoarthritis.
13. Photosensitivity.
14. Pneumonia.
15. Prostate Cancer.
16. Rheumatoid arthritis.
17. Skin cancer.
18. Vaginal candidiasis.

Food Sources of Beta-carotene

Foods that are a source of beta-carotene include sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, turnip greens, winter squash, collard greens, cilantro, fresh thyme, melon, romaine lettuce and broccoli.

Prompts for Public Health

According to research conducted by experts, discovered the efficacy of providing patients with 1 mg per kg of beta-carotene up to 50 kg, or 50 mg for those with more weight and 50 kg, for 12 weeks, followed by 10 mg for 12 weeks, or placebo. The volunteers were also given pancreatic enzyme supplements and vitamins A, C, and E.

National Academy of Sciences supports the recommendations of the various health institutions, which encourages individuals to consume five or more servings of fruits and vegetables every day. The level of intake of fruits and vegetables provides about 3-6 milligrams of beta-carotene.

Apart from beta-carotene which contains very high anti-oxidants, we also need to pay attention to the intake of vitamin B complex, because the compound elements in it are very important for keeping the body healthy.

The Smart Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) For Human Health.

The Smart Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) For Human Health. Alpha-Iipoic acid (ALA), the which is Also known as lipoic acid or thioctic acid is an important cofactor in energy metabolism in organisms and microbes to humans. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) to provide adequate protection against arthritis, Cataracts, diabetes, heart disease, aging, severe poisoning, cirrhosis of the liver, kidney damage, AIDS, and other health conditions. ALA is found in spinach and other foods, but foods Reviews These may not be enough as a source that produces alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is effective.

Unlike other antioxidants, such as water-soluble vitamin C, and vitamin E are fat soluble, ALA is an antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble, so it is available in various locations in the body. ALA and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA), the which reduced form, is effective against a wide variety of free radicals, molecules that Accelerate the aging evil and contributes a lot to health problems.

According to Lester Packer, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley, said that the ALA could be the missing link in the treatment and prevention of disease. He added that ALA may be the most potent natural antioxidants known to man. Packer, who has published more than 60 studies on ALA and colleagues, explaining that the product has its own advantages as a more powerful antioxidant properties than other antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, even ALA may increase of the effectiveness of both the vitamin, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) or alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is very beneficial for our health. No wonder that many health experts Consider the ALA as one of the most powerful antioxidants ever found a human, so supplementation of ALA are available now, Instant confirmation. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a natural antioxidant produced by the body and from the food we eat. However, there are some conditions that cause the production of ALA in the body is reduced and there are some conditions that cause Increased needs of our ALA.

Factors That Cause ALA in the body Reduced:

1. The age growing.
2. Diabetes.
3. Lack of protein intake.
4. Problems in the digestive system.
5. Suffering cataracts.
6. The resistance of the body is weak.

Conditions Causing Increased ALA Needs






Our body needs ALA to keep your metabolism steady and avoid the health effects on Certain conditions worse. Conditions that cause our body needs to ALA increases, Among others, as follows:

1. Hypertension. High blood pressure or hypertension is a disease that must be treated, because if it's too late would cause damage to other organs such as the heart and lungs. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) will help increase blood flow and circulation while strengthening muscles of your heart and blood vessels.
2. Liver Regeneration. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver health condition declined and difficult to rectify. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can overcome the problem of liver regeneration by helping produce glutathione, a liver excellent nutrition.
3. Diabetes. People with diabetes have low levels of insulin in the body. Insulin is useful to regulate blood sugar levels in the body. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) helps reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics and balancing blood sugar in people without diabetes. However, for people with diabetes, it is better to consult a doctor before taking Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).
4. Cholesterol. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) also helps to balance the level of cholesterol in the body.
5. Glaucoma. Some studies have found that Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) helps in the treatment of glaucoma, a disease affecting the optic nerve.

Because of the above diseases that lead to Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) increases, the consumption of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) should be improved. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) can be obtained through the daily diet. But according to experts, Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in these foods are found only in small quantities, so that under certain conditions is needed supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).

ALA supplementation benefits:

Here are a variety of benefits that can be obtained from the supplementation of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA):

1. Supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) helps boost the immune system and protects the body from various diseases.
2. Supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) helps overcome fatigue by increasing energy production.
3. Supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) helps maintain brain function in adults, prevent aging, and can also improve memory.
4. Supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is often used in medical treatments, such as cases of liver disease to help protect the liver cells and helps the process of spending toxins from the body.
5. Supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is useful for preventing sudden death and cardiac and nerve damage in diabetics.
6. Supplements Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also often used in the treatment of patients with HIV and other infectious diseases to boost immunity.

Consuming the recommended ALA Supplements

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is highly recommended for consumption of people aged over 40 years, because of advancing age, more and more production of alpha Lipoic Add (ALA) in the body will Decrease. The vegetarian is recommended to consume ALA supplements Because they do not eat meat as the main source of ALA. In addition, Patients with certain medical conditions such as Reviews those Mentioned previously Also are advised to take a supplement of ALA, with a doctor's supervision.

ALA and Effect on Weight Loss

Weight problems are caused by the body's limited ability to store glycogen, and also the accumulation of fat in the body. Solutions to lose weight is to increase the intake of glucose into the muscle. Insulin is the only hormone that can do this, for the body needs something that can mimic insulin so that glucose is used by the muscles more leverage.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is an insulin perfect imitator. When the glycogen storage in the body is full and insulin works to convert the excess sugar as fat, naturally ALA will soon emulate as insulin. When the sender of glycogen increases, the amount of glucose that enters dalam menyebabkan muscle increases and decreases fat deposits.

Very impressive to know how a molecule that is relatively small and simple as lipoic acid turned out to have a myriad of functions for the continuity of optimal body systems. Therefore, keep the level of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in the body is essential for maintaining optimal health of our bodies.

According to Michael Murray, ND, the recommended dose for the general antioxidant support is 20 to 50 mg / day. In the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, the recommended dose now is 400-800 mg / day. For the treatment of AIDS, the recommended amount is 150 mg three times daily.
Lipoic acid supplementation has been shown to be very safe because no one has reported adverse effects after more than three decades of use in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy.

In addition, animal studies have shown that ALA supplements have very low toxicity. In addition to saving vitamin C and E and other antioxidants, ALA works synergistically with vitamin B two-B1 and B3-in cellular energy production. ALA also can improve blood sugar control in diabetes, resulting in a reduction in the dose of insulin or oral medications that lower blood sugar.