Ways to Get Beta Carotene Without Eating Carrots

You've probably heard that beta carotene promotes good eyesight. It is believed that it helps slow down the formation of cataracts and also macular degeneration. But did you know beta carotene has many other positive effects on health.

According to an article titled, Beta-Carotene: What You Need to Know, Some of the other reasons people consume foods that provide beta carotene are, to boost the immune system, protect skin against sunburn, relieve psoriasis, lower blood pressure, and even to help prevent cancer and heart disease.

It's clear that beta carotene has many positive effects on health, but when most people think of beta carotene and how to get it, they most often think of carrots. Carrots are definitely a good source of beta carotene, but they are not the only source.

Many other natural foods provide sufficient amounts of beta carotene. And if you're not a carrot lover, you'll want to know what these foods are, so that you can enjoy the health benefits beta carotene provides.

Ways to get beta carotene without eating carrots: alternative food sources of beta carotene

There are many beta carotene rich foods available and you can find most of them in your local grocery store year round. However, some of the foods are seasonal. One such food that is high in beta carotene that you'll only be able to find once a year is pumpkin.

We don't usually eat pumpkin as is. It's most often enjoyed in pies or dips. If you'd like other delicious ways to cook pumpkin and benefit from this squash's high level of beta carotene, visit this website for recipes.

Other foods that are high in beta carotene include:

*Many other squashes (usually the yellow-orange colored ones)

*Sweet potatoes

*Spinach and kale

*Broccoli

*Green bell peppers

*Some fruits such as apricots and mango.

Ways to get beta carotene without eating carrots: supplements

Beta carotene supplements are also ways to get beta carotene without eating carrots. However supplements do not provide beta carotene in its natural form as do whole foods. Supplements also make it easier to get too much beta carotene.

Supplements should only be used if a person is not getting enough beta carotene in their diet, and a doctor should always be consulted before taking any supplement. Many people are already getting enough beta carotene without knowing it.

Ways to get beta carotene without eating carrots: a final note

Although carrots are a great source of beta carotenes, they're by no means the only source. So if you don't like carrots, these foods provide ways to get beta carotene without eating carrots.

Sources:

Cathy Wong, Beta-Carotene: What You Need to Know, about.com