subject: Vitamin A Benefits And Sources [print this page] Vitamin A Benefits and Sources; Vitamin A Benefits and Sources;
We require macro and micro nutrients for keeping all the physiological functions in good state and to maintain better health. Vitamins and minerals are categorized under micro nutrients. Vitamins are classified into two groups, such as water soluble and fat soluble. Among Vitamins, Vitamin A is fat soluble vitamin that is available in both plant based and animal based foods. Vitamin A available from animal based foods is called as retinol. Vitamin A available in the form of carotenoids in plant based foods. Carotenoids are converted to Vitamin A physiologically by the body.
Eyes inflammation, loss of night vision, diarrhea are some of the symptoms associated with the deficiency of Vitamin A. Nausea, abnormal or blurred vision, irritation, bottom of the feet and palms of the hand turn to orange from its original color are symptoms associated with over dose of Vitamin A. It is advised by Nutritionists to try fruits and vegetables for Vitamin A in its natural way. Approximately, 800 mcg of Vitamin A for women and for men 1000 mcg of Vitamin A is sufficient per day.
Here we discuss Vitamin A benefits and sources' from plant based foods. Vitamin A as powerful antioxidant provides the following health benefits; it is available as alpha, beta, and gamma carotene, in some of the vegetables and fruits naturally. Vitamin A boosts immune system, by strengthening eyes lining and mucous membranes of respiratory, intestinal and urinary tracts. Vitamin A is essential for healthy eyes, as it improves color vision, prevents night blindness, prevents macular degeneration, age related eyes disorders, prevents cataracts, and glaucoma. It is known fact that Vitamin A plays significant role for dental and bone health.
Calcium phosphate is produced by Vitamin A in the body, prevents the formation of calculus in UTI. Due to its antioxidant property Vitamin A eliminates free oxygen radicals, thereby gives protection from oxidative stress, cardiovascular disorders, such as atherosclerosis, pulmonary disorders and improves heart health. As Vitamin A is helpful for flushing out free radicals, it prevents cancer also. It maintains the moisture of skin prevents wrinkles formation, prevents psoriasis. It improves reproductive health as studies proved.