The Orange Color Group provides beta-carotene which supports vision and skin health. Beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body by an enzyme that splits it in half making two molecules of vitamin A. Vitamin A goes to the retina which is the camera of the eye. When light strikes vitamin A in the retina, an electrical signal is sent to the brain which creates vision. While preformed vitamin A in meats and supplements can rise in the blood to cause bone loss at greater than 9,000 units per day, the body controls the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A so once enough is formed the rest remains as the orange pigment beta-carotene. It accumulates in the skin where it acts as a sunblock protecting the skin from Sunlight ultraviolet light damage. People who eat lots of orange vegetables have orange colored skin as shown in the picture of hands. You find beta-carotene in carrots, pumpkins,squashes, and many orange vegetables and fruits (other than citrus fruits which are in the yellow-orange group). Like lutein, beta carotene is fat soluble and is more easily absorbed into the body by cooking and using a spray of olive oil. You should get about 5 to 7 milligrams per day from food and supplements.

Categories: Nutrition