Benefits of Vitamin A

Vitamin A is also known as a miracle vitamin due to a host of benefits it offers which have a positive impact on your health. It is also very famous among women as it promises to slow down the aging process, helps treat acne and improves the overall skin condition. Some important benefits of vitamin A which help to improve your total health condition are listed below:-

1. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and can be stored in the body. Beta carotene a precursor for vitamin A is considered a potent antioxidant which helps to scavenge the free radicals from the body. Free radicals are a by-product of oxygen which the cell uses and are believed to cause degenerative changes like cancer, heart diseases, diabetes, cataracts and aging.
2. One of the famous and effective vitamin A benefits is its role in vision and sight. Retinol, the active form of vitamin A is required to start a chemical process which sends signals to the brain to adjust darkness and dimness of the light. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night impaired vision at an early stage.
3. Vitamin A helps to boost the immune system and protects the body against different diseases and infection. It helps to increase the activity of the antibodies and stimulates the white blood cells to fight infection and destroy harmful bacteria and viruses. Vitamin A also enhances and stimulates different immune functions which include antibody response and activity of phagocytes and T helper cells.
4. Vitamin A, retinol and beta carotene have been found to inhibit the tumor development and decrease the risk of breast cancer, esophageal cancer, colon cancer and cervical cancer. They have a protective effect on the cell membranes and DNA which helps to prevent, halt or slow down the tumor growth by enhancing the communication between the cells.
5. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in the embryonic development and is important in the development and differentiation of the cells. However before starting any supplementation or vitamin rich diet a pregnant lady should consult a specialist for recommended doses and supervision.
6. Vitamin A also plays an important role in the formation of strong bones.
7. Vitamin A supplements has been believed to helps children with respiratory problems and people suffering from measles and glaucoma.
8. Skin conditions can be improved with vitamin A supplementation under supervision.

Vitamin A is better absorbed in the body in the presence of fat. Natural sources are available in two forms – retinol and beta carotene. Good sources of retinol include organ meats like liver, eggs, fish, butter, cheese, and milk. Dark greens like spinach, amaranth, broccoli and yellow orange vegetables like carrots, papaya, mango, pumpkin, sweet potato, tomatoes and apricots are good sources of beta carotene. The health benefits of apricots can reduce cancer to some extent as apricots are rich in beta carotene and have antioxidant qualities. Before taking any vitamin A supplements consult a specialist for correct guidance and dosage.