Benefits and Sources of Vitamin A

There are two main sources that you can obtain vitamin A naturally.

1) Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that comes from animal foods such as calf liver.

2) Vitamin A comes from Carotenoids (alpha-, beta-, and gamma- carotene) which our bodies convert into Vitamin A and comes from many fruits and vegetables.

Check out the many health benefits of Vitamin A and find out how to get more of it in your healthy lifestyle!

Health Benefits of Vitamin A

• Vitamin A has been shown to help fight against age-related ocular diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Vitamin A helps to improve night vision by allowing the eyes to more effectively distinguish between light and dark.

• Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant and can help protect us against skin diseases and some cancers.

• Vitamin A plays an important role with the white blood cells in the body which fights infections and boosts in the immune system.

• Vitamin A prevents urinary stones from forming by producing calcium phosphate in the body.

•Vitamin A is known to be an essential to the reproductive process in both women and men.

• Vitamin A helps keep bones and teeth healthy and strong.

Natural Sources of Vitamin A

• Sweet Potato – 438% DV

• Spinach – 377% DV

• Carrots – 407.6% DV

• Calf Liver – 1,600% DV

• Kale – 354% DV

• Swiss Chard – 214% DV

• Collard Greens – 308% DV

• Winter Squash – 214% DV

Justification to Obtain Vitamins and Minerals Naturally

From what I have studied, it’s best if you can get your vitamins and minerals through natural sources rather than supplements.

Here’s why: Vitamin A works in conjunction with Vitamin D when obtained in the proper amount. You can obtain the proper amounts if you eat a variety of vegetables (Vitamin A) and get the proper amount of daily sun exposure (Vitamin D).

If you have too much Vitamin A (supplments) it can detract from the benefits associated with the Vitamin D and can even be potentially toxic. If you don’t have enough Vitamin A, the Vitamin D cannot function properly within the body.

Percentage Daily Value Sources provided by whfoods.org

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