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Many people equate vitamin A with better vision. But our
skin's health is directly dependent on the amount of vitamin A
in our diet. Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant to neutralize
harmful elements in our skin, helping to prevent wrinkles,
resist infection and keep our skin youthful.
Two-thirds of the vitamin A in the typical American diet comes
from beta-carotene, which is the pigment that gives yellow and
orange produce their color. Our bodies convert carotene into
vitamin A, making it crucial to healthy skin. Think sweet
potatoes, carrots and apricots.
Vitamin A is a potent fat-soluble vitamin, easily stored in
our body tissue, that is not found in any plant. It is known
to be toxic at levels above the RDA, so it's not wise to
supplement your diet with vitamin A pills. Instead, focus on
the delicious tastes of those fruits and vegetables high in
carotene for a safe way to healthy skin. Begin with our 10
easy ways to add more beta-carotene to your diet.
1. Add grated carrots to spaghetti sauce. You
won't notice their presence and their carotene will feed your
skin.
2. Add fresh spinach leaves to salad greens. Spinach
contains more carotene than other types of lettuce.
3. Enjoy a daily fruit smoothie made of vanilla yogurt and
fresh fruit. Include
apricots, peaches, mango or papaya as your fruit choices to
boost carotene in your diet.
4. For a special dessert that's good for your skin,
place chilled melon balls in a wine glass; splash with
champagne and add mint for garnish.
5. Keep fresh broccoli florets on hand in the fridge
for a pre-dinner snack. Serve with your favorite low-fat dip
for a treat everyone will love.
6. Make fruit a part of every dinner meal. Keep
canned, fresh or frozen peaches and apricots on hand to add to
the nightly fruit salad.
7. Choose tropical fruit such as papaya or mango for
a delicious new taste. Tired of the same old fruit? Go
tropical!
8. Add broccoli and fresh spinach to pasta or tomato salads.
They fit into just about every recipe.
9. Substitute papaya for tomato in salsa recipes. Not
only will your taste buds tango, you'll also get plenty of
carotene!
10. Look for juices made from fruits high in carotene.
Instead of the same old orange or apple juice, broaden your
horizons!
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