Author: Lisa Arnold

Vitamin A is also called retinol. This is the vitamin that has been called the “miracle vitamin” for years because of the positive effects it has on boosting the immune system and with promoting growth. It is also been shown that Vitamin A helps to slow down the aging process by improving the skin. That’s why we at YoNaturals try to keep our vending as organic and natural as possible.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin which aids in many important body functions; it also helps with vision, helps to keep teeth in good condition, helps to keep your skin healthy, and helps to fight certain cancers.

There are many other benefits to the consumption of Vitamin A which includes:

·         promoting the formation of strong bones

·         improving vision and preventing night blindness

·         acting as anti-oxidant which helps to protect cells against cancer and other diseases

·         lowering cholesterol levels

·         protecting against heart disease and stroke

·         guarding against bacterial infections

·         eliminating wrinkles

·         reducing fine lines

·         fading age spots

·         improving skin conditions such as acne

As an organic vending business, we at YoNaturals try to incorporate as many of these important ingredients as possible. There are two categories of Vitamin A, water-soluble and fat-soluble. Vitamin A is considered a fat-soluble vitamin which means that it is stored in the body’s fat cells and the liver until it is used. Vitamin A can be found in dairy products including whole milk, cheddar cheese, cantaloupe, romaine lettuce and eggs. Vitamin A can also be found in cod liver oils and beef liver.

The other form of Vitamin A is beta-carotene which is water soluble and is a pigment that is orange-yellow or red in color. It is stored in the body and turns into Vitamin A when needed. Beta-carotene is found in vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, broccoli, apricots, broccoli, tomatoes, collard greens and spinach.

Large doses of fat-soluble Vitamin A can become toxic, but if a normal consumption of foods rich in this vitamin is obtained there will not be any problems. Too much Vitamin A has been known to cause hair loss and birth defects. It has been known to increase the risk of bone fractures in some individuals.

Vitamin A deficiency is rare but it can cause night blindness, diarrhea, nausea, irritability, blurred vision and other problems.

The recommended daily dose of Vitamin A for women is 800 mg. It is recommended that men consume a slightly higher dose of 1000 mg of Vitamin A on a daily basis. Children aged four to eighteen should take around 500 mg of Vitamin A per day.

It important to note large amounts of Vitamin A can cause birth defects, damage to the central nervous system and liver damage. It can also cause bone density loss which can eventually lead to osteoporosis.

Vitamin A is excellent for the body when properly taken, and it can help to fight off the onslaught of infections. Before beginning any vitamin regimen it highly recommended that it be discussed with health care professionals to ensure that the proper doses and vitamins are being administered for individual overall good health. Try something new; try organic vending for a change.

So it’s a hot summer day and you’re craving a sip of soda. Or perhaps want to gulp down the entire carton of juice. You know you shouldn’t, but it’s hard to break the habit of drinking both soda and juice when you’ve grown up with the sweet flavors of apple, grape and cola. While water is by far the best option for quenching your thirst, occasionally you crave a bit more than a drink from the nearest faucet. The good news is that YoNaturals vending machines offer healthier choices. While not perfect, the following options are far better than your average beverage.

1. Steaz Green Tea Soda:

Brewed by the Healthy Beverage Company, Steaz tea is the perfect option for fans of green tea. It’s true: green tea has long been known for its health benefits. However, while these teas are packed with polyphenols and antioxidants, what makes this drink so unique is its flavor. The sparkling soda adds some punch to standard green tea, making this option great for soda fans as well. Furthermore, Steaz’s teas are made with organic cane sugar from the Florida everglades. You can’t beat that!

2. Hansen’s Natural Soda

Hansen’s has long been a favorite of health gurus and it’s no wonder why. Hansen’s soda boasts of having no caffeine, no preservatives, and no artificial flavors or colors. But you wouldn’t know it by the taste. Many people actually prefer the taste of Hansen’s Soda to that of standard soda, and it’s no surprise why. Hansen’s comes in a variety of flavors, including root beer, ginger ale, strawberry, as well as more unique flavors, such as grapefruit and mandarin lime.

3. Appletiser

Appletiser advertises its products as 100% pure pleasure. In truth, they are both that as well as 100% juice. The only thing added to Appletiser’s beverages is what they call a “touch of sparkle.” What this means is that their drinks resemble apple cider, but with the healthy bonus of no added sugar, coloring, or preservatives, making Appletiser a great option for fans of apple juice and soda alike.

While these are not the only beverage alternatives on the market, they are all delicious and healthy alternatives to the sugary and caffeinated beverages typically displayed. The good news is that many of these are available in your regular supermarket, health food stores, as well as places you might not think to look, such as a YoNaturals vending machine.

So by all means, drink water to stay healthy. But it doesn’t hurt to spoil yourself once in a while on a natural—and tasty!—soda or juice substitute.

By Bethany Cox