Why does carrots make you orange

It is thought to protect cells against oxidative damage and also is converted into vitamin A inside the body. In fact, beta-carotene is often thought of as an actual form of vitamin A.

Having normal levels of vitamin A is key for good vision, strong immunity, and general health. Their skin turns color because of beta carotene which is what gives carrots their orange color. It is very concentrated in carrots ten times greater than any other food source. When eating an excessive amount of carrots beta carotene gets deposited in the outermost layer of the epidermis carotenodermia.

It is completely harmless and will go away with time. My patient with carotenemia. His palm against mine. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene , a natural pigment that gives the root vegetable its orange color.

When you consume too many carrots -- or sweet potatoes, pumpkins, or any other food that is similarly high in carotene -- excess beta-carotene will enter the bloodstream and be stored under the skin, thus giving it a yellow, orange or golden tint. What qualifies as "too many carrots" is different for each person since it depends on an individual's metabolism , but an average, healthy dosage of beta-carotene is six to eight milligrams a day.

According to a Columbia University health blog, "for carotenemia to set in, you might have to consume as much as 20 milligrams per day or, three large carrots. While the condition is seen in adults, it is most common in infants and children , according to the Scientific American. And, since carotene can be excreted in sweat , the color is usually most concentrated and visible on the palms of the hand, soles of the feet or on the face's laugh lines -- aka, the nasolabial folds.

The body converts some of that beta-carotene into vitamin A , which helps to boost your immune system and maintains healthy vision and -- you guessed it -- healthy skin. Plus, cooked carrots supply the body with an abundance of antioxidants and are a good source of fiber, vitamins C and K and potassium. To learn more about the personalized care provided by our doctors using state-of-the-art equipment and technology, please visit our medical services section.

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