For this week in the ‘Health Foods’ section of this blog, we will talk about the different nutrients that the body needs, why we need them and which foods are considered to be the best sources of these essential nutrients.
First up, we have Beta Carotene. Orange-hued fruits and vegetables like papaya, carrots, apricots, melons and red bell peppers are some of the best sources of Beta Carotene. Carotene is the substance which gives these fruits and veggies their rich color – which is why yellow fruits like mangoes, and dark green, leafy vegetables are also great sources of Beta Carotene.
Once you include these Beta Carotene-rich health foods in your diet, your body will convert it to vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient that you need. Vitamin A helps you maintain good vision, a healthy immune function and it also promotes cell growth. Vitamin A can fight free radicals, thereby acting as an antioxidant in the body. Beta Carotene also helps promote strong bones, teeth and gums. In addition, it helps with the treatment of skin diseases such as age spots, acne and psoriasis.