Beta carotene is an organic compound which contributes to the orange color of so many fruits and vegetables. The following article contains a list of food rich in beta carotene. Read on to know the benefits and side effects of this colorful compound.
Beta carotene is a strongly-colored, red-orange pigment which is abundantly found in plants and fruits. Beta carotene rich foods are good sources of vitamin A and these foods can protect your cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. This pigment is the most well-known of the carotenoids and it can impart orange, yellow, pink, red or even white color to the plant food.
List of Foods Rich in Beta Carotene
Vegetables
| Foods | Beta Carotene /200 Calorie Serving |
| Red Hot Chili | 63455 mcg |
| Raw Romaine Lettuce | 61469 mcg |
| Raw Green Leaf Lettuce | 59240 mcg |
| Raw Green Leaf Lettuce | 59240 mcg |
| Frozen Kale cooked with/without salt | 58820 mcg |
| Fresh Kale cooked with/without salt | 58390 mcg |
| Raw Red Leaf Lettuce | 56180 mcg |
| Spinach cooked with/without salt | 54670 mcg |
| Green Dandelion with Salt Boiled, Drained | 52888 mcg |
| Pokeberry Shoots cooked with/ without salt | 52195 mcg |
| Carrots, Canned | 51646 mcg |
| Raw Spinach | 48915 mcg |
| Raw Mustard Greens | 48463 mcg |
| Carrots boiled with salt | 47614 mcg |
| Turnip Greens boiled with salt | 45741 mcg |
Fruits
| Foods | Beta Carotene /200 Calorie Serving |
| Raw Cantaloupes, melons | 11883 mcg |
| Apricots, canned, water pack, with skin | 8665 mcg |
| Raw Apricots | 4558 mcg |
| Raw Grapefruit | 3450 mcg |
| Raw Cherries | 3080 mcg |
| Canned Plums | 2449 mcg |
| Raw Watermelon | 2020 mcg |
| Raw Papayas | 1415 mcg |
Spices and Herbs
| Foods | Beta Carotene /200 Calorie Serving |
| Fresh Basil | 27323 mcg |
| Paprika | 19160 mcg |
| Red or Cayenne Pepper | 13735 mcg |
| Chili Powder | 9555 mcg |
| Fresh Thyme | 5645 mcg |
| Dried Parsley | 3899 mcg |
Beta Carotene Benefits
- The compound is known as precursor of vitamin A and is included in many multivitamin supplements.
- It is believed to cures male and female infertility.
- It exhibits anti-aging properties. It enhances cell to cell communication.
- It helps prevent cardiovascular diseases and many other serious diseases like cancer.
- It provides the necessary antioxidants which help to stop activities of the free radicals of the body. Antioxidants strengthen your immune system.
- It is useful in several medical conditions like, HIV/AIDS, age related muscular degeneration, angina pectoris (chest pain), cataract, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, chlamydial infection, osteoporosis, photo-sensitivity, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Being a precursor of vitamin A, it promotes a healthy mucous membrane, strong hair and glowing skin. It helps to prevent eye problems, for instance, night blindness, colorblindness, formation of visual purple in the eyes, etc. It plays an important role in maintenance of the bones and teeth.
Increasing the intake of foods rich in beta carotene, is the best natural way of strengthening your immune system. This way, you can enjoy a healthy and happy life.
