Carotenoids, What are They? (in a glance, above)
Beta carotene is the most familiar carotenoid, but it is only one member of a large family. Researchers believe that it is not just beta carotene that but all the carotenoids working together.
The body converts beta carotene to vitamin A, which itself has anticancer properties and immune-boosting functions. But too much vitamin A can be toxic to the body, so it's better to get extra beta carotene from foods and let the body naturally regulate how much of this precursor is converted to the immune-fighting vitamin A. It's highly unlikely that a person could take in enough beta carotene to produce a toxic amount of vitamin A, because when the body has enough vitamin A, it stops making it.
Combating Various Viruses
A weakened immune system can wreak havoc on your health. Research shows that infections may contribute to heart disease, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Beta-carotene stimulates the immune system once it has undergone conversion to vitamin A.
Antioxidant actions of beta-carotene protect cells of the immune system from damage by reducing the toxic effects of reactive oxygen species Carotenoids are also shown to provide strong anti-inflammatory benefits (inflammation is a characteristic of autoimmune disorders) in addition to acting as powerful antioxidants, which can strengthen the immune system.
Beta carotene increases the number of infection-fighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging.
Studies have shown that beta carotene can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially strokes and heart attacks, giving scientific credence to the belief that a carrot a day can keep the heart surgeon away. Beta carotene also protects against cancer by stimulating the immune cells called macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor, which kills cancer cells. It has also been shown that beta carotene supplements can increase the production of T-cell lymphocytes and natural killer cells and can enhance the ability of the natural killer cells to attack cancer cells.
Citations:
http://www.carotenoidcomplex.com/science/science4.html
http://www.stopgettingsick.com/template.cfm-1689
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