Vitamin A is also known as retinol. It is a very important nutrient that can help increase our immunity to fight infections and keep our skin and eyes moist. This is a fat–soluble vitamin which plays an important role in ensuring healthy eyes and bone development. The most common cause of blindness among children is Vitamin A deficiency.
It can prevent dry eyes and night blindness and ensure clear vision. The richest sources of Vitamin A are butter products, fortified milk, cheddar cheese, beef liver, egg yolk, cream, and cod liver oil. Yellow or orange–colored fruits and vegetables with the pigment carotene are the best sources of Vitamin A. You should include foods rich in Vitamin A in your diet, such as collard greens, papaya, peas, peach, apricot, oatmeal, tomato, pumpkin, mango, spinach, broccoli, carrots, and sweet potato.
Suppose you have a major deficiency of Vitamin A. In that case, you can have some of the following symptoms: precancerous changes in the body tissues, sexual disorders, brittle nails that break easily, dull, lusterless hair dandruff, xerophthalmia (dryness of conjunctivitis), inflammation of the eyelids, a burning sensation or itching in the eyes, night blindness and keratinization of the skin.
A deficiency of Vitamin A can result in depression, insomnia, and fatigue. This vitamin is required in trace amounts, and your body will expel any excess quantity. You should take regular quantities of this vitamin for the best results. If you overdose on Vitamin A, then it can have detrimental symptoms such as nausea and blurred vision. Severe symptoms can include growth retardation and an enlarged liver and spleen.
Contents
11 Health benefits of Vitamin A (retinol)
Protects reproductive system
There are many studies in which is shown that Vitamin A can aid the health and functionality of our reproductive system.
Lower cholesterol levels
Vitamin A can lower cholesterol levels, which means it can protect you against the serious risks of stroke and heart disease.
Treats measles
If children have Vitamin A deficiency, it can cause measles. It is very important to take foods rich in Vitamin A because it can help relieve diarrhea and fever caused by measles and aid in quick healing.
Slows aging
Vitamin A has wrinkle–eliminating properties that can help reduce fine lines and age spots. Also, it can slow down the aging process by enhancing the overall health of your skin.
Repairs tissues
Some studies show that Vitamin A is important in replacing old and worn-out tissues with new ones and can keep your teeth and bones strong.
Prevents cancer
This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can prevent some forms of cancer.
Reduces risk of acne
Vitamin A can help cut down excess sebum production, which can reduce the risk of acne. Also, this vitamin reinforces the skin’s protective tissue, thereby enhancing the vitality and overall health of the skin surface. It is very important for properly maintaining skin tissues and mucus membranes. It can flush out toxins from your body and cleanse the system with its antioxidant properties.
Promotes muscle growth
It can keep your bones healthy, and it will retain their shape. This vitamin plays an important role in ensuring proper muscle growth in children and growing teens, and it can prevent the chances of developing muscular dystrophy.
Prevents urinary stones
Vitamin A can prevent the formation of urinary calculi, which is caused by the formation of calcium phosphate. It can help keep the lining of the urinary tract in shape, reducing the recurring chances of stones.
Boosts bone health
Vitamin A can strengthen your teeth and bones. It can help form dentin, a layer of hard material below your teeth’ surface, enhancing its strength.
Skincare
This vitamin can free your body from toxins and radicals, which can cause damage to your skin. Also, it can help to keep your skin soft and supple by ensuring moisture retention, thereby preventing keratinization, dryness, and skin conditions like psoriasis.
