Sunday 1 December 2013

Carotenoids protect our vision:

Carotenoids protect vision, especially night vision. After beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the liver, it travels to the retina where it is transformed into rhodopsin--a purple pigment that is necessary for night-vision. Plus beta-carotene's powerful antioxidant actions help provide protection against muscular degeneration and the development of senile cataracts--the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.


Carrots are by far one of the richest source of carotenoids. Just one cup provides 16,679 IUs of beta-carotene, more than 250% of the RDA, and 3,432 REs(retinol equivalents), or roughly 686.3% the RDA for vitamin A. High carotenoid intake has been linked with a 20% decrease in postmenopausal breast cancer and an up to 50% decrease in the incidence of cancers of the bladder, cervix, prostate, colon, larynx, and esophagus. Carotenoids and Blood Sugar Intake of foods such as carrots that are rich in carotenoids may be beneficial to blood sugar regulation. Research has suggested that physiological levels, as well as dietary intake, of carotenoids may be inversely associated with insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels.
Falcarinol in Carrots Protects against Colon Cancer Although best known for their high content of beta carotene, carrots also contain a phytonutrient called falcarinol that may be responsible for the recognized epidemiological association between frequently eating carrots and a reduced risk of cancers.
Protection against Emphysema - A common carcinogen in cigarette smoke, benzo(a)pyrene, induces vitamin A deficiency.

www.rishihospital.com

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