Healing Eating & Vitamin A

Why do we need Vitamin A? Vitamin A is important for normal vision, the immune system, reproduction, and growth and development. It helps your organs, like your heart and lungs, to work properly. Vitamin A also acts as an antioxidant and helps to protect the cells against effects of free radicals.

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally found in many foods. Many plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables, contain Provitamin A Carotenoids which  the body turns into vitamin A. Carotenoids are the pigments that give fruits and vegetables their yellow, orange, and red colors. Green leafy vegetables and other greens, like spinach and broccoli, as well as orange and yellow vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and winter squash contain carotenoids. Cantaloupe, mangos, and apricots are fruits which contain carotenoids.

Vitamin A deficiency is rare but common among the young in developing countries or people with chronic disease such as cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease. The first signs of deficiency shows in the eyes, with the inability to see in low light. If left untreated, the person could become blind. In addition, long-term deficiency increases the risk of respiratory diseases like pneumonia, infections or anemia.

Including Vitamin A in your daily diet is the best way to prevent illnesses such as colds and flu(s). Eating a diet rich in vitamins A, C, E helps to strengthen the immune system. The recommended daily amount of Vitamin A is 900 micrograms (mcg) for adult men and 700 mcg for women. Vitamin A supplements interact with medications and it is possible to taken in excess and have harmful effects.