Beta Carotene is one of a group of natural chemicals known as carotenes or carotenoids. Carotenes are responsible for the pigment that gives orange/yellow fruits and vegetables their color although it is also rich in green vegetables too (the chlorophyll masks the beta-carotene). Beta carotene is converted in the body to vitamin A. It is an antioxidant, like vitamins E and C.
 
Good sources of beta-carotene include dark green and orange-yellow vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, broccoli, romaine lettuce, apricots, and green peppers. Beta-carotene is not an essential nutrient.