As you can tell beta-carotene produces colors in the yellow and orange range (although it can produce other colors). What is it, you ask? beta-carotene is a carotenoid, part of the phytonutrient family. What does it do? Protect cells from free radicals, vitamin A source, better immune system, and reproductive function. It is a powerful antioxidant that protects the body from free radical damage. Free radicals lead to a host of diseases (do cancer and heart disease ring a bell?), so getting an adequate supply of something to prevent this sounds like a good idea to me. Some of the diseases that beta carotene may play a role in preventing is: macular degeneration, asthma, cataracts, cervical cancer, heart disease, lung cancer, osteoarthritis, pneumonia, prostate cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and skin cancer. Important still is it's promotion of vitamin A, which is essential for eye and reproductive health. How can you get beta-carotene? Eat of course! Beta-carotene is found in carrots, kale, collard greens, spinach, thyme, broccoli, and cilantro. To preserve the content eat raw or slightly steamed. Also beta-carotene is fat-soluble so it requires the dietary fat for absorption (I promote a fat-burning eating style anyways).
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