Vitamin A health benefits by bispo

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Carrots are delicious any time of the year. Bright orange carrots contain lots of vitamin A, which helps keep your vision healthy, and antioxidants plus phytonutrients that may help to prevent cancer. Carrots are high in fiber and low in calories, so they're good for weight-loss diets. You don't need to be a rabbit to enjoy nibbling on fresh carrots.Carrots are versatile and very nutritious whether you enjoy them as a raw crunchy snack or cooked as a side dish. We suggest you eat carrots two to three times each week.Carrots have lots of vitamin A, a substantial amount of vitamin C (about 10 percent of what you need for one day), and a lot of beta carotene. One cup of carrots contains 20,381 International Units of vitamin A, which is six times the amount you need for the day! Vitamin A has many health benefits: It sharpens your eyesight because a form of vitamin A called retinal is found in the retinas of your eyes.It triggers production of white blood cells that fight infection.It promotes normal cell growth and reproduction.Vitamin C is important for strong immune system function and strong connective tissue under your skin, which helps to prevent wrinkles. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that protects your cells and keeps you young. Carrots are also a good source of niacin (a B vitamin), potassium, and calcium.Other benefits you can take advantage of by eating carrots include: Preventing certain cancers: A 2008 article in Nutrition and Cancer stated that diets rich in carotenoids (beta carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin - all related to vitamin A) are associated with a lower risk of cervical cancer in women. Research published in 2005 in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that a phytochemical found in carrots called falcarinol prevented cancer in lab rats. Preventing diabetes: Research published in 2008 in the journal Diabetes Care confirms that high levels of carotenoids in the blood are associated with a lower risk of diabetes. Eating a healthy diet, watching your weight, and getting the carotenoids found in carrots can help prevent the onset of type II diabetes (which most often occurs in adults).Helping you lose weight: One cup of sliced carrots contains only 50 calories, plus lots of fiber, so eating carrots is a great way to feed your craving for crunchy foods while you're watching your weight.