The lack of butter in the diet of the soldiers of the First World War led to the fact that many of them developed eye pathology. Research scientists have shown that it is in butter and chicken yolk that contains a special substance necessary for growth and vision. This substance — soluble fat «A»-factor — was one of the first vitamins discovered, vitamin A, which got its name from the initial letter of the alphabet.
This vitamin has another name — carotene, which he got from carrots. In English, this root vegetable sounds like "carrot", with its bright color indicating a record content of vitamin A.
5 invaluable qualities of vitamin A for the body
Strengthens the immune system. Thanks to the antioxidant properties of vitamin A, they prevent the development of genetic diseases and the formation of cancerous tumors.
- Vitamin A reduces the risk of developing infectious diseases and increases the body's resistance against microbes and viruses.
Clears the skin. Since vitamin A is actively involved in cell renewal, it promotes wound healing and rapid collagen formation.
- Vitamin A is used in cosmetology to fight acne, pimples, psoriasis.
Supports the heart. Vitamin A reduces the symptoms of angina pectoris up to its complete disappearance, prevents the development of atherosclerosis and inhibits blockage of blood vessels.
- Vitamin A helps to increase blood levels of "good" cholesterol, which increases the strength of cell membranes and blood vessel walls.
Protects eyesight. Vitamin A helps moisturize the eyeballs, protects them from & nbsp; drying and gives high sensitivity of the eye in the dark.
- Vitamin A protects the eyes from the development of cataracts and macular degeneration, which causes blindness in one in three cases.
Normalizes metabolism and strengthens the skeletal system.
- Vitamin A regulates fat deposition and promotes rapid tissue repair.
Vitamin A: look for fruits and vegetables in sunny colors
According to the amount of vitamin A content, products can be divided into two large groups — animal and vegetable origin.
Dairy products, eggs, caviar, liver are the first. This is explained by the biological necessity of the full growth of the offspring of the animal.
Second — plant group — different bright colors: green, yellow, orange. The richer the color of a fruit or vegetable, the more vitamin A it contains.
Fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin A:
- broccoli, pumpkin, sweet pepper;
- mint, sorrel, parsley, green onion;
- beans, soybeans, peas;
- apricots, apples, peaches;
- grapes, raspberries, sea buckthorn, cherries;
- watermelon, melon.
Deficiency or excess of vitamin A is dangerous for the body
According to statistics, 670,000 children die every year due to lack of vitamin A. However, hypervitaminosis can be fatal. This is eloquently evidenced by the sad experience of the traveler Gerrit de Veer, who ate the liver of a polar bear during the expedition. The concentration of a huge amount of vitamin A in it led to the fatal disease of all travelers. Therefore, it is so important to maintain the balance of this vitamin in the body.
Vitamin A deficiency can cause:
- hemeralopia or "night blindness", which severely impairs vision;
- irritability and dry skin, seborrhea;
- stinging and pain in the eyes, accumulation of mucus in the corners;
- exhaustion, insomnia;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (diarrhea, colitis, gastritis);
diseases of the respiratory system (pneumonia, bronchitis, sinusitis).
An excess of vitamin A can cause:
- flaking and dry skin;
- weakness and fragility of hair and nails;
- impaired vision, inflammation of the eyes;
- diseases of the skeletal system;
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
convulsions, paralysis.
Complete nutrition, with the obligatory intake of fats and fiber, provides the body with the necessary amount of vitamin A. Enough & nbsp; correctly form your menu and enter products containing it into it.
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