Beta-Carotene - Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Beta-Carotene

Aging & Life Extension

Beta-Carotene may possess Life Extension possibilities in that it may retard the Aging Process in its own right (i.e. in addition to its Antioxidant capabilities).  ^[1]

Cells

Beta-Carotene may prevent the formation of Free Radicals after exposure to X-Rays and may prevent these X-Rays-generated Free Radicals from damaging the Chromosomes of Lymphocytes of the Immune System.  ^[2]

Cardiovascular System

Beta-Carotene may help to prevent Atherosclerosis and may reduce the area of atherosclerotic lesions in the Heart.  ^[3]

Beta-Carotene concentrates in the Heart.

Beta-Carotene (50 mg per day) may reduce the risk of Heart Attack by up to 50%.  ^[4]

Beta-Carotene (50 mg per day) may reduce the risk of Stroke by up to 50%.  ^[5]

Cells

Beta-Carotene may enhance Gap Junction communication between Cells.  

Digestive System

Beta-Carotene may be useful for the treatment of Gastritis.  Beta-Carotene may reduce the production of Free Radicals in the Stomach.  Beta-Carotene may reduce the risk of developing chronic atrophic Gastritis.  Gastritis patients often have sub-optimal Blood levels of Beta-Carotene.  Supplemental Beta-Carotene (18 mg per day) may help to reverse the erosion of the Stomach that occurs in  Gastritis patients.  ^[6]

Beta-Carotene concentrates in the Pancreas.

Excretory System

Beta-Carotene concentrates in the Kidneys.  ^[7]

Eyes/Vision

Beta-Carotene may improve the health of the Eyes.  

Beta-Carotene may help to prevent Cataracts.  ^[8]

Immune System

Beta-Carotene (30 - 180 mg per day) may improve the immune function of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) patients - it may increase the levels of NK Lymphocytes, T-Lymphocytes and activated Lymphocytes in AIDS patients.  ^[9]

Beta-Carotene may protect against Candida albicans proliferation (levels of Beta-Carotene in the exfoliated vaginal cells of women afflicted with vaginal Candida albicans proliferation (vaginal candidiasis) are six times lower than the Beta-Carotene levels in the exfoliated cells of healthy women).  ^[10]

Beta-Carotene may enhance the function of the Immune System:  ^[11]

 Beta-Carotene may improve the function of B-Lymphocytes.  ^[12]

 Beta-Carotene may increase the production of Helper T-Cells and may enhance the function of Helper T-Cells.  ^[13]

 Beta-Carotene may prevent X-Rays-generated Free Radicals from damaging the Chromosomes of Lymphocytes.  ^[14]

 Beta-Carotene may enhance the ability of Monocytes to present Antigens to T-Lymphocytes and increases the number of circulating Monocytes.  ^[15]

 Beta-Carotene may enhance the function/activity of NK Lymphocytes.  ^[16]

-           Beta-Carotene may help to prevent auto-oxidative damage (i.e. damage caused by Free Radicals) to Phagocytes.  ^[17]

 Beta-Carotene concentrates in the Spleen.

 Beta-Carotene (30 mg per day) may increase the number of T-Lymphocytes and may also stimulate the activity of T-Lymphocytes.  ^[18]

 Beta-Carotene may enhance the function of the Thymus gland.  ^[19]