2006-06-30 21:17:25 · 9 answers · asked by Wolfie 7 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Other - Science
Carrots contain beta carotene, which is an orange pigment, so when too much B-carotene builds up in the body, it causes skin discoloration. The condition actually has a name--hypercarotenemia, or just carotenemia--and is harmless in-and-of itself.
Flamingos turn pink if they eat shrimp containing red pigment for the same reason--it builds up in their bodies and causes discoloration. I once saw a flock of flamingos that was neon pink, except for the only juvenile in the flock, who was most decidedly grayish-white.
2006-06-30 22:25:50 · answer #1 · answered by starlightfading 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The chemical compound that gives carrots their orange color is not quickly destroyed or excreted by the body, so if you eat lots of carrots, the pigment accumulates and you turn orange. You should avoid this: although the pigment is necessary for vision and other physiological processes in small quantities, in large quantities it is toxic.
-- Robert A. Saunders, Lake Stevens, WA.
2006-07-01 04:25:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
its the vitamins and the carotone in the carrots that send ur pigmentation of ur skin orange....but believe me...u gotta eat a damn lotta carrots for that to happen...and just a tip on carrots too kiddies...eatin heeps of them DOES NOT help u see in the dark, is just an ugly myth,...lol...true as...
2006-07-01 04:27:16 · answer #3 · answered by angel_of_ur_heart35 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of the beta carotene contained in carrots.
2006-07-01 04:36:33 · answer #4 · answered by betty(Beth) 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
omg - are you sure that's true? Cause i honestly don't think it is. It is good for the eyes though - cause of the vitamins. Maybe that's what does it IF it is true - the vitamins. But, like i said, i don't think they turn your skin orange, if they did, i'm sure we'd have heard about it by now lol.
If so - then by God, that's freakin' strange
2006-07-01 04:21:13 · answer #5 · answered by XxDJToxic420xX 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OMG you wont turn orange that is just a myth the worst thing that could happen to you is that you eye sight would improve.
2006-07-01 04:28:27 · answer #6 · answered by Harvard Girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is true but it take a lot about hundred or so pounds but the answer is the beta carotene which used to be used as a dye
2006-07-01 04:24:18 · answer #7 · answered by syd_4345 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dunno, but what you said just reminded me of this old "Magic School Bus" episode in which one of the kids ate too many cheese chips [like Cheetos] and he turned orange!
oh man, good times!
2006-07-01 04:21:48 · answer #8 · answered by M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's weird. I don't know why it happens, but it did happen to my grandpa.
2006-07-01 04:22:38 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋