By: Alyson Lundstrom
(Originally published for Gladly Wellness)
Vitamins are the essential nutrients our bodies need to function and can only be found through diet. We know we have a whole alphabet full of these micronutrients that each have a specific job to keep us at our cellular best.
Most of us know that Vitamin C is great for immunity and Vitamin D that results from vacation glow, plays some part in our making our teeth and bones strong, but what about Vitamin A? The leader of the alphabet vitamin pack?
What Is Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential micronutrient that serves more than one purpose. We need an average of 700 to 900 micrograms of Vitamin A a day to avoid a deficiency, all of which we get from our diet.
Eye Health
There are two types of Vitamin A; retinol and beta carotene. Retinol is in charge of your ocular health. A deficiency of Vitamin A could result in age-related macular degeneration and night blindness. A deficiency in Vitamin A is also the leading cause in child blindness worldwide.
Immunity
Vitamin A is a buddy to Vitamin C in that it also plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy immune system. In addition, this micronutrient is charged with keeping our mucous membranes in protective shape, which supports the healthy barriers of our eyes, lungs, and gut, all of which help us fight foreign intruders into our bodies.
Reproductive Health
This multi-tasking vitamin also does its part to keep reproductive systems in tip-top shape. Vitamin A is needed to maintain both male and female reproductive organs and ensures embryonic health.
Top Five Best Sources Of Vitamin A
So, where can we get Vitamin A? We likely eat quite a bit of it without knowing. Here are the top five best places to find it.
1. Liver
Liver is the richest food source of Vitamin A. Just a three-ounce serving will deliver over 700% of your daily needs.
2. Mango
A single serving of Gladly Mango juice will deliver up to 20% of your daily needed Vitamin A! This is a juicy and delicious way to reinforce your eye, immune, and reproductive health.
3. Spinach
Spinach is an all-around nutritional powerhouse that delivers a wide variety of micronutrients in each serving; Vitamin A is no exception. One serving can provide 570 micrograms of green Vitamin A goodness.
4. Dairy
Dairy is considered an excellent way to punch up your Vitamin A intake. In the United States, it is common practice to fortify certain dairy products with the powerhouse vitamin. Depending on the source, a serving can pack 100 to 300 micrograms.
5. Carrots
We’ve all heard that carrots are good for our eye health (hello, Bugs Bunny!), and there is scientific evidence to support this. They are a good source of the beta-carotene variety of Vitamin A, and just a half cup can pack up to 450 micrograms.
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