Vitamin A - The Glow-in-the-dark Vitamin
The ancient Egyptians had a cure for "night blindness". They fed the patient lots and lots of liver. Perhaps they thought they were appeasing the Gods of sight. In 1930, the first fat-soluble vitamin was discovered - vitamin A - which, it turns out, does indeed appease the Gods of sight. Vitamin A is best known for improving eyesight, particularly at night, which is one of two reasons we call it the glow-in-the-dark vitamin. But the eyes are not the only part of your body grateful for your generous consumption of vitamin A. Your skin also benefits. And your hair. And mucous membranes. And nails. In fact, almost any surface lining your body can find. Your immune system benefits, too, giving you added resources to ward off infections. Bones and teeth are strengthened with proper amounts of vitamin A, and even the risk of some cancers can be reduced with vitamin A. And there are more confirmed and suspected benefits. The other reason we call Vitamin A the glow-in-the-dark vitamin is because it is best known as the bright orange color in so many foods we enjoy. Like pumpkins, pumpkin pie and my favorite: pumpkin cheesecake ( see my recipe at http://www.thehappyguy.com/pumpkin-cheesecake-recipe.html ). And, of course, carrots, squash, peaches, apricots, cantaloupe, mangoes, sweet potatoes and the rest of the orange-spangled veggie gang. But again, vitamin A is much more than meets the eye, because it is not actually vitamin A that turns the fruit and vegetables orange, but a precursor to vitamin A called beta carotene. Beta carotene does not become vitamin A until your body processes it. And vitamin A is just as likely, if not more so, to come from protein sources such as most dairy products, egg yolks and some fish. And the queen of all vitamin A sources is liver, that ancient Egyptian God of sight. Calves liver. Chicken liver. Pork liver. Any liver you can sink your teeth into. The vitamin A in protein sources is real vitamin A, no processing required. Other great sources of vitamin A are dark green vegetables, such as Swiss chard, broccoli, spinach and beet greens. As important as it is to glow with vitamin A, don't glow too brightly. An overdose can be harmful to bones and skin, causing weakness and brittleness, even leading to fatigue and vomiting. It is advisable not to take a vitamin A supplement except under the supervision of a physician. In most cases, it is much better to take a liquid multivitamin such as Essential Nectar in recommended daily doses. There is very little chance of getting an overdose that way. Also, increase your intake of beta carotene sources to avoid an overdose. Whereas your body absorbs all the vitamin A it takes in directly, it converts only the beta carotene it needs (talk about customization!). So get glowing and get the vitamin A you need. About The Author David Leonhardt runs The Liquid Vitamin Supplements Store: http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net Learn more about vitamin A: http://www.vitamin-supplements-store.net/vitamins/vitamin-a.html Info@thehappyguy.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Oneindia |
Yoga For PregnancyOneindia, India - 14 hours agoBy :Health & Yoga A lady about 25 years old came to the maternity Hospital severely dejected and feeling hopeless. She had a very bad obstetrical history ... |
Are you ready for power yoga?Times of India, India - Jul 3, 2008Be it Kareena Kapoor or Shilpa Shetty in India or Madonna, Posh Spice or Kate Moss in the West, power yoga is what’s making them get the look that’s so in ... |
Yoga in schools to ease stressHowrah News Service, India - 4 hours agoBY AMITA VERMA July 3: A group of private schools in Lucknow is planning to introduce yoga and laughter sessions to help students overcome stress and mental ... |
I do yoga regularly: Unni MenonGalatta.com, India - 5 hours agoIs there any relation between yoga and playback singing? Ask Unni Menon, famous playback singer from Kerala, who got initiated into Carnatic music when he ... |
Yoga Wii Coming Soon For Wii Balance BoardGaming Bits, FL - 6 hours agoDeveloper JoWooD is putting the final touches on their newest casual game title, Yoga Wii. JoWooD seeks to maintain a healthy balance between children's ... |
Yoga: Is it the stretch for you?Palladium-Item, IN - 10 hours agoYou may have heard the term “yoga” before but may not be clear on what yoga is or how it is practiced. The word “yoga” means to yolk or join together. ... |
Yoga - Google News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Secret to a Longer, Healthier, Happy Life is a Strong Immune System!
How can I improve my health and lifestyle beyond diet and exercise?Imagine all your worries about what your health quality of life will be in like retirement melting away!At the age of 39, I shamefully looked back on years of over-eating and under-exercising. Years of putting my health second to my desires to enjoy the "simple pleasures" of life.
Health Benefits of Taking Spirulina Daily - Real Health Part 5
As I mentioned in Part 4 of my Real Health diet series, I believe that taking green foods, particularly spirulina and chlorella, is very important to your health. This article will focus on why you should take spirulina.
CortiCarb3000 Reviewed: Does It Perform As Promised?
Carbohydrate blockers seem to have come and gone with the low carb craze. Basic carbohydrate blockers are available everywhere.
A Mothers Fish Tale
Sometimes I used to look at my son Shawn and ask: who is this little monster I gave birth to? Of course I did love him, but he was an absolute terror. If "terrible 2" had a dictionary definition, Shawn's picture would definately be there.
Proper Nutrition is Fundamental as a First Step in Optimizing Your Health: Immunocal
Proper nutrition is fundamental to optimizing your health. By eating the right foods, you help supply your body with the proper elements that are needed to ensure superior health.
Know Your Bodybuilding Supplement - Tribulus
Tribulus terrestris is a herb that comes from a plant found in Asia. It has been used in the past by many cultures for the treatment of liver, kidney and cardiovascular diseases.
Nitric Oxide Supplement
Nitric oxide supplement has many benefits and there are many positive effects of nitric oxide. A free form gas produced by a breakdown of the amino acid Arginine, nitric oxide is produced by the body and the effects of nitric oxide supplement include nitric oxide supplement's ability to act as a cell communicator.
Saw Palmetto
At the rate it's going, Saw Palmetto will soon be known as the "Robert DeNiro of supplements."It can play almost any role.
The History And Usefulness Of Coenzyme Q10
Throughout my childhood I was aware of the importance of eating well and taking my vitamins. But the science of dietary supplements has come a long way since those days.
Glyconutrients: A Breakthrough Discovery
The science of Glycobiology, touted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as one of the Top Ten Technologies that WILL change this world, is based on a breakthrough discovery. No combination of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbals, or any other nutrient can replace the necessary saccharides (plant sugars), found in glyconutritionals.
The Cholesterol Solution
Is there an alternative to statin drugs such as Lipitor and Pravachol? If yes, does it have any side effects? Physicians are facing these questions each day however, most have bought into the drug companies marketing, and have not done the research for themselves. The truth is that there a number of naturally-occurring compounds that will work as well as, or better than, these multi-million dollar drugs.
B-Vitamins Help Promote Healthy Arteries and Heart
A 2002 study reported, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation reported that a six-month regiment of taking folic acid, vitamin b12, and vitamin b6 can be instrumental in the prevention of recurring blocked arteries in coronary angioplasty patients.The findings, which were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association are an extension of a clinical trial that examined the effects of combining vitamins on the treatment of heart disease.
Evening Primrose Oil and Co-Enzyme Q-10: A Dynamic Supplement Duo for Women
During the past few years, I've become more interested in the subject of health and wellness. During this time, I've found the amount of information and variety of supplements overwhelming.
Take Back Your Life 2
In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your Life"; we discussed the importance of proper cell function as it relates to wellness. Here in part 2, we will discuss why it is important to feed the organs of your endocrine system to further insure and maintain a state of wellness and optimum health.
Buy Vitamins Supplements: Tips, Myths, and Facts - An Inside Story!
With dietary supplements making their way in our daily life, we find it difficult to survive without them. We have very smartly and effectively heralded these supplements as panacea for all ills.
Megadosing
If you're constantly digging your hand into a jar of vitamins, popping one into your mouth faster than you can chew the last one, then take this word of advice.Take a chill pill.
Taste is Everything When Choosing a Protein Bar
As consumers, we are faced daily with choices about what to eat. As a bodybuilder, we are bombarded with protein bars that promise everything from tons of protein, low carbs, less fat, and the cheapest bar on the market.
Discount Supplement
Discount Supplement - what is it?Discount supplement is a term that means products made of one or more of the fundamental nutrients, for example vitamins, minerals, and proteins and is priced below the average prices of supplements. The examples of discount supplement products that are sold in the US market nowadays are supplements like bottled herbs, or vitamins and minerals in various doses.
Developing Those Elusive Bright Eyes... With Vitamins and Minerals
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it the world as we know it would be blank.
Herbal Remedies & Supplements
For people who suffer from arthritis, dependable pain relief is a vital concern. The agonizing sensations of simply walking up the stairs are discouraging and can drive patients into depression.
|
