Carotene

• A yellow or orange plant pigment - one of the carotenoids - that occur in four forms: alpha (a), beta (b), gama (g), and delta(d).
• The most important form is b-carotene, which is an antioxidant and can be converted in the body to retinol ( vitamin-A ). 
• Foods containing b-carotene ( for example milk and some vegetables ) are therefore a source of the vitamin.
• Uses of b-carotene - 

• Prevention against cancer and heart disease
• To slow the progression of cataracts
• To prevent macular degeneration
• To boost immunity
• To protect the skin against sunburn
• Asthma
• Depression
• Infertility
• Parkinson’s disease
• Psoriasis
• Arthritis
• High blood pressure
• Cervical dysplasia
• Intermittent claudication