Carotenoids In Fruits Prevent Or Delay Onset of ALS

Increased consumption of foods containing carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene and lutein, may prevent or delay the onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.

ALS is a neurological disease that affects the voluntary muscle movement of the body. When a person with ALS wants to move a limb or part of the body, the brain signal carrying that instruction (motor signals) does not reach the designated part or muscle.

Motor signals travel from the brain through the CNS (Central Nervous System) and on to the PNS (Peripheral Nervous System) to which the muscles are attached. In ALS, the CNS and PNS start to deteriorate in that the muscles does not receive any instructions at all. In time, the muscle starts to atrophy and ends up shriveling up and eventually die.

Findings Suggest Beta-Carotene Lowers Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Scientists at the Stanford University Medical Center published their findings that beta-carotene lowers the risk for type 2 diabetes. They noted that test subjects with higher beta-carotene levels correlated with lower blood-glucose levels. On the opposite end, they note that a form of vitamin E may increase the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes.

Beta-carotene is an organic pigment found in plants called carotenoids. It comes in red, orange, and yellow pigments. Carotenoids are not manufactured by the body but is obtained through eating carotenoid-rich food.

Carrots are generally associated with beta-carotene but other fruits and vegetables also carry this nutrient.

Beta-Carotene and the Human Body

Another association with carrots is that it gives better eyesight. This is also because of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is found in the chloroplasts and chromoplasts of plants. They have a direct reaction to light, especially blue light and near-ultraviolet light which they absorb. These types of light are damaging to the eye and beta-carotene other carotenoids directly absorb these to protect the eye.

Beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A once the body needs it. It supplies 50% of the vitamin A needed by the body. Although, high levels of beta-carotene is deemed unsafe when taken long term as it can turn skin yellow or orange.

Also, people who smoke are discouraged from taking beta-carotene supplements because it might increase the risk of lung and prostate cancer.