Vitamin A is necessary for the body’s vision, immune system, reproduction, and cellular Immune systems to function properly. This fat-soluble nutrient can be found in a variety of animal products and is also made by the body through metabolic processes from plant-based foods. Learn about the vitamin’s many health benefits and how to incorporate it into your diet in this guide.
Vision: The Nutrition Source says that Vitamin A helps the eyes adjust to low light conditions well. Although it is not a cure-all for vision problems, it can definitely help keep the eyes healthy. Vitamin A and other nutrients, according to the National Institutes of Health in the United States, can help slow down age-related vision loss.
Immune system: Vitamin A plays a role in the development of the immune system, according to a 2018 study that was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Additionally, it regulates immune processes mediated by antibodies and cells. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that the nutrient can be used to treat a variety of infectious diseases. Additionally, vitamin A encourages the activity and production of white blood cells (WBCs).
Reproduction: Vitamin A is necessary for the development of the male gamete and the maintenance of the male genital tract, according to an animal study that was published in the Nutrients journal in 2011. Retinoic acid, which the body makes from vitamin A, is necessary for both male and female reproduction. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in a number of embryonic processes.
Differentiation of cells: The process by which cells take on particular roles and become specialized is the subject of this. Regulating the growth and specialization of cells is dependent on vitamin A, particularly retinoic acid. Genes involved in cell growth, differentiation, and renewal are regulated by the nutrient.
Even though vitamin A is necessary, taking too much of it, especially in the form of supplements, can cause toxicity. In addition to more serious conditions like liver damage and birth defects, this can also result in blurred vision, nausea, and dizziness.
Diet is the best way to give your body the Vitamin A it needs. Preformed vitamin A, or retinol, can be found in dairy products, fish, and liver. Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and kale are examples of plant-based foods that contain provitamin A, also known as a carotenoid.
The best way to eat vegetables that are high in vitamin A is raw. You could always make smoothies with kale and carrots, adding yoghurt for texture and flavor. In order to get the most out of your meal, combine these ingredients with sprouts, grams, and other vegetables to make a salad. Your body can get the necessary amount of Vitamin A from roasted sweet potatoes, fish that has been cooked to a moderate degree, and cold milk with cereal or oats.
