Benefits of Vitamin A

While talking about fat soluble vitamins one simply cannot forget to mention vitamin A and vitamin D. Their advantages from a health standpoint are discussed below:
It is a known fact that Vitamin A provides multiple health benefits and so doctors often advise a healthy diet that promotes sufficient intake of vitamin A. Unlike vitamin D, vitamin A is found in abundance in food sources like green vegetables, milk and egg yolk. Depriving the body of benefits of taking vitamin A is like giving an open invitation to a wide range of health problems.

Benefits

Promotes Sharp Vision
Eye health and vitamin A go well together. Gradual vision loss that occurs with age can be easily prevented by including vitamin A in the diet. Poor vision and onset of eye problems like dry eyes and night blindness are often the result of deficiency of vitamin A. For optimal functioning of the eye, proper intake of vitamin A sources is essential. From stopping progressive deterioration of retina to improving eyesight, vitamin A does everything to keep the eyes healthy. Various pharmaceutical companies are manufacturing vitamin A eye drops that are extremely useful in the treatment of eye problems like
  • Cataracts
  • Conjunctivitis (Pink eye)
  • Blurred vision
Ensures Healthy Skin
Topical skin care products containing vitamin A (retinol) can also help to beautify the skin. Skin ailments like acne are often treated with vitamin A. Retinol for acne is often the first line of treatment for this skin problems. Equipped with skin nourishing properties, application of vitamin A products on face can prevent aging signs like wrinkles and will keep the face looking young years down the line. If a youthful face is what you are looking for, then using topical vitamin A products like tretinoin is a good option. However, application of vitamin A cream alone is not very effective to rejuvenate the skin. So, besides topical usage, one also has to take vitamin A internally to ensure noticeable improvement in the appearance of skin. Use of vitamin A cream can be instrumental to alleviate skin problems.

Strengthens the Immune System
Vitamin A also makes the immune system more effective against various infections by taking vitamin A foods on a daily basis. The immune system falling prey to infections is a rare possibility if the diet is rich in vitamin A. The white blood cells, commonly described as the immune system's army, do the job of thwarting any infections. With the presence of vitamin A, the white blood cells can do their assigned task more efficiently, thereby boosting immune function.

Promotes Bone Health
Vitamin A and bone health go hand in hand. For proper development of bones, it is necessary to include vitamin A and vitamin D food sources in the diet. Deficiency of vitamin A in adults, especially women, makes them prone to hip fractures. No wonder vitamin A comes in the list of bone health. For healthy strong bones, other than calcium, vitamin A intake is equally important. Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, essential for proper bone growth. However, when vitamin D levels dip below normal range, calcium is not absorbed properly. This hindrance in absorption of calcium can weaken the bones.

Displays Anti-Cancer Properties
Daily consumption of vitamin A foods can substantially minimize the occurrence of cancer development. Internally certain organs are covered by a membranous tissue known as epithelium. Vitamin A can restrict cancer formation in organs that contain these epithelial tissues. Thus, a diet high in vitamin A can play a major role to lower the risk of cancers associated with the breast, colon, lungs and the esophagus.

These are some of the important benefits of vitamin A that contribute in helping you stay healthy and keep age related disorders at bay. On the whole, to have good eyesight, healthy immune system, glowing skin and strong bones, one simply cannot afford to avoid vitamin A. So, make sure foods high in vitamin A are an integral part of your diet.
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Published: 1/4/2011
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