Quick Info & Sources~Vitamin A ( Retinol) & the Carotenoids

Vitamin A and the Carotenes are powerful anti-oxidants, helpful in fighting free radicals in the body that cause premature aging and cancers.  These vitamins are fat soluble and serve as armor against infection, night blindness, and many skin problems such as acne.  A deficiency in Vitamin A can cause chronic dry eye, dry skin, brittle hair and a weakened immune system.  The recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A is 5,000 to 10,000 IU.  The RDA of Beta Carotene is 5,000 to 25,000 IU.

 

Foods and herbs that are substantial sources of Vitamin A:

apricots

asparagus

beet greens

broccoli

cantaloupe

carrots

collards

dandelion greens

dulse

fish liver and fish liver oils

garlic

kale

mustard greens

papayas

peaches

pumpkin

red bell peppers

spinach

spirulina

sweet potatoes

swiss chard

turnip greens

watercress

yellow squash

alfalfa

borage leaves

burdock root

cayenne

chickweed

eyebright

fennel seed

hops

kelp

lemon grass

mullein

nettle

oat straw

paprika

parsley

peppermint

plantain

raspberry leaf

red clover

rose hips

sage

violet leaves

watercress

yellow dock

 

 

As with any supplement, there are precautions.  Always consult a health care practitioner before taking therapeutic doses (anything higher the recommended daily allowance).

Sources and additional information:
http://antioxidantsdetective.com/benefits-of-vitamin-a.html
http://bembu.com/vitamin-a-foods
http://www.botanical-online.com/vitamin_A_properties.htm
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 5th Edition