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WHAT IS BETA CAROTENE?
The National Cancer Institute website states:
“Beta carotene, which is found in plants, is a precursor of
vitamin A. The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A. It occurs mainly
in fruits and vegetables that are deep yellow, orange, or dark green in
color, such as carrots, squash, yams, peaches, apricots, spinach, collard
or mustard greens, and broccoli.
It is an antioxidant, a compound that may prevent cancer-causing
substances from damaging DNA. Epidemiologic studies have linked high
intake of foods rich in beta carotene and high serum levels of the
micronutrient to a reduced risk of cancer, particularly lung cancer.”
(Note: Research indicates that supplementation
with synthetic beta carotene may actually increase risk of colon
and lung cancer in smokers and drinkers.)
WHAT IS THE VALUE OF BETA CAROTENE IN GRAIN?
Grains have storage and handling advantages over fruits and vegetables
that make nutrients in grains very desireable.
At a cost of $100 million (U.S.) and the involvement
of 70 patents, beta carotene was genetically engineered into rice by
introducing genes from daffodils and bacteria resulting in
"golden rice". In comparison, the amount of beta
carotene naturally occurring in einkorn is considerably higher. |
