What Is beta-Cryptoxanthin & What Foods Can I Find It In?
beta-Cryptoxanthin is a precursor to vitamin A, classified as a provitamin A carotenoid.
It has several functions that are important for human health.
beta-Cryptoxanthin is closely related to beta-carotene.
Deficiency or toxicity has not been observed from the dietary beta-cryptoxanthin intake.
Table of Contents
beta-Cryptoxanthin Is Important For Health
beta-Cryptoxanthin is a precursor to vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient. (source ◳)
beta-Cryptoxanthin consumption has significant health benefits. (source ◳)
beta-Cryptoxanthin is a major carotenoid in the human retina and a major antioxidant in the macula.
beta-Cryptoxanthin is a carotenoid that has antioxidant properties.
The flesh of papaya is one of the fruits that contain high levels of beta-cryptoxanthin. (source ◳)
Benefits Of beta-Cryptoxanthin
beta-Cryptoxanthin is a carotenoid precursor to vitamin A, which is the most important antioxidant in the body.
It also has the ability to protect DNA from damage, and therefore might be able to protect cells from getting cancer.
It is also believed that it may be useful in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
It is a powerful antioxidant and helps the body to produce neurotransmitters, which help to regulate and maintain brain function.
The body uses beta-cryptoxanthin to produce hormones and keep blood sugar levels balanced.
It also helps to protect the liver from toxins.
You can find som research-backed benefits of beta-cryptoxanthin in beta-Cryptoxanthin: 6 Research-Backed Benefits .
beta-Cryptoxanthin Is An Efficient Xanthophyll
beta-Cryptoxanthin is believed to be the most efficient xanthophyll precursor, being incorporated into the human retina in the highest amounts.
The presence of beta-cryptoxanthin in human milk, which is the best food source for the developing infant, is of interest in the context of the role of this carotenoid in retinal growth and development.
The Three Most Common Carotenoids
beta-Cryptoxanthin is the third most common form of carotenoids.
beta-Cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene and alpha-carotene are all primarily regarded as precursors of vitamin A. (source ◳)
These three carotenoids are common in orange-, yellow-, and green colored fruits and vegetables such as carrots, pumpkins, apricots, sweet potatos, and beans. (source ◳)
Foods You Can Find beta-Cryptoxanthin In
You find beta-Cryptoxanthin mostly in spices and herb, vegetable, and fruits.
Examples of food sources include
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Chili Powder
- Butternut Squash
- Persimmon
- Persimmons
- Hubbard Squash
Foods in our nutrition tool
You can find regularly updated top-ranked lists of foods for over 200+ nutrients in our nutrition tool.
If you are interested in what foods contain the most beta-Cryptoxanthin we recommend you visit our tool.
Here's our top-ranked list of foods that contain beta-Cryptoxanthin.
