Beta Carotene
Nature’s Powerful Vegetable Antioxidant
| $7.49 | 10,000iu 100 Count Bottle VP2812R | Retails for $9.90 | |
| $17.99 | 10,000iu 250 Count Bottle VP2812U | Retails for $23.90 | |
| $179.99 | 12 Bottles 250 Each 10000iu | Retail $286.80 | |
| $8.99 | 25,000iu 100 Count Bottle VP2814R | Retails for $12.90 |
Boost Valuable Beta Carotene Intake Daily With These Convenient Softgel Capsules
Helps resist infections!
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Beta Carotene is the most potent form of Carotene available. It is present in dark-green, leafy vegetables, carrots and yellow, red fruits (such as peaches and apricots).
Beta Carotene protects the mucus membranes of mouth, nose, throat and lungs. It also helps protect Vitamin C from oxidation, which enables it to perform at optimum efficiency. It provides Vitamin A activity, essential for growth, vision healthy tissue, skin & hair; building the immune system's resistance to infection.
This antioxidant vitamin has been shown to strengthen the immune response by stimulating T-helper cell activity. It also appears to prevent the development of cancer. A number of studies have shown people with a higher beta-carotene intakes have a reduced rate of lung and colon cancer.
Beta Carotene, which your body converts to active Vitamin A, but which is derived from vegetable and fruit sources, does not carry the toxicity risk of Vitamin A which comes from fish liver sources. You can take higher amounts of Beta Carotene in supplemental form, 10 to 15 mg or 15,000 iu to 25,000 iu per day, without risk.
Symptoms of deficiency: acne, dry dull hair, dry skin, fatigue, poor growth, insomnia, thickened scaly skin on the palms and soles of the feet, frequent infections, night blindness, weight loss, dry eyes (progressing to ulceration of the cornea if untreated) and dry mouth.
Formulated without caffeine, corn, gluten, milk or egg derivatives, sodium, starch, sugar, wheat or yeast. No artificial colorings, flavorings or preservatives.
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Nutrient-Packed Foods Offer Many Benefits
Eating at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables could lower Cancer risk by 20% . . . Heart Disease risk by up to 40% . . . and Stroke by 25%
Fruits and vegetables offer a wealth of benefits. Antioxidants that are naturally found in fruits and vegetables include Beta-Carotene, Lycopene, Vitamins C, E, and A and more . . .
Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules in the body, called free radicals. Over time, free radical damage may ultimately lead to several diseases. Antioxidants are considered to be extremely beneficial since they interact with and stabilize free radicals and may stop some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause.
A study that was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry confirms that plant- based foods are loaded with beneficial nutritional factors, particularly those with higher levels of antioxidants. The antioxidant level of over 100 different foods, including fruits and vegetables, was analyzed in a large USDA study. Although a report showing that plant-based foods are naturally full of nutrients is not really surprising, the advice continues to be to eat more fruits and vegetables.
You may also want to add some spice to meals. Although spices are generally consumed in small amounts, many also provide antioxidants. On the basis of antioxidant concentration, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, curry and oregano were the highest among the spices studied.
Artichokes and beans (legumes) are top performers when it comes to antioxidants. They are among a bountiful variety of foods found to contain surprisingly high levels of these disease-fighting compounds, according to the new USDA study. Each food was measured for antioxidant concentration as well as antioxidant capacity per serving size. Among the fruits, vegetables and nuts analyzed . . . Cranberries, Blueberries, and Blackberries ranked highest among the fruits studied. Beans, Artichokes and Russet Potatoes were tops among the vegetables. Pecans, walnuts and hazelnuts ranked highest in the nut category.
Antioxidant Benefits The well-publicized high antioxidant ranking of such foods as Cranberries and Blueberries was confirmed in the study, but interestingly, researchers also found that Russet potatoes, pecans and even cinnamon are all excellent, although lesser known, sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are believed to be very valuable to fight Heart Disease, Cancer, and Alzheimer's. The total antioxidant capacity of the foods does not necessarily reflect their potential health benefit, which depends on how they are absorbed and utilized in the body. The most valuable antioxidants are Beta-Carotene, Lycopene, Vitamins C, E, and A.
Presently, there are no specific government guidelines for consumers on how many antioxidants to consume and what kind of antioxidants to consume in their daily diet. Health experts continue to recommend that people eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for better health. For now, to ensure adequate nutrition and optimum nutrient intake, consider supplementing the diet with comprehensive multi-vitamin formulas in addition to enhancing consumption of plant-based foods.
ANTIOXIDANTS . . . The “Anti-Aging” Nutrients Boost The Immune System and Have Powerful Anti-Cancer Activity . . .
Health and nutrition experts have increasingly come to recognize the value of taking a synergistic blend of potent antioxidants, the cancer-fighting, health-promoting nutrients that help boost the immune system naturally. Here’s a summary of major antioxidants that should be considered for daily intake . . .
Researchers analyzed data from the Beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial (CARET). They focused on blood samples from 278 subjects with prostate cancer and 483 matched subjects without cancer. They analyzed blood levels of several carotenoids, including lutein vitamin A and vitamin E (alpha and gamma tocopherols), then identified correlations between those levels and the risk of lung and prostate cancer.
Results: In the overall population, the highest intakes of lutein, zeaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol were associated with a significantly lower risk of lung cancer. Women with the highest blood levels of lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-cryptoxanthin had the lowest risk of developing lung cancer. The risk reduction associated with these nutrients was 69% for lutein zeaxanthin. Men with the highest blood levels of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) were 41% less likely to develop prostate cancer.
Firstly, for a good, all-around antioxidant boost, everyone can benefit from daily vitamin C, vitamin E, and Selenium.
- VITAMIN C What It Does: May protect against GI (gastro-intestinal) cancers, cataracts, and heart disease; reduces severity of colds. Optimizes vitamin E utilization. Best Food Sources: Fruits and vegetables (eg., strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli, dark leafy green, red peppers). Suggested Dose: 500 to 1,000 mg. (or more) a day. Best taken with meals.
- VITAMIN E Vitamin E comes in two forms: tocoperols (the most common form of the vitamin) and tocotrienols. Take a vitamin E supplement to assure you’re getting optimum tocopherol levels. Less is known about the tocotrienols; research is ongoing. What It Does: Tocopherols may protect against heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and certain cancers; they may also enhance immunity. Tocotrienols may fight heart disease and breast cancer; may also protect skin against the sun’s UV rays. Best Food Sources: Tocopherols: Nuts and vegetable oils have a small amount. Tocotrienols: Rice bran. Supplements are beneficial to supply a therapeutic dose of these vital vitamin compounds. Suggested Dose Tocopherols: 400 to 800 IU of natural vitamin E a day, preferably as mixed tocopherols; best taken with meals.
- SELENIUM What It Does: Protects against cancer, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Assists other antioxidants to function at optimum levels. Best Food Sources: Brazil nuts, grains, vegetables (selenium content varies depending on the soil produce is grown in.) Suggested Dose: 100 to 200 mcg. a day; avoid higher daily doses, which may be toxic. Take with meals to help boost absorption.
- COENZYME Q10 What It Does: May fight cancer and heart disease; strengthens gums; protects nerves; helps generate energy, naturally. Where It’s Found and Specific Food Sources: Present in all cells of the body, especially in the heart. Also found in nuts and oils, but supplementation is required to get a therapeutic dose. Suggested Dose: At least 30 mg. a day. CoQ10 is particularly important for anyone who has heart disease. In addition, anyone taking cholesterol-lowering statin drugs, such as Mevacor (lovastatin), Lipitor (atorvastatin), or Zocor (simvastatin) should take CoQ10 because these drugs deplete the body’s store of Coenzyme.
- ALPHA-LIPOIC ACID What It Does: May protect against heart disease, cataracts, stroke, cancer, and diabetes-related nerve damage. May also help boost critical glutathione levels. Best Food Sources: Found in tiny amounts in some foods (eg., spinach, beef, potatoes). Suggested Dose 100 mg. a day with food. For people with diabetes, 200 mg. three times a day.
THESE ADDITIONAL ANTIOXIDANTS MAY ALSO BE BENEFICIAL TO YOUR HEALTH . . .
Other antioxidants that may be worth including in your antioxidant mix – depending on your individual health concerns – are carotenoids, ginkgo biloba, and proanthocyanidins. Glutathione, an amino-acid like antioxidant, is very important for immunity and proper liver function. Taking these additional antioxidants boosts your body’s natural production of valuable glutathione.
- CAROTENOIDS What They Do: May lower your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Best Food Sources: Orange and red fruits and vegetables; dark green vegetables. Suggested Dose: If diet is lacking in fruits and vegetables: Take mixed carotenoids supplying 25,000 IU of vitamin A
- GINKGO BILOBA What It Does: Improves circulation; may fight heart disease, Alzheimer’s, impotence. Where It’s Found: Extracted from the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree. Suggested Dose 30 to 60 mg., of extract (equivalent 250 mg. - 500 mg. of whole herb) once or twice a day, with or without food.
- PROANTHOCYANIDINS (Grape Seed Extract / Pine Bark Extract / Berry, Fruit Extracts) What It Does: Boosts body’s production of vitamins C and E and glutathione. Where It’s Found: Extracted from grape seeds, berry extracts or pine bark (such as Pycnogenol). Suggested Dose 30 to 200 mg. a day.
SOURCES / REFERENCES: “The Doctor’s Complete Guide To Vitamins and Minerals” / Eades, M.D. “The Nutrition Desk Reference” / Garrison, Jr., M.A., R.Ph. & Somer, M.A., R.D. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 2003;2003:518-526.
