Vitamin A provides many benefits for your body, including helping to promote healthy and strong skin. Unhealthy skin may be the result of improper skin care or underlying conditions. To easily obtain vitamin A, consider supplementing your diet with a selections of foods that are rich in this nutrient.
Antioxidant Properties
Vitamin A is an antioxidant vitamin, essential for the general health of your skin. According to MedlinePlus, antioxidants are responsible for protecting your body from free radicals, which may harm your skin. Free radicals form when your body turns the carbohydrates found in the foods you consume into glucose for energy production. Unfortunately, free radicals have been known to increase the speed of the degenerative processes in aging, possibly leading to wrinkles.
Treating Skin Disorders
Vitamin A, in the form of oral and topical preparations, may be effective in aiding in the treatment and prevention of a number of skin disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that vitamin A can be used to treat and heal severe psoriasis or acne, while also being efficient in helping to improve premature aging as a result of the sun, warts and rosacea.
Growing New Skin
MedlinePlus says that vitamin A is important for the normal growth, maintenance and health of your skin. According to Kids Health, vitamin A helps to grow new skin by aiding in the development of skin cells. Vitamin A also helps to prevent dry skin by stimulating the production of a natural oil called sebum, which your body manufactures on its own. Sebum is essential for keeping your skin moist and hydrated.
Food Sources
Vitamin A is not difficult to add into your diet, as it can be found in foods such as cheese, pumpkin, halibut, cantaloupe, milk, apricots, pink grapefruit, liver, spinach, eggs, cod, carrots, broccoli, cream and fish oil.
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