The media is constantly talking about vitamins, minerals, and superfoods, but very few people actually know what the vitamins we are constantly told to consume do. Vitamins do not have to be a mystery. Often times they are quite simple. For instance vitamin A is usually associated with the eyes. This is for good reason. Vitamin A helps the retina by providing the metabolite molecules needed for color vision and low-light vision. It also acts like a hormone-like growth factor for developing certain types of cells.
We are told to consume vitamin A but very few people actually know why it is so important. People who are vitamin A deficient are more prone to viral illnesses. Vitamin A is known for building defenses and when consumed in larger portions can help health recovery. It can also prevent strokes and treat some forms of skin cancer in topical application. It can also treat cystic acne in some cases and can sometimes treat baldness when paired with minoxidil.
Vitamin A can also increase white blood cell health, the main factor in its ability to heal the body at a faster rate. It can also improve skeletal and reproductive health. Vitamin A supplements don’t necessarily need to be consumed every day. Most of the vitamin A we need is consumed in the vegetables and fruits we already eat. Food high in vitamin A include cod liver oil, milk, beef liver, egg yolk, carrots, broccoli, apricots, papaya, pumpkin, spinach, collard greens, kale, butter, and sweet potatoes.
