Beta-Cryptoxanthin

Beta-cryptoxanthin is classified as a provitamin A (body can convert it into vitamin A) carotenoid. Beta-Cryptoxanthin is believed to have health benefits on people at risk of certain chronic diseases. Beta-cryptoxanthin is contained in yellow or orange fruits and vegetables such as cantaloupe, lemon, mangos, oranges, papayas, peaches, pineapples, carrots, pumpkin and sweet potatoes.

Recent studies reported that beta-cryptoxanthin reduced lung cancer risk by more than 30% for those whose diets provided the highest amounts of this carotenoid. According to the study, greater intake of foods high in beta-cryptoxanthin, such as citrus fruit, may modestly lower the risk of lung cancer (a major risk factor of smoking). Beta-cryptoxanthin has previously been shown to provide a 41% reduction in the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.