Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that occurs only in animal foods. Carotenoids, however, serve as a great source of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carotene that our bodies convert into vitamin A and can be found in many vegetables and fruits.
Every cell in your body needs vitamin A. This nutrient regulates the growth and division of your cells and it helps your body produce white blood cells when you need to fight an illness or infection, according to lifeclynic.com.
It plays a role in remodeling bone and it keeps the cells that line your body's interior surfaces healthy. Smokers should avoid high-dose supplements of beta-carotene, according to Harvard School of Public Health, because it may increase their risk of lung cancer, but getting the recommended amount through food is healthy and safe.
Here are some reasons why you should make sure that your diet includes vitamin A, according to healthdiaries.com.
Better eyesight
This is probably the most popular benefit of vitamin A. Vitamins can maintain moisture in the cornea and protects it from damage. Vitamin A is generally essential for healthy eyesight, and to prevent eye conditions including night blindness, visual purple, cataracts and glaucoma.
Immunity
Not only does Vitamin A strengthen "entry points" into the human body, such as mucous membranes, the lining of the eyes, respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts, it is also essential for the lymphocytes, or white blood cells, that fight infection once in the body.
Anti-Infection
One of the other main benefits of Vitamin A is their anti-infection powers. Vitamin A helps to make that frontline stronger with growth and repair. Vitamin A helps to strengthen the mucous membranes of your body. And the mucous membranes are another frontline defense for your body against infection.
Vitamin A is very important for keeping your frontline barriers such as the skin, eyes, nose, throat, lungs, digestive tract & urinary tract strong. This will help you fight off and protect you against infection.
Anti-stroke
Stroke victims who have high levels of vitamin A in their systems are less likely to die or suffer disabilities from the stroke. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is a good defense against stroke and its complications.
Skin
The antioxidant properties of vitamin A combat free radicals that can damage the skin through oxidative stress. By maintaining proper moisture retention, the skin is not only protected from common dryness, but also keratinization (the process in which the epidermis hardens into a heavy material that makes up hair and nails), psoriasis (a skin disease marked by red, itchy or scaly patches), acne, and even wrinkling.
Reproductive System
Vitamin A is known to be essential for the reproductive process for both males and females.
Healthy bone and teeth development
Studies indicate that deficiencies in vitamin A can lead to abnormal bone growth. Vitamin A is necessary for tooth development and bone growth, without which impaired bones may result.
Cancer
As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin A fights against oxidative stress, or "cellular rust," within our bodies, thus protecting us from health problems such as cataracts, atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer.
There are many health benefits of vitamin A that are critical in maintaining a healthy functioning body. It is also essential to consume the proper amount of vitamin A, as either too much or too little can have a detrimental effect on your health. .