Vitamin A plays an important role in the body’s vital activities thanks to its effective anti-inflammatory and cell repair capabilities. Currently, there are many ways and fuel sources to absorb vitamin A, in which food plays a leading role. Among foods, carrots are probably a typical rich source of vitamin A, but the most surprising thing is that besides carrots, there are many other foods that can provide outstanding amounts of vitamin A that many people do not know about.
Food is the most important source of vitamin A for the body. Therefore, to effectively absorb vitamin A and meet daily needs, choosing foods rich in vitamin A is important. In this article, we will share 5 foods that are richer in vitamin A than carrots that you can choose in the process of building a healthy diet.
Sweet potatoes
One of the foods rich in vitamin A is sweet potatoes. 1 boiled sweet potato with the skin contains up to 1403 mcg of vitamin A, meeting 156% of the daily essential needs. In addition to the abundant amount of vitamin A, sweet potatoes also contain other essential vitamins such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, and fiber to provide an abundant source of energy for the body. Therefore, sweet potatoes can bring many health benefits such as:
- The compound beta carotene found in sweet potatoes has been studied to show the potential to prevent age-related macular degeneration.
- Other research suggests that sweet potatoes have the potential to prevent cancer, especially prostate cancer.
- The low glycemic index helps support effective blood sugar control.
So sweet potatoes are considered a good candidate for vitamin A and can be prepared in many different ways from boiled to salad or mashed.
Sweet potatoes contain abundant beta carotene which helps prevent the risk of disease.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is also considered a food rich in vitamin A, more than carrots, thanks to its 1140 mcg per cup of cooked, chopped pumpkin, meeting more than 127% of the daily essential needs. In addition to the abundant amount of vitamin A, pumpkin also contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and fiber to ensure the necessary source of nutrients.
From the above nutritional data, it can be seen that pumpkin brings many health benefits such as controlling blood pressure, preventing cardiovascular diseases, thereby building a healthy body. There are many ways to process pumpkin into nutritious meals, such as cooking soup or baking with a little salt.
Beef liver
One of the foods rich in potential vitamin A can be mentioned as beef liver. According to nutritional statistics, 3 ounces of cooked beef liver contains up to 6582 mcg of vitamin A, meeting 731% of the body’s daily needs. In addition to being rich in vitamin A, beef liver is a protein-rich food that provides energy for the body’s activities and other essential vitamins, such as iron, copper, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, etc.
Beef liver is a very rich source of vitamin A, but consuming too much can cause excess retinol, affecting the liver and bones. Therefore, many nutritionists still recommend eating only a sufficient amount to limit the potential risks due to excessive intake.
Beef liver, in addition to being rich in vitamin A, is also an effective protein-rich food.
Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil is also considered a rich source of vitamin A, providing more than 1350 mcg of vitamin A, meeting more than 150% of the body’s daily essential needs with just 1 teaspoon of oil. In addition to vitamin A, cod liver oil is also a rich source of vitamin D, meeting more than 170% of the essential needs, thereby preventing common vitamin D deficiency.
In addition to the above vitamins, cod liver oil also contains omega-3, which helps to fight oxidation, inflammation and prevent many risks of diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, cod liver oil is a suitable choice in supplementing essential vitamins and minerals for the body.
Mango
Mango is not only a delicious fruit but also a rich source of vitamin A. An average mango (about 200g) can contain up to 181 mcg of vitamin A, meeting about 20% of the daily vitamin A requirement.
In addition to the significant vitamin A content, mangoes are also rich in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants, providing many health benefits such as:
- Improving eye health: Beta-carotene in mangoes helps protect the retina, supports vision and reduces the risk of macular degeneration.
- Supporting the digestive system: Mangoes are rich in fiber, helping to maintain a healthy digestive system and prevent constipation.
- Improving the immune system: High vitamin C content helps to increase resistance, protecting the body from infections.
Mangoes can be enjoyed in many ways such as eating directly, making smoothies, salads or combining in tropical dishes. This is a great choice to add vitamin A to your daily diet.
Mangoes can be a rich source of vitamin A.
It can be seen that vitamin A brings many health benefits when supplemented adequately and meets each person’s needs. Through the article on 5 foods richer in vitamin A than carrots, we hope to provide many suggestions in choosing foods on the journey to building a healthy diet.