Читать книгу The Yoga Back Book: The Gentle Yet Effective Way to Spinal Health - Stella Weller - Страница 32

This fat-soluble vitamin has a scavenging effect on free radicals, substances that are by-products of protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. They are considered ‘mischievous molecules’ which play a part in ageing and in cancer development. As such, vitamin A is a highly protective nutrient.

Vitamin A promotes the growth of strong bones and protects the lining of joints against inflammation. It also enhances the repair of bones and connective tissue.

Vitamin A increases the permeability of blood capillaries (small blood vessels) which carry oxygen and other vital nutrients to the body’s cells. (Capillary permeability exists when the capillary wall allows blood to pass readily into cells and tissue spaces and vice versa. The more permeable the capillary walls are, the better is the supply of oxygen delivered to cells.)

In addition, vitamin A, combined with vitamin E, promotes cell oxygenation, whereby cells are supplied with oxygen.

The best sources of vitamin A include: fresh vegetables, especially intensely green and yellow ones such as broccoli, carrots, dandelion leaves, kale, parsley, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes and turnip tops, and fresh fruits such as apricots, cantaloupe melons, cherries, mangoes, papaya and peaches. Vitamin A is also obtainable from milk, milk products and fish liver oils.