Can you explain me the difference between vitamin A and beta-carotene?

There are two forms of vitamin A, the preformed original vitamin A and as carotenoids. These carotenoids are called provitamins and the most well known is beta-carotene.

Beta carotene is converted into vitamin A once digested. Vitamin A is found in fats such as butter and margarine, but beta-carotene rich in fruits and vegetables which have bright colours.

Beta-carotene is an antioxidant. It can reduce the risk of heart disease and few cancers. It is very healthy if you take this from your fresh foods. Synthetic beta-carotene supplements can increase the risk of cancer. It is noted particularly among smokers.

Is it dangerous to health to take beta-carotene food supplement?

20 to 30 years ago there are many studies which suggested that dietary supplements of beta-carotene and vitamin A might reduce the incidence of lung cancer. .

Beta-carotene and vitamin A are antioxidants which may prevent carcinogens from damaging DNA to cause cancer.

Beta-carotene supplements are not harmful to non-smokers. But smokers have got more lung cancer compared to others.

Food rich in beta-carotene, other carotenoids and other phytochemicals found in fresh vegetables and fruits are very healthy food for all including smokers.

We must be always careful with synthetic food supplements.

Food supplements are good if they are absolutely necessary. Before taking, it is a must to consult with your doctor or dieticians.

Are drumsticks and leaves good for postmenopausal women?

Drumsticks are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, E, calcium, iron and phosphorous. Thus it is a good vegetable for healthy vision, skin and bones.

They are rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids and the leaves contain glycoflavones.

Drumsticks and their leaves are good because they are rich in calcium, magnesium and other elements which are important to prevent osteoporosis. Apart from other vitamins, enough amount of vitamin A is also present. It is a good food for postmenopausal women.

100 g fresh drumstic contains 79.2 g water, 432 g calcium, 134 mg phosphorous, 0.26 mg iron and 139 mg vitamin C. It has less oxalic acid compared to many vegetables, 11.2 mg.

The ripe drumstic seeds are dried and roasted. These taste like roasted groundnut.

It is generally a very good food for children also because of the high amont of beta-corotene, from which vitamin A is produced.

What are the Rainbow Colour Antioxidants and Phytochemicals?

Antioxidants and phytochemicals rich food lower the risk of heart diseases as well as cancer. We must eat enough vegetables and fruits everyday.

The colour of fruits and vegetables are coing from the antioxidants and phytochemicals and the are

• Red colour – Lycopene, food rich is tomato, watermelon, pink grapefruit etc.
• Orange colour – Beta-carotene, rich in carrot, mango etc.
• Yellow colour – Beta-cryptothanxin, rich in pineapple, peach, orange etc.
• Green colour – Indoles, rich in cabbage, broccoli, kale etc.
• Purple colour – Anthocyanins, rich in grapes, blueberries, egg plants etc.
• White colour – Allicin, rich in garlic, onion, chives etc.

Eating everyday the vegetables and fruits containing these antioxidants and phytochemicals are very healthy.