β-carotene is an orange coloured carotenoid found in high concentrations in carrots. Consumption of β-carotene is controversial, because some studies show that it protects from cancer and some show that it might increase cancer rates. This discrepancy may relate to the form of the carotenoid used, with synthetic forms not providing the protective effects of food derived versions. That natural β-carotene is protective of cancer is evidenced through studies looking at the effects of carrots on lung cancers. These studies show that the risk of lung cancer decreases as consumption of carrots increases. Further in ex-smokers, carrot consumption does not appear to show a protective effect. This may indicate that carrots are protective through their ability to reduce the damaging free radical effects of smoking, but when smoking ceases and free radical levels fall, carrots no longer show any protective effects. The best way to prevent disease is and always has been the use of a healthy high quality diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
