John Myers
Carotene or more precisely carotenoids give carrots or sweet potatoes their striking color. The best-known form is beta-carotene, which as a precursor to vitamin A is very important for health. But the dye can do even more: let yourself be surprised!
On the way to the vitamin: (beta)carotene
The name carotene is derived from the Latin word for carrot: no wonder, because this food represents the orange pigment like no other. As “good for the eyes”, carrot porridge is served in large quantities to small children and it is actually worth eating. Beta-carotene – also known as provitamin A – can be converted into vitamin A by the body. And this is one of the vitamins that have been proven to help maintain normal vision. The vital substance also supports the immune system in its function. Not only babies, but also older children and adults benefit from an adequate supply. The daily requirement of carotene can be derived from the recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition (DGE) for vitamin A: Adults should therefore take in 700 to 850 micrograms, breastfeeding women even 1300. One microgram of vitamin A corresponds to 12 micrograms of beta-carotene, i.e , They ideally eat 8.4 to 10.2 mg of the provitamin, expectant mothers 15.6 mg. 100 g of carrots already contain around 8 mg of beta-carotene.
External use: carotene sun milk for a better tan?
Since carotene is relatively easy to absorb in sufficient quantities with food, supplementation with beta-carotene capsules or carotene tablets only makes sense in the rarest of cases. On the contrary, because the question “Can too many vitamins be unhealthy?” can be answered for vitamin A in particular. affirmative, as the expert explains. It is therefore better to be careful with tanning capsules, which are supposed to give the skin a brownish color through carotene. It works, but according to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), health impairments cannot be ruled out. A warning is also given against the use of carotene sunscreen if no sun protection factor is specified. Protection against sunburn is not guaranteed. Carotene creams for tanning only last until the dye is removed.
Carotene as a secondary plant substance
As part of a balanced diet with the help of recipes rich in vitamins, the intake of carotene is usually guaranteed and you do not need to calculate exactly or even use a dietary supplement. In addition to its function as a precursor of vitamin A, you also benefit from carotene in its capacity as a secondary plant substance. For these substances, many positive effects on health are discussed in science. Even if the final proof is missing: Carotene in its natural form and in normal amounts cannot do any harm. So bite into a hearty carrot, enjoy a tomato salad or prepare a dish with spinach – bon appetit!
