Caratenes at - Breakfast time? I explain why

Beta Carotene is a compound that gives the yellow, orange, and red colouring to vegetables. The body converts Beta Carotene into vitamin A (retinol).

Vitamin A is a vital nutrient for vision, plays a critical role in cell growth and in maintaining healthy organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. Beta Carotene, which gets its name from the Latin word for carrot, is an antioxidant that is extremely good for your eyes and skin so fill us up!

Some health benefits of beta carotene include:

Eye Health

Beta carotene is a provitamin A carotenoid, or a nutrient that the body readily converts into vitamin A. Research has found that eating a carotenoid-rich diet, including beta carotene, supports eye health and prevents eye diseases.

Improved Cognitive Function

There is evidence that beta carotene, like other antioxidants, may improve memory and cognitive function. A review of multiple studies found that long-term beta carotene consumption had positive effects on cognitive function and memory. Antioxidants like beta carotene might be very helpful in reducing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.

Skin Protection

Research has shown that antioxidants, including beta carotene, can help maintain skin health and appearance, and may protect the skin against UV radiation from the sun. Less fillers!

Cancer Prevention

Researchers have found that a diet high in beta carotene and other antioxidants may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

So the vegetables we should be eating for these awesome compounds are…sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens like spinach, butternut squash, canteloupe melon, peppers, apricots, broccoli and peas.

Why at breakfast?

By incorporating these foods into your breakfast you obtain much of your nutrient intake for the day. Therefore eating a breakfast of high nutrients means that you are more likely to get a daily intake needed as well as giving you increased energy, improved concentration and ultimately starting the day in a good mood!