Vitamin A's Health Benefits
By Paul Rothbart
Vitamins are important nutrients for good health. Most people are aware of that fact. There are many different vitamins that are designated with letters of the alphabet. Vitamin C is probably the most commonly known. People drink orange juice and take supplements to fight colds and illness. Most people know about Vitamin D and that the body makes it from the sun and that it's put in milk. There are other important vitamins such as Vitamin A. You may not know as much about it as the others, but it has many health benefits.
It Protects Vision
Eyesight is one of those things that tends to diminish with age. There's the very common night blindness which makes driving difficult when it's dark. Macular degeneration is also common with age and it can cause blurriness or a blind spot in the center of the field of vision. There is research to suggest that Vitamin A can help slow down or prevent vision loss in older adults. It's why carrots are associated with good vision. The vegetable is loaded with Vitamin A.
It Helps the Immune System
The immune system helps you heal and protects you from illness and disease. Vitamin A supports the immune system and helps it fight viral and bacterial infections. Taking supplements is helpful but the body absorbs the nutrient better when it's ingested in food. Sweet potatoes, carrots, and pumpkins are all good sources of Vitamin A.
It Can Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Vitamin A is one of the nutrients that can help lessen the risk of getting cancer. A study had participants eat a medium baked sweet potato every day. The research showed a 17 percent less risk of skin cancer. As before, getting Vitamin A through foods is better than through supplements. Too much of it consumed in a supplement can cause liver damage.
It Can Treat Follicular Hyperkeratosis
A condition of the skin, follicular hyperkeratosis can leave rough patches of skin and small bumps on several areas of the body. It happens when there is too much keratin on the skin and it blocks hair follicles. It is often caused by a Vitamin A deficiency so getting more of the nutrient can successfully treat the condition.
It Can Help Digestive Health
Intestinal proteins convert Vitamin A into retinoic acid. This compound can aid digestion and promote a healthy gut. This is essential to your overall health.
Vitamins are among the most important nutrients. When choosing foods, don't neglect Vitamin A. It has many health benefits, all of which are better when it is absorbed through food.
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