Quotes About Beta-carotene

Nutritional research on macular degeneration has shown that consumption of lutein and zeaxanthin, but not beta-carotene, is associated with a reduced risk for macular degeneration. People who ate the most lutein and zeaxanthin had a 57 percent lower risk for macular degeneration than people who ate the least. The three top sources of lutein are kale, collard greens, and spinach.

The same was found for carotenoid antioxidants like beta-carotene.14 Apparently, pills do not have the same cancer-fighting effects as produce. When it comes to certain other cancers, like those of the digestive tract, antioxidant supplements may even make things worse.

Cats are true carnivores. While you may choose a vegetarian lifestyle, don't assume it's healthier for your cat also. Cats aren't able to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A the way we can. They must get vitamin A from animal tissue (called preformed A). Cats are also unable to convert linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) to arachidonic acid the way dogs can so they must get preformed arachidonic acid from its only source—animal tissue.