Beta Carotene is being studied in helping to reverse the effects of COPD and lung damage, especially in smokers and former smokers. But the study does say to get it from foods, not from supplements.

Top 10 Foods Highest in Beta Carotene, taken from the link below:

http://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/natural-food-sources-of-beta-carotene.php

Beta Carotene is a carotenoid compound responsible for giving fruits and vegetables their orange pigment. A powerful antioxidant, beta carotene has been found to help protect against cancer and aging. Beta-carotene is a fat soluble vitamin, so eating the following foods with a fat like olive oil or nuts can help absorption. Below is a list high beta carotene foods, click here for high beta carotene foods by nutrient density, and here for an extended list of beta carotene rich foods

#1: Sweet Potato (Baked)

Beta-carotene in 100g Per cup (200g) Per medium potato (114g) 11509µg 23018µg 13120µg An average sweet potato contains only 103 calories and 0.2 grams of fat. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#2: Carrots (Cooked)

Beta-carotene in 100g Per 1/2 cup, slices (78g) Per carrot (46g) 8332µg 6499µg 3833µg Half a cup of sliced carrots contains only 27 calories and 0.1 grams of fat. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#3: Dark Green Leafy Vegetables (Spinach, Cooked)

Beta-carotene in 100g Per cup (180g) Per 1/2 cup (90g) 6288µg 11318µg 5659µg Other Dark Green Leafy Vegetables High in Beta-carotene (amount per cup, cooked): Kale (10625µg), Mustard Greens (10360µg), Collard Greens (8575µg), Beet Greens (6610µg), Turnip Greens (6588µg), Swiss Chard (6391µg), and Pak Choi (4333µg). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#4: Cos or Romaine Lettuce

Beta-carotene in 100g Per cup, shredded (47g) Per head (626g) 5226µg 2456µg 32714µg Other Types of Lettuce High in Beta-carotene (amount per cup, shredded): Green Leaf (1599µg), Red Leaf (1259µg), Butterhead (1093µg), and Chicory (995µg). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#5: Squash (Butternut Cooked)

Beta-carotene in 100g Per cup cubes (205g) 4570µg 9369µg Other Types of Squash High in Beta-carotene (amount per cup, cooked): Hubbard Squash, cubed (7339µg), and Pumpkin, mashed (5135µg). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#6: Cantaloupe Melon

Beta-carotene in 100g Per cup, balls (177g) Per wedge (69g) 2020µg 3575µg 1394µg An average wedge of cantaloupe melon contains only 23 calories and 0.1 grams of fat. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#7: Sweet Red Peppers

Beta-carotene in 100g 1 cup chopped (149g) 1 large (164g) 1624µg 2420µg 2663µg A large sweet green pepper contains 341µg and a large sweet yellow pepper contains 223µg. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#8: Dried Apricots

Beta-carotene in 100g Per cup (130g) Per half (4g) 2163µg 2812µg 87µg Other Dried Fruit High in Beta-carotene (amount per cup): Dried Peaches (1718µg) and Prunes (685µg). Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#9: Peas (Cooked)

Beta-carotene in 100g Per 1/2 cup (80g) Per package (253g) 1250µg 1000µg 3163µg Half a cup of peas contains only 62 calories and 0.2 grams of fat. Click to see complete nutrition facts.

#10: Broccoli (Cooked)

Beta-carotene in 100g Per 1/2 cup chopped (78g) Per stalk (180g) 929µg 725µg 1672µg Half a cup of cooked broccoli contains only 27 calories and 0.3 grams of fat. Click to see complete nutrition facts.