My Herbs 1

Vitamins and minerals are essential for us humans. Let us
create a detailed database of them in order to know what
can help us in case we fall ill and from what sources we can
replace our bodies’ deficiencies.
VITAMIN A
This type falls into the group of vitamins
called carotenoids, which give
vegetables and fruit their characteristic
yellow-red colour. Carotenoids themselves
are not so much vitamins but
rather one level below. In other words,
from carotene our body can produce
vitamin A, which happens especially in
the small intestine and liver.
This group of substances is necessary
for our bodies and there are about 600
types of them, the most significance for
us being beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene.
HEALTHY SIGHT
As regards human body, vitamin A is
most beneficial for our eyes. It is the
best prevention for, and in its own way
can treat, night blindness as well as
strengthen our eyesight and even treat
some vision disorders.
However, these are not the only positive
effects of vitamin A on our health.
It is also essential for healthy mucous
membranes, keeps gums healthy, and
aids in treating such skin problems as
eczema and acne. It promotes bone
growth and strengthens hair and nails
and boosts the immune system. For
women, vitamin A is particularly important
during pregnancy, as it contributes
to healthy fetal development.
Lycopene can even have anti-tumor effects.
EXCESS AND DEFICIENCY
If our body lacks vitamin A we lose
appetite, our immunity is weakened,
and we are constantly ill and start to
suffer from night blindness. A lack of
vitamin A causes also dryness of the
mucous membranes. This applies to
the eye membranes as well as other
sites, and in extreme cases it may lead
to blindness.
People from developed countries are
in no real danger, but in third world
countries what's known as avitaminosis
is a fairly common problem.
As far as the excess of vitamin A is
concerned, it is necessary to bear in
mind that it is toxic. It may cause longterm
nausea and vomiting, hair loss,
dry skin, joint pain and visual disorders.
Bear in mind, though, that a possibly
dangerous overdose applies only
to pure vitamin A and not its pro-vitamins
– carotenoids. With them there is
no risk of overdose, because the more
we take, the less they are absorbed in
our body.
NATURAL SOURCES
To a large extent, this vitamin can
be found mainly in yellow and orange
fruits and vegetables (the best
way to consume them is raw, for
boiling above 180°C / 360°F destroys
the vitamin), and also in fish
and their fats, liver, butter, egg
yolks, and milk products.
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