Various Foods That Contain Vitamin A and Its Benefits

During this time, carrots are known as a source of vitamin A. However, there are actually various types of foods that contain vitamin A, ranging from fruit, vegetables and even meat. Vitamin A is the vitamin that was first identified, so it is named after the first letter in the alphabet. These vitamins include fat soluble vitamins which have an important role in maintaining vision, growth and immune function, and reproductive health.

Animal and Vegetable Products

Foods that contain vitamin A are divided into two forms, namely retinoids found in animal foods, and carotenoids found in plant foods. In retinoids, beef liver is the food that contains the most vitamin A. Every 100 grams of beef liver has more than 4000 mcg RAE (retinol activity equivalent) or the designation of a special measurement unit used for vitamin A. Some other animal foods that contain vitamin A include:

• Fish
• Cheese
• Shrimp
• Milk
• Egg

While foods that contain vitamin A from the carotenoid class (beta carotene) include:

• Sweet potato
• Carrot
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Red paprika
• Spinach

Beta carotene is a substance in plants that is quickly converted into vitamin A in the body. A study shows, beta carotene levels can decrease in some fruits and vegetables such as peas and carrots when frozen. A heart health organization recommends that you get natural beta-carotene from food, not from supplements.

Know the Benefits of Vitamin A

Vitamin A has many benefits needed for the development and function of the eyes, skin and immune system. In addition, vitamin A is also useful in preventing and treating cancer, protecting the heart and cardiovascular system and slowing down the aging process. Besides being good for endurance, the benefits of vitamin A for women from consuming foods that contain vitamin A are very good in preventing breast cancer and helping recovery of vaginal infections. As for men, eating foods that contain vitamin A can also play a role in increasing their sperm count. The ideal amount of vitamin A for adults is 0.7 mg a day for men and 0.6 mg a day for women. Vitamin A deficiency has vision problems and is less able to fight infections. However, consumption of vitamin A supplements must go through a doctor's consultation, because excessive vitamin A can pose a risk of health problems, such as more fragile bones. Excess vitamin A also raises the risk of health problems for the baby in the womb. Eating foods that contain vitamin A is very important for health. However, avoid taking supplements without consulting a doctor.