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Beta Carotene
A phytochemical (vitamin precursor) that is naturally
produced in carrots, other orange vegetables, apricots, cantaloupe, kiwi, papaya, and in the endosperm portion of the corn (maize) kernel. If the corn kernel seed coat is torn (e.g., via insect chewing), the beta carotene inhibits growth of Aspergillus flavus fungi in the endosperm region of the kernel.
In 1970, an orange (-fruited) cauliflower was discovered growing in Bradford Marsh in Canada. It was the result of a natural mutation that caused beta carotene to be produced in that cauliflower plant, at a level that was approximately one hundred times higher than normal for cauliflower.
Beta carotene has been found to aid eyesight and to strengthen the immune system in people who consume it; and may help prevent lung cancer and heart disease.
Because beta carotene is processed into vitamin A by the human body, consumption of this phytochemical can help avoid human diseases (e.g., in developing countries where vitamin A is scarce) that result from deficiency of vitamin A, e.g.,:
- coronary heart disease.
- certain cancers (e.g., cancer of prostrate, lungs, etc.).
- childhood blindness.
- age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in older people.
- various childhood diseases which often result in death, due to weakened immune system.
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