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Vitamin A, Beta Carotene, Retinol Rich Recipes

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin that is also a powerful antioxidant.

We get vitamin A from a variety of sources. Two of the most common sources are retinol and beta-carotene. Vitamin A is also called Retinol as it makes the pigments for the retina of the eye.

Retinol is present in animal sources like dairy products, eggs, fatty liver and fish.

The other type of Vitamin A, which is obtained from colorful fruits and vegetables, is in the form of “pro Vitamin A” carotenoids, which are converted to retinol by the body after the food is ingested.

Beta carotene, a type of carotenoid which is found primarily in plants, needs to first be converted to active Vitamin A in order to be utilized by the body. Sources of vitamin A include yellow-orange fruits and vegetables like carrots, mango, papaya, peach, tomatoes, pumpkin, muskmelon etc. and other vegetables like spinach, broccoli, capsicum etc.

The daily RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Vitamin A is 4,800 micrograms (MCG). Any vegetable or fruit which has 1,000 mcg or more is considered high in Vitamin A. Cooking carrots make the Vitamin A more bio available to the body and cooking it with a oil or ghee makes it even absorbable to the body.

Vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision. In its retinal form it combines with the protein ‘opsin’ to form rhodopsin which is an essential light absorbing molecule that aids is vision, especially in dim light. A prolonged deficiency of vitamin A can lead to night blindness.

Apart from vision, other functions of vitamin A are cell growth, building immunity, promote healthy skin, and being an antioxidant it neutralizes the action of free radicals in the body, which can cause cellular damage. Consuming a diet high in antioxidants is also a way to naturally slow ageing.

5 Key Functions of Vitamin A

  5 Key functions of Vitamin A
1. Healthy Vision
2. Cell Growth
3. Building immunity.
4. Promote Healthy Skin
5. Neutralise harmful free radicals

As a source of beta carotene, you will find a vast range of vitamin A rich recipes in this section. Try your hand at Broccoli, Carrot and Paneer Subzi, Pineapple and Papaya Juice, Healthy Tomato Soup, Nutritious Jowar and Tomato Chila and so on…..

If you liked our Vitamin A Rich Recipe Collection, you will find these articles of interest.

1. Vitamin A Rich Recipes

2. Vitamin Rich Healthy Eyes Recipes 

3. Glowing Skin Recipes


Vitamin A Rich Healthy Eyes

Recipes for Healthy Eyes, Vitamin A Rich

Bright, sparkling eyes with a clear vision say so much for our youthful looks, besides being a big asset in leading an active life. Vision health benefits from good nutrition and regular exercise regime.

Topping the list of nutrients for healthy vision is vitamin A. A sure way of getting adequate amounts of this vitamin is consuming fruits and veggies like carrots, papaya, mango, peach, spinach, kale, broccoli capsicum etc. 

Of course you don’t have to worry about how to cook using each of these ingredients…. Just flip through the recipes for healthy eyes in this section to learn and widen your culinary skills. Broccoli Soup, Nutritious Jowar and Tomato Chila, Carrot Cucumber and Rajma Salad in Mint Dressing, Carrot Spinach and Black Grape Juice are a few recipes you will find in this section to ensure an adequate intake of vitamin A.

Get your share of antioxidant vitamin A from these recipes and enjoy bright vision for life!

If you liked our Healthy Eyes Recipe Collection, you will find these articles of interest.

1. Vitamin A Rich Recipes

2. Vitamin Rich Healthy Eyes Recipes 

3. Glowing Skin Recipes

Spinach Tomato Soup,   Low Calorie Spinach Soup,   Stuffed Spinach Paratha ( Tiffin Recipe),   Spinach Dosa,   Rajma and Spinach Soup,   Roasted Capsicum Soup, Roasted Red Capsicum and Tomato Soup,  

Vitamin A Rich Glowing Skin

Recipes for Glowing Skin, Vitamin A Rich 

One of the greatest treasures that we have is healthy radiant skin. The skin excretes waste products, absorbs moisture and protects from infections. If the balance of the skin is disturbed it can result in dryness, excessive oiliness and inability to protect against infections. The natural and best way to begin would be by following a healthy living plan that would include a regular outdoor exercise, enough rest and sleep, sensible stress management, drink lots of water and most importantly have a well-balanced nourished diet.

Having enough protein along with antioxidants is the key to glowing skin. Vitamin A not only protects our skin from harmful damage of free radicals but it also prevents ageing and wrinkles. If the skin is protected from getting dry, its thanks to the vitamin A.

Soups, Salads and juices are the healthiest way to consume this vitamin for your skin. We have shared recipes like Green Salad with Muskmelon Dressing, Lemony Tomato Orange and Carrot Juice, Peach Yogurt Smoothie, Super 7 Stress Reliever and many more.

To summarize it, make fresh greens and fruits your best friend, avoid those refined and fried foods and keep a chart of your exercise regime – for that lustrous and graceful skin.

If you liked our Glowing Skin Recipe Collection, you will find these articles of interest.

1. Vitamin A Rich Recipes

2. Vitamin Rich Healthy Eyes Recipes 

Peach Yogurt Smoothie, Good For Endurance Athletics,   Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Iron Rich Healthy Antioxidant Lunch Veg Salad,   Healthy Green Smoothie, Indian,   Spinach Soup with Garlic,   Kaddu ka Raita,   Spinach and Paneer Soup,  

Top Recipes

low fat paneer recipe | how to make low fat paneer at home | nutrition in low fat paneer | Indian low fat cottage cheese for weight loss | with 21 amazing images. low fat paneer is one of the best vegetarian sources of protein. Learn low fat paneer recipe | how to make low fat paneer at home | nutrition in low fat paneer | Indian low fat cottage cheese for weight loss | Soft and mild, paneer is a delicious fresh Indian cheese that is easily made at home with just a couple of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. This low fat paneer is made with low fat milk, which means it has a lower fat content than regular paneer. To make low fat paneer, boil low fat milk in a deep pan. When it starts boiling, add the vinegar gradually and stir it gently. Once the milk has curdled, strain using a muslin cloth and wash it thoroughly. For making firm low fat paneer cubes, place the paneer into the muslin cloth and put heavy weight on the paneer and keep aside for 30 minutes. After it sets, remove the paneer from the muslin cloth and cut into even sized cubes or grate it and use as required. Low Fat Paneer (low fat cottage cheese) is rich in Calcium, Protein, Vitamin A, Magnesium, Phosphorus. Low fat paneer for weight loss can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sabzis, curries, stir-fries, and salads. It can also be eaten on its own as a snack or appetizer. Even diabetics and cardiac patients who have been advised to restrict fat intake can opt for this homemade low fat paneer in prescribed quantities. It is low in carbs too, so it will metabolize quickly! 1 cup low fat paneer is made from 2 litres low fat milk and yields 700 calories, makes 250 grams and has 70 grams of protein and is 127% of the RDA. See calories for low fat paneer details. 1/2 cup Indian low fat cottage cheese for weight loss gives 35 grams of protein and is 350 calories. pro tips to make low fat paneer: 1. You can use lemon juice or vinegar to make low fat paneer. Lemon juice and vinegar are both acidic substances that will curdle the milk. 2. Store the Indian low fat cottage cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the paneer fresh for up to 3 days. It is very important to store it in enough water otherwise the discoloration happens and paneer gets spoilt. 3. Set the paneer for at least 30 minutes. This will remove the excess whey and give the paneer a firm texture. 4. Wash the chenna thoroughly to remove the acidic flavour. 5. Low fat paneer curdled using lemon has a mild zesty flavour which will be best used for making salad or stir fries. Enjoy low fat paneer recipe | how to make low fat paneer at home | nutrition in low fat paneer | Indian low fat cottage cheese for weight loss | with step by step photos and video below.

masoor dal with spinach recipe | protein rich dal | dal palak | with 18 amazing images. masoor dal recipe is a versatile Indian food which can find a place in every household. Learn how to make masoor dal with spinach. This protein rich dal, the unbeatable combination of masoor dal with spinach nourishes your body with protein, iron and folic acid. This ensures overall cell health. The protein helps in cell growth and maintenance, while the iron is a way to ensure a proper supply of oxygen to all cells of the body. This is a great way of achieving glowing skin and bouncy hair. To make masoor dal with spinach, pour 1½ cups of water in a pressure cooker, add the masoor dal, mix well and pressure cook for 2 whistles. Heat the oil in a kadhai, add the cumin seeds, mix well and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds. Add the onions and sauté on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the cooked masoor dal, spinach, turmeric powder, dry mango powder, prepared garlic- ginger-green chilli paste, tomatoes and salt, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Add 1 cup of water and chilli powder, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Serve masoor dal with spinach hot with rotis. Tomatoes and amchur powder lend a nice tangy flavour to the dal palak. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C and lycopene – all of which are antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation in the body and ward off free radicals. Needless to add, this is a super-healthy recipe as protein-rich dals are an indispensable part of our daily diet! Diabetics, cancer patients, PCOS, weight loss and heart patients can reduce the oil to 2 tsp instead of 4 tsp and enjoy this recipe. The protein along with fiber also keeps you satiated for a long time and thus good for weight loss. Why not serve it to kids as well and make it a family fare. Serve this masoor dal recipe hot with rotis or rice to make a homely and satisfying meal. Tips for masoor dal with spinach. 1. Wash the spinach very well to get rid of all the dirt. 2. Do not over cook the dal. Let it have a slight coarse texture. It gives a nice mouthfeel. 3. As a variation, you can replace masoor dal with green moong dal. If you like masoor dal then do check out our recipes using masoor dal, it has recipes for snacks, soups, main course etc. Enjoy masoor dal with spinach recipe | protein rich dal | dal palak | with detailed step by step photos and video below.

restaurant style palak paneer recipe | healthy palak paneer | cottage cheese and spinach curry | with 34 amazing images. Palak Paneer, an evergreen delicacy from North India, is perhaps one of the most interesting ways to include spinach in your meal. restaurant style palak paneer features in many Indian restaurant menus, as it goes well with most Indian breads like Tandoori Naan or Roti. The highlight of this restaurant style palak paneer recipe is the flavour-packed palak gravy, which works effectively not just with paneer but also with potatoes or koftas. Also restaurant style palak paneer tends to use a lot more cream than homemade palak paneer. You can make a variant of this restaurant style palak paneer recipe with garlic (Lehsuni Paneer Palak Subzi) if you want a peppier flavour. To make the restaurant style palak paneer recipe, blanch the spinach in a vessel full of boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain, refresh with cold water. Blend in a mixer to a smooth purée and keep aside. Heat the oil and butter in a kadhai , add the ginger, garlic and tomatoes and sauté on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the prepared onion-cashew and cook on a medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the spinach purée, ¾ cup of water, salt and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute. Add the dried fenugreek leaves, punjabi garam masala, sugar and cook on a medium flame for 3 minutes. Add the paneer cubes and cream and cook on a medium flame for 2-3 minutes. Serve the restaurant style palak paneer hot. See why we think this is a healthy palak paneer sabzi. Spinach is loaded with iron and fibre, while paneer is rich in protein. This makes it a nice recipe to include in your everyday cookbook. If you are on weight loss, then cut the cream and use low fat paneer in the recipe. You can cook an array of dishes with this palak paneer recipe, such as the Palak Paneer Toast, Palak-Paneer-Roti and Palak Paneer Rice. You can even stuff cottage cheese and spinach curry into crisp, golden dosa to make Palak Paneer Dosa one of Mumbai’s favourite street foods. With so many options at hand, there is no excuse to not include palak frequently in your diet! Enjoy how to make restaurant style palak paneer recipe | healthy palak paneer | cottage cheese and spinach curry | with detailed step by step photos below.

low calorie spinach soup | low cal healthy palak soup | quick Indian spinach soup with low fat milk | with 17 amazing images You will thoroughly enjoy this nutrient-dense, easy-to-prepare low calorie spinach soup. Cooking it with low-fat milk gives low cal healthy palak soup a lovely emerald green colour, which together with the aroma of sautéed onions and garlic, makes this soup irresistible! This quick Indian spinach soup with low fat milk is especially recommended for all the weight-conscious readers. The soup has not been strained in order to retain the fibre of the spinach. I would like to share some important tips to make the perfect low calorie spinach soup. 1. Season the Low Calorie Spinach Soup with salt and pepper. Be careful while adding salt because spinach has a slight salty flavour. 2. We have used low fat milk so the low cal palak soup is perfect for diabetics veg soup and a healthy heart soup. 3. After blending, we don’t strain the palak soup to make it healthier. Also do try other Low-Calorie-Soups like Garlicky Beetroot Soup, Oats and Vegetable Broth and Onion Thyme Soup. See detailed step by step photos and video of low calorie spinach soup | low cal healthy palak soup | quick Indian spinach soup with low fat milk

healthy carrot soup recipe | carrot and yellow moong dal soup | Indian style creamy carrot soup | easy healthy gajar ka soup | with 12 amazing images. healthy carrot soup is an antioxidant filled soup for one and all. Learn how to make Indian style creamy carrot soup. To make healthy carrot soup, combine the carrots, onions, moong dal and ¼ cup of water in a pressure cooker, mix well and pressure cook for 4 whistles. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Keep aside to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the mixture into a mixer and blend to a smooth purée. Transfer the mixture into a deep non-stick pan, add the milk, ½ cup of water, salt and pepper, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Serve hot. This mildly-flavoured zero oil carrot and yellow moong dal soup is an ideal start to a light dinner. Carrots have a large amount of vitamin A, an excellent antioxidant that cleanses your body of free-radicals. Prepared with low-fat milk, this easy healthy gajar ka soup features surprisingly low on the calorie meter too. Those aiming trimmed waistlines and looking forward to maintaining a healthy heart, can include this nourishing soup in their meals. The quercetin in onions will further promote production of HDL (good cholesterol) and lower total cholesterol in the body. Thickened smartly with protein-rich moong dal, and flavoured with onions and black pepper, the Indian style creamy carrot soup is indeed a very tasty way to stay young and energetic. The moong dal is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus – the twin pillars of our bones. Not being strained, this soup lends 3.8 g fibre per serving too! That’s an additional health boost. Enjoy healthy carrot soup recipe | carrot and yellow moong dal soup | Indian style creamy carrot soup | easy healthy gajar ka soup | with step by step photos and recipe below.

broccoli broth | healthy veg clear broccoli carrot soup | veg broccoli carrot broth | with 12 amazing images. This Indian Broccoli Broth recipe shows you how to make a soothing clear soup with crunchy and colourful veggies like broccoli and carrots, which compete and contrast with each other in appearance and flavour. Broth is a savory flavorful liquid made by simmering water with vegetables and spices. It can be eaten along with soup accompaniments like bread sticks, dough balls and croutons. But, it tastes delightful and wholesome as it is. Broccoli Broth is a super healthy broth which you can have as a low carb soup made of lots of veggies like broccoli, carrots and onions. See why we call this soup healthy veg clear broccoli carrot soup. Broccoli is loaded with beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A once it is inside the body. vitamin A plays a critical role in maintaining healthy vision. It is a good source of vitamin C which boosts the immune system and fights off cancers, heart disease and protects the body from free radical damage. Carrots have the nutrient Beta Carotene which is a form of Vitamin A, helps prevent deterioration of the eye as one gets older and prevents night blindness. Onions, garlic and celery enhance the flavour of this veg broccoli carrot broth. Also, the antioxidants contributed by broccoli and the other ingredients in this Broccoli Broth counteract the harmful cellular by products created during normal metabolism, making you fit and fresh. When down with running nose, sneezy wheezies or cold, I turn to this warm Broccoli Broth. You can also make this for your family on cold winter or rainy days or even for small evening hunger pangs. Serve the Broccoli broth hot. Enjoy how to make broccoli broth | healthy veg clear broccoli carrot soup | veg broccoli carrot broth | with detailed step by step photos below.

palak methi and corn sabzi recipe | palak methi makai | palak methi makai sabji | with step by step images. healthy palak corn sabzi is a nutri packed sabzi which can be served as a daily fare. Learn how to make palak methi makai sabji. palak methi and corn sabzi is made from simple ingredients like palak, methi, sweet corn kernels, white gravy and Indian spices. To make palak methi and corn sabzi, first make the white gravy. Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan, add the onions and sauté on a medium flame for 2 minutes or till they turn translucent. Add the ginger, garlic, green chillies and cashew nuts and sauté on a medium flame for 1 minute. Cool slightly and blend in a mixer to a fine paste using 2 tbsp of water. Add the curds and salt and mix well. Keep aside. Then to make sabzi Heat the oil and saute the cardamom, cloves and bayleaf. Add the white gravy and sauté on a medium flame for another minute. Add the spinach, fenugreek, sweet corn, little salt and ½ cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Add the garam masala, mix well and cook on a medium flame for another 30 seconds. Serve hot. This palak methi and corn sabzi is loaded with ingredients that can give you these essential nutrients. vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, folic acid, magnesium and phosphorus are some nutrients you gain from this nourishing fare. Both vitamins are antioxidant boost which help to build your immunity to diseases and iron and folic acid are key nutrients to prevent anaemia and ensure a proper supply of oxygen in the body. With around 100 calories and 10.6 g of carbs, palak methi makai is a healthy addition to our meals. With the use of oil being restricted, it can be enjoyed by those aiming at a healthy heart too. All through the nine months of gestation, a pregnant woman needs a good amount of protein, folic acid and iron to ensure your good health as well as the baby’s. This healthy palak corn sabzi is a wise choice for them too. Not only that, the fenugreek, spinach and curds also contribute their distinctive flavour to this palak methi makai sabji, making it a lip-smacking dish that you will thoroughly relish. Tips for palak methi and corn sabzi. 1. Wash the spinach and methi very well to get rid of all the dirt. 2. The white gravy can be made in advance when time permits and it can be refrigerated and thawed and used later Enjoy palak methi and corn sabzi recipe | palak methi makai | palak methi makai sabji | with step by step and video below.

stuffed spinach paratha | stuffed palak paratha | healthy carrot spinach paneer paratha | tiffin box spinach paratha | with 20 amazing images. stuffed spinach paratha is a healthy carrot spinach paneer paratha which is also a perfect tiffin box recipe for kids and adults. stuffed palak paratha is made from basic ingredients like paneer, carrots, green chilli paste and coriander for the stuffing and the dough is made from whole wheat flour and spinach puree. Yum paneer and healthy carrot come together in the stuffing for these exciting green-tinged stuffed spinach parathas made with a dough of wheat flour and spinach puree. Thanks to the softness imparted by the puree, these stuffed spinach parathas stay nice and fresh in the tiffin box for around five hours. Your kids will love the succulent paneer based filling in every bite of these sumptuous Parathas. Notes on stuffed spinach paratha. 1. Multigrain flour can also be used to make the parathas healthier. 2. Roll lightly so that the stuffing does not come out. 3. Press with the spatula especially the edges to make sure the paratha is golden-brown and cooked evenly on both sides. See why this is a healthy carrot spinach paneer paratha ? Carrot, spinach and paneer are 3 beta-carotene (vitamin A) rich sources which are combined in these healthy parathas. Here paneer also adds enough protein (6.6 g per paratha). Vitamin A is a key nutrient which combines with protein to aid in clear vision. Learn to make stuffed spinach paratha | stuffed palak paratha | healthy carrot spinach paneer paratha | tiffin box spinach paratha | with step by step photos and video below.

baby corn and mushroom salad recipe | Indian salad for lunch | sprouts, capsicum, carrots salad | Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Folic Acid and iron rich Indian salad | with 20 amazing images. baby corn and mushroom salad is a healthy Indian one dish meal salad. Learn how to make baby corn and mushroom salad. baby corn and mushroom salad is a light and refreshing salad made with tender baby corn, flavorful mushrooms, and a zesty basil garlic lime dressing. The baby corn is slightly crunchy, while the mushrooms are soft and earthy. The onion and bell pepper add a touch of sweetness and color, and the bean sprouts provide a fresh, crunchy finish. The Indian dressing of baby corn and mushroom salad is made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and basil. Salt, and pepper, and it perfectly complements the flavors of the vegetables. One cup of mushrooms contain only 18 calories and is safe to be consumed by those who have excess weight, heart disease and high blood pressure . Mushrooms have a glycemic index of 15 which is very low and is diabetic friendly. This sprouts, capsicum, carrots salad is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. It is also a low-calorie and gluten-free dish, making it a healthy option for lunch or dinner. baby corn and mushroom salad is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can add other vegetables, such as cucumbers or zucchini, or you can change the dressing to your taste. With only 114 calories for baby corn and mushroom salad, this is a perfect Indian salad for lunch. pro tips for baby corn and mushroom salad. 1. Cover salad with a cling wrap and refrigerate till required. 2. Add 1 tsp sugar (optional). If you like the sweet and sour taste in a dressing then add the sugar. 3. You can store dressing outside of the refrigerator if it is properly sealed in a container. Enjoy baby corn and mushroom salad recipe | Indian salad for lunch | sprouts, capsicum, carrots salad | Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Folic Acid and iron rich Indian salad | with step by step photos.

gajar methi sabzi recipe | sabzi for diabetes | carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style | healthy carrot methi sabzi | with 14 amazing images. gajar methi sabzi recipe is a daily fare served as an accompaniment to whole wheat rotis. Learn how to make carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style. Carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style is a great combination of textures and fragrant, spicy flavours that has the added advantage of being quick to make. The sweetness of carrot and slight bitterness of fenugreek leaves lends a perfect contrast in texture, taste and flavours. To make gajar methi sabzi, heat the oil in a non-stick kadhai and add the cumin seeds. When the seeds crackle, add the onions and sauté on a medium flame for 1 minute. Add the green chillies and garlic, mix well and sauté on a medium flame for 30 seconds. Add the fenugreek leaves, turmeric powder, coriander powder, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 to 2 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Add the carrots, salt and 1 cup of water, mix well and cover and cook for 7 to 8 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Serve hot with whole wheat parathas or rotis. Carrots are enriched with vitamin A, vitamin C and fibre and that’s what makes this healthy carrot methi sabzi so nutritious. Fibre helps to maintain a healthy gut, while the 2 vitamins are needed to guard our body cells from the attack of harmful free radicals, bacteria and virus. Methi, also called as fenugreek leaves, is a good source of fibre too along with iron – a key nutrient again. It is necessary for proper supply of oxygen to all parts of our body. This sabzi for diabetes also can be included in a heart patient’s menu. Not being loaded with excess fat, it is perfect for weight-watchers and women with PCOS who are aiming a trimmed waist line. The garlic used in the recipe adds its own health touch of anti-inflammatory properties. Tips for gajar methi sabzi. 1. Chop carrots into uniform shaped pieces, not too big nor too small in size. 2. Always select bunches of methi that are fresh and green in colour. Avoid if they are yellow or very dry textured. 3. Cool it well and you can pack and carry in your tiffin as a healthy lunch too. Enjoy gajar methi sabzi recipe | sabzi for diabetes | carrot and fenugreek vegetable Indian style | healthy carrot methi sabzi | with step by step images below.
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