The second form of vitamin A is based on plants and is better known as carotenoids. With over 600 carotenoids, they are divided into two types: xanthophylls that give yellow pigments to the foods we eat, and carotenes, which most often give an orange color to our fruits and vegetables.
Interestingly, the body can produce the whole vitamin A it needs, only from the fruits and vegetables we eat! Vitamin A from fruits and vegetables is incredibly important for many body functions. As an antioxidant it extracts free radicals and combats diseases and infections. It is therefore particularly important for our immunity.
Vitamin A fights eye damage by protecting them from harmful light. It also helps our vision in low light. Vitamin A protects the mucous membranes and skin from bacterial and infection attacks. It is essential for healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin A is extremely healthy for the reproductive system of men and women.
How to get vitamin A and why is it useful? There are two forms of vitamin A. The first is called retinoid, which is found in food sources such as meat, oily fish, dairy products, eggs, and fortified foods. And while they are all good sources of vitamin A, they are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat.
Good sources of vitamin A
When you wonder which fruits and vegetables to add to your juice or troubles because they contain vitamin A, think about the saturated color, not just the orange! Some fruits and vegetables, which are bright purple, yellow and red, are excellent sources of vitamin A, such as red, purple and yellow peppers.
Some of the best sources of vitamin A are carrots, chili peppers, melon, spinach and apricots. Others are mango, grapefruit, cabbage, sweet potatoes, watermelon and tomato.
Necessary Products for Healthy Vitamin A Juice
1 red pepper
4 carrots
4 spinach leaves
1 tomato
1 piece of fresh ginger
Put all the products in a blender and break well. So simple and incredibly useful.
Vitamin A, known for its essential role in maintaining vision, immune function, and skin health, is a fat-soluble nutrient. It exists in two primary forms: preformed vitamin A, or retinol, found in animal-derived foods, and provitamin A carotenoids, which are present in fruits and vegetables. Beta-carotene is the most notable carotenoid that the body can convert into retinol.
To obtain vitamin A adequately through diet, one should consider a variety of food sources. Animal sources of retinol include dairy products like milk and cheese, liver, and fish oils. Plant sources, particularly rich in beta-carotene, include carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens, as well as fruits like mangoes, papayas, and apricots.
The absorption of vitamin A is enhanced when consumed with fats due to its fat-soluble nature. Therefore, integrating a modest amount of healthy fats such as olive oil or avocados with vegetable sources can improve its bioavailability. For individuals with dietary restrictions or those who have difficulty absorbing nutrients, supplements may be considered, but it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider as excessive intake, particularly of preformed vitamin A, can lead to toxicity.