Beta-Cryptoxanthin and Health
Beta-cryptoxanthin is one of over 600 recognized carotenes. Carotenes are a group of plant chemicals that have antioxidant properties protecting cells in plants and humans alike from damage by free radicals. All carotenes can therefore help prevent free radical induced cancer, heart disease, diabetes and premature aging. Only about 50 of the 600 known carotenes can be converted into vitamin A by the liver, which includes beta-cryptoxanthin and the more well known beta-carotene.
Cancer Prevention
Carotenoids as a group have been the subject of much research since their first discovery in the early 20th century. They are all proven antioxidants and evidence points strongly that they have protective qualities against various cancers, especially esophageal and lung cancer. Beta-cryptoxanthin itself has been inversely linked to colon cancer. In one study, humans with low colon tissue levels of beta-cryptoxanthin were more likely to develop colon polyps. Studies with animals also show that high levels of beta-cryptoxanthin are protective against colon cancer. Researchers also speculate that there is more to this protection than just antioxidant activity; beta-cryptoxanthin can induce more activity of the RB gene, which protects cells from becoming cancerous. Other evidence also shows a link between high blood levels of beta-cryptoxanthin and reduced risk of lung cancer. High blood levels of beta-cryptoxanthin is also associated with overall improved lung function ability.
Food Sources and Dosage
Beta-cryptoxanthin is a yellow based plant pigment and is found abundantly in most yellow colored produce. The best food sources of beta-cryptoxanthn are red bell peppers, papaya, oranges, corn, avocados, serrano pepper, watermelon and grapefruit. Unlike vitamin A, there is no present RDA for carotenoids. They are not yet recognized as a nutrient by the the Institute of Medicine at the National Academy of Sciences, although they are under review. So there is no upper and lower limit set at this point.
A great way to increase your intake of beta-cryptoxanthin is by making your own homemade juice recipes. The fresher the juice, the higher its nutrient content. You also get a lot more fruit, so to speak, in one juice than you would by eating. This greatly increases the nutrition, with the exception of fiber.