For the normal functioning of the body, it is necessary that all the necessary vitamins are supplied with food. Ignorance of which foods contain which substance can lead to vitamin deficiency and various disorders in the body.
What is vitamin A for?
Vitamin A, also called retinol, is the first vitamin to be isolated by scientists. It is a fat-soluble substance that affects many processes in the human body. He takes part in the synthesis of proteins, has a direct effect on the growth of bones, hair and teeth. Retinol affects the metabolism and the formation of the immune system response, the distribution of lipid deposits. Vitamin A protects the mucous membranes, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory and genitourinary systems from infections.
It is especially important for babies to consume enough vitamin A for proper growth and development. Women during pregnancy should also increase the dose of retinol so that the fetus develops normally.
Vitamin A is extremely important for vision. This substance is responsible for the adaptation of the eye to various degrees of illumination, ensures the normal functioning of the retina, visual analyzers and mucous membranes.
It is the lack of retinol in the body that causes such ailment as night blindness - a weakening of vision in low light.
Vitamin A is also called the vitamin of youth. It participates in the formation of new cells and is responsible for the smoothness and sufficient moisture of the skin, good condition of hair and nails.
What vitamin A contains
Vitamin A deficiency can seriously affect your health, so you should carefully monitor your diet. Retinol is found in large quantities in fruits and vegetables. They are rich in carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, apricots, plums, sea buckthorn, melon, parsley, viburnum, celery. Under the influence of heat treatment, part of vitamin A is destroyed, so summer is a great opportunity to saturate your body with it. Retinol has the ability to be deposited in the liver, so feel free to feast on the gifts of nature and remember that you can use the substances obtained from them even in winter.
Mushrooms and legumes also contain retinol. First of all, you should pay attention to chanterelles and green peas - these food products contain the most vitamin A.
The richest in retinol is fish oil, which is recommended for both children and adults. Other animal products include cod liver and beef liver, caviar, margarine, egg yolk, as well as full-fat milk and cream.
With vitamin deficiency, it is extremely difficult to make up for the vitamin A deficiency with the help of proper nutrition. As a rule, you have to resort to medication treatment. It is much easier to eat right and prevent this condition.