Oct 05 2008

Secrets of Vitamin A Revealed!

Published at 4:18 am under Natural Health Supplements

The Secrets of Vitamin A and Carotenes

Working in tandem, Vitamin A and the Carotenes perform many needed functions in the body. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and the Carotenes are plant-based forms of fat-soluble Vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary in the development and sustenance of strong teeth and bones. It is also critical in maintaining healthy skin and clear vision.

The Carotene family spans 600 types which are naturally-occurring, brightly colored plant pigments. Carotenes help to protect the body against free radicals. They are what we refer to as Anti-oxidants (against toxins). About 50 of the 600 Carotenes perform Vitamin A activities.

The all-powerful free radicals that swim through our bodies and destroy our tissues over time are eradicated by antioxidants like Vitamin A and the Carotenes. The ability of those free radicals to affect our bodies in a negative way is eliminated by the presence of the right amount of antioxidants in our bodies.

The process of oxidation is similar to that of the rusting of metal parts in a car, and this, in theory, is what takes place when free radicals roam through our bodies. When this happens inside us, serious health complications will occur. These conditions include, but are not limited to arthritis, Alzheimer\'s diseases, cancer, heart disease, and muscular degeneration.

Some individuals are hung-up on anti-aging products, but the most uncomplicated and readily available anti-aging food product is, in fact, Vitamin A. Regular daily doses of Vitamin A are effective against wrinkles. A high dosage of beta-carotene has the same effect. Vitamin A is also effective in keeping the mucous membranes in the throat, lungs, eyes and mouth healthy. It supports the digestive tract, kidneys, bladder and the reproductive system. Vitamin A, like Vitamin C, supports and promotes a healthy immune system which is the body\'s system of healing and fighting infections. Vitamin A also lowers cholesterol levels and assists with hormone production.

Vitamin A Deficiencies

Abnormal vision is the first sign of a Vitamin A deficiency. In particular, the ability to see clearly at night or in dim light is usually hampered. Night blindness and even dry eyes are also typical symptoms. Abnormal skin conditions, including acne and psoriasis can, in addition, result from insufficient levels of Vitamin A and the Carotenes

What amount should you take?

First, please consult your doctor or your nutritionist before taking any supplements. Now, having said that, first know that a poor diet is frequently the cause of this type of vitamin deficiency. So, you first need to eat foods high in Vitamin A and Carotenes. One food comes to mind, and yes, it is \"what mom ordered\", Carrots! Carrots are very high in Vitamin A, and best of all, they can just be cleaned and eaten anytime, with no side effects. Now, how cool is that! However, generally, dark green and brightly-coloured vegetables such as kale, collard greens, escarole, chicory, endive, romaine lettuce, broccoli, peas, carrots, red pepper, pumpkin, squash, turnips, sweet potato and tomatoes; all excellent sources of Vitamin A.

If you have to resort to supplements, which most busy people do, then ideally, adults should strive to get 500 to 850 micrograms of Vitamin A each day (600 micrograms for males, 500 micrograms for females, 800 micrograms during pregnancy and 850 micrograms during breast feeding). If you give your children a multi-vitamin, they usually contain enough supplementation for them; most importantly, give your kids their vegetables and ensure that they eat them!

Visit http://www.justintimeliving.com and learn about other Secrets of Vitamins and how to stay healthy naturally.

Burgess Xavier

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