Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin also known as retinol. It is found in animal foods such as whole eggs, milk, and liver. It can also be sourced from foods with carotene such as carrots, sweet potato, and cantaloupe. Vitamin A can also be found in fortified foods such as cereals and milk.
There is a prescribed amount of vitamin A recommended for each age range and specific needs per condition, hence receiving the right amount through your diet can reap healthy benefits.
Vitamin A is essential to keep healthy and here are the top 10 benefits of incorporating the right amount vitamin A in your diet.
1. Eyesight. When a person looks at an object the light reflected enters the eye striking the tissue called retina. This tissue has retinol which then converts to retinal. The retinal starts the cycle of sending messages to the brain and back to the eye. Thus vitamin A, retinol, prevents night blindness an impaired ability to see in low light conditions.
2. Skin. Retinol is common to some beauty products resulting to youthful and glowing skin. This is because retinol enhances the skin by making the skin shed cells faster unveiling fresh skin cells in the surface. Vitamin A in topical solutions has also been used to treat acne problems.
3. Anti-oxidant. Vitamin A coming from carotenes has antioxidant powers combating free radicals which come from pollution. Vitamin A has been known to aid in slowing down the oxidation process, slowing down ageing.
4. Bones and Teeth. Strong teeth are another benefit of vitamin A. It boosts the formation of enamel creating stronger teeth. As with retinol in beauty staples, it also promotes the replacement of worn out tissues fortifying healthy and strong bones.
5. Immune system. By keeping the skin moist, vitamin A keeps skin and mucous membrane cells resistant to cell damage preventing viruses and bacteria from setting off infectious diseases.
6. Urinary stones. Vitamin A aids in the production of a mineral compound called calcium phosphate that prevents solid particles from forming in the urinary system.
7. Cancer. As a strong anti-oxidant, vitamin A is said to help in the prevention of cataracts, atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
8. Protein. Vitamin A has also been linked to the creation of proteins and growth hormones essential for the development of fetus. However high doses of vitamin A for pregnant women may pose some risks.
9. Anti-infection. Through growth and repair of skin, vitamin A strengthens the frontline of defense against infections.
10. Reproductive System. From generating good genes to helping in the functions of the reproductive health, vitamin A is beneficial to the overall health of both males and females.