12 Surprising Vitamin A Sources You Didn’t Know About

Looking for new sources of vitamin A? Check out these five surprising foods that are packed with this essential nutrient.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy eyes sight, skin, and immune function.

While many people associate vitamin A with carrots and other orange-colored fruits and vegetables, there are actually a variety of surprising foods that are rich in this important nutrient.

Here are twelve unexpected sources of vitamin A to add to your diet.

Papaya – One of the Healthy Vitamin A Sources

Papaya is a tropical fruit that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including vitamin A.

Just one cup of papaya contains over 100% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

In addition to its high vitamin A content, papaya is also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Try adding sliced papaya to your morning smoothie or fruit salad for a tasty and nutritious boost.

Red Bell Peppers

Did you know that red bell peppers are a great source of vitamin A?

In fact, just one medium-sized red bell pepper contains over 50% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A.

Not only that, but red bell peppers are also a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Try adding sliced red bell peppers to your salads, stir-fries, or roasted vegetable dishes for a colorful and nutritious addition to your meals.

The Ultimate Guide to Vitamin A Sources for a Healthy Diet. Read more about new sources.

Butternut Squash – Vitamin A Sources

Butternut squash is another surprising source of vitamin A, with just one cup of cooked squash providing over 400% of the recommended daily intake.

This versatile vegetable can be roasted, mashed, or used in soups and stews. It also contains other important nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

So next time you’re looking for a vitamin A boost, consider adding some butternut squash to your plate.

Cheese – Rich Vitamin A Sources

Cheese is a popular dairy product that is enjoyed worldwide for its rich and diverse flavors. It is made by coagulating milk, typically from cows, with the addition of enzymes and/or bacteria.

It also offers several nutritional benefits. It is a good source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Cheese is also rich in calcium, which is important for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Additionally, it contains other important nutrients such as phosphorus, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Cheese can be enjoyed in various ways. It can be eaten on its own, sliced or grated over dishes, melted in sandwiches or grilled cheese, added to salads or pasta, or used as a topping for pizzas.

Dried Apricots

Did you know that dried apricots are a great source of vitamin A?

Just one cup of these sweet and chewy fruits provides over 70% of the recommended daily intake of this essential nutrient.

They’re also a good source of fiber and potassium. Snack on them alone or add them to your favorite trail mix for a tasty and nutritious boost.

Apricot is rich in Vitamin A sources for Optimal Health.

Vitamin A Sources-Kale

Kale is not only a trendy superfood, but it’s also a great source of vitamin A.

One cup of chopped kale provides over 200% of the recommended daily intake of this essential nutrient.

It’s also packed with other vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Add kale to your salads, or smoothies, or saute it as a side dish for a delicious and nutritious boost.

Broccoli

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that is known for its nutritional value and health benefits.

It is rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A. The vitamin A in broccoli comes in the form of provitamin A carotenoids, such as beta-carotene.

These carotenoids are converted by the body into vitamin A as needed. Broccoli also contains other essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your diet.

It offers antioxidant properties, which help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. Additionally, the fiber content in broccoli promotes healthy digestion and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight.

Whether you enjoy it raw, steamed, stir-fried, or roasted, broccoli is a versatile vegetable that can be incorporated into various dishes. It pairs well with different flavors and can be used in salads, stir-fries, soups, or even as a side dish.

Remember to combine broccoli with a diverse range of other fruits, vegetables, and nutrient-rich foods to ensure a balanced diet. If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, consulting a healthcare professional or registered dietitian is recommended to receive personalized advice.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a popular dairy product that is made by fermenting milk with specific strains of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus. This fermentation process gives yogurt its characteristic tangy taste and creamy texture.

One of the key benefits of yogurt lies in its probiotic content. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that confer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts.

Yogurt contains beneficial probiotic strains that can support a healthy gut by promoting the balance of gut bacteria and supporting digestion and immune function.

The versatility of yogurt allows it to be enjoyed in various ways. It can be consumed on its own, used as a base for smoothies, mixed with fruits or granola for a nutritious breakfast or snack, or incorporated into dressings, sauces, and baked goods as a healthier alternative to higher-fat ingredients.

Carrots excellent source of Vitamin A

Carrots are known for their bright orange color and crunchy texture. They are an excellent source of beta-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid that the body converts into vitamin A.

Carrots also contain other antioxidants, fiber, and various minerals, making them a nutritious addition to meals and snacks for maintaining good vision, supporting immune function, and promoting healthy skin.

Read more to know about vitamin A sources to add to your diet.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes come in various colors, including orange, purple, and white. They are rich in fiber, vitamin A, Vitamin C, and several other minerals. Sweet potatoes are particularly high in beta-carotene, similar to carrots, and are also a good source of antioxidants.

They provide natural sweetness and can be prepared in both sweet and savory dishes, making them a versatile and nutritious choice.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin, with its vibrant orange hue, is not only associated with autumn but also offers numerous health benefits.

It is rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium, and antioxidants. Pumpkin is also low in calories, making it a nutrient-dense choice.

From pumpkin puree in baking recipes to roasted pumpkin seeds as a snack, this versatile vegetable can be enjoyed in various forms.

Eggs

Egg yolks are a good source of various nutrients, including vitamin A. It is present in eggs primarily in the form of retinol, which is a preformed vitamin A. Consuming egg can contribute to your overall intake of this essential vitamin.

The yolk also contains other beneficial nutrients, including vitamins D, E, and B12, as well as minerals such as selenium and choline.

It is also important for reproductive health and the maintenance of healthy skin.

If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to determine the appropriate portion sizes and types of nutrients that fit into your overall dietary plan.