vitamin A

Have you ever wondered why people say eating carrots helps you see in the dark? There’s some truth in there, and the answer involves Vitamin A! (Fun Fact: Our bodies convert the beta carotene in carrots to Vitamin A which supports eye health.)

Vitamin A is a vitamin with antioxidant properties and is essential to the body for growth and development (at the cellular level) as well as immune function, vision and reproduction. 

Benefits

• Vision: Vitamin A is as an essential component of the protein that absorbs light in the retinal receptors and it supports the normal functioning of different parts of the eye including the cornea
• Immunity Support: Vitamin A stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells 
• Antioxidant properties: Antioxidants fight free radicals that harm our bodies
• Cell growth, division & differentiation: Vitamin A plays a critical role in reproduction and the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs 

Sources of Vitamin A:

• mymuse
• Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach, 
• Broccoli
• Orange and yellow vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and squash)
• Tomatoes
• Red bell pepper
• Cantaloupe, mango
• Eggs
• Whole Milk
• Fish oil
• Fortified skim milk and cereals

Sooooo… will doubling down on carrot juice in your diet actually help you see in the dark?  We’re not making that promise… but it can help maintain your eye health for years to come! Till then, here is a flashlight we love.  

Sources: 

WebMD

Medical News Today

National Institute of Health