Vitamins
Vitamins are organic substances necessary in very small amounts to direct different processes within living cells. Even though vitamins offer no energy benefits to the body directly, they do help set free the energy stored in carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Thus, most vitamins help chemical reactions to take place. The human body does not produce most of the vitamins it requires and must obtain them from foods.
When taken as a dietary supplement in the daily diet, they help balance out the deficiencies of improper eating habits, overcooked foods, and non-nutritive processed foods. Vitamins are also critical in the production of red blood cells and the protection of the nervous, skeletal, and immune system.
When taken as a dietary supplement in the daily diet, they help balance out the deficiencies of improper eating habits, overcooked foods, and non-nutritive processed foods. Vitamins are also critical in the production of red blood cells and the protection of the nervous, skeletal, and immune system.
Vitamins Sources and Benefits
Vitamin A - Vitamin A promotes healthy surface linings of the eyes and the respiratory, urinary and intestinal tracts. It is found as retinol in milk, butter, cheese, egg yolk, liver and fatty fish; as carotenes in milk, carrots, tomatoes, dark green vegetables.Vitamin B2 - It is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates (to produce energy) and amino acids. It also helps keep mucous membranes (such as those lining the mouth) healthy.
Vitamin B12 - Its deficiency can lead to serious health complications such as nerve damage, weak muscles, depression, memory problem, anaemia, and stunted growth in children. It also helps the formation and regeneration of red blood cells, along with the proper functioning of nerves.
Rich sources are meat, eggs and milk. Almost no plant foods contain B12. Fortified breakfast cereals are a useful source.
Vitamin B1 - It is necessary for proper metabolism of sugar and starch to provide energy. It helps maintain a healthy nervous system as well as aid in the proper functioning of the heart and other muscles. Stress increases the need for B-1 and all B vitamins.
Cereals, nuts and pulses are rich sources. Green vegetables, fruits and fortified cereals contain this vitamin.
Vitamin C - It has helps in the production of the protein - collagen, boosts the immune system, protects artery linings, and helps in the prevention of cataracts.
Good dietary sources are citrus fruits, berries, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes.
Vitamin D - It aids in the absorption of calcium, thereby helping to form and maintain strong bones. Best source is sunlight. Dietary sources include oily fish, egg yolk, fortified breakfast cereals.
Vitamin E - It is a potent antioxidant, which helps in the protection against heart disease, some types of cancers, boosts the immune system, and acts as an aid in the healing of injuries.
Good dietary sources are common vegetable oils and the products made from them, wheat germ, nuts and green leafy vegetables.
Vitamin K - It is beneficial because it helps in blood clotting and helps to strengthen bones and counter osteoporosis.
>> Also Know simple and effective Home Remedies for common diseases.
More on Vitamins and Minerals
For more information on vitamins, minerals and amino acids, below are some useful resources.
- Health Vitamins Guide - Information on Vitamins, Minerals, Amino Acids
- Vitamin is not a food although it is usually present in the foods we eat. Nor it is a food supplement. Vitamins do not provide energy, nor do they build up worn out tissues. Still a man cannot live without vitamins.
- Vitamin A Information - Retinol Benefits, Deficiency, Sources
- Vitamin A is essential for growth. Vitamin a helps in the normal growth of bones and teeth, particularly in children and young people. It is a component of rhodopsin, hence essential for night vision. Vitamin A is the "beauty vitamin".
- Vitamin B1 Benefits, Deficiency
- It is a water-soluble vitamin and it is also known as anti beri beri substance. Beriberi, a disabling condition, was endemic for centuries in the Orient Pacific islands and this was finally proved to be deficiency disease.
- Vitamin B2 Benefits,Deficiency, Food Sources
- It is a water-soluble vitamin. In 1932 Warburg and Christian were able to isolate yellow enzyme from yeast. The yellow enzyme was named riboflavin. In 1935 it was synthesized.
- Vitamin B3 Benefits,Deficiency, Sources
- Niacin or nicotinic acid is essential for the metabolism of the carbohydrate, fat and protein. It is also essential for the normal functioning of the skin, intestinal and nervous systems.
- Vitamin C Information - Ascorbic Acid Benefits
- It is a white crystal, soluble in water, and heat labile. It is easily oxidized at 100 0C. in presence of oxygen. Alkali and copper salts help destruction. Hence, cooking and canning destroy it.
- Vitamin D Information, Benefits, Deficiency, Sources
- In 1782 it was found out that cod liver oil cured rickets. In 1918 Mellanby produced experimental rickets in animals and confirmed the conception which was so far known that ricket was due to deficiency of vitamin D.
- Minerals - Information, Sources, Benefits, Deficiency
- As the mineral boron gained more attention, it became apparent that it functions as an activating agent. That is, boron triggers a variety of functions in the body that are necessary for life.
- Amino Acid Benefits, Sources, Deficiency
- Alanine is an important source of energy for muscle tissue, the brain and central nervous system; strengthens the immune system by producing antibodies; helps in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids.
- Deficiencies of Vitamins and Minerals
- Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder affecting mainly girls or women, although boys or men can also suffer from it. It usually starts in the teenage years. On account of any mental depression or a fanciful idea (especially for reducing obesity), she takes less food than normal.
- Natural Nutrients Benefits
- Allium neapolitanum (which means Onion of Napels) originated in Northern Italy. The snow-white flowers appear on strong and sturdy stems. Excellent for container planting and for forcing indoors.
- Vitamins Information and Benefits
- Vitamins may be defined as potent organic compounds, which is found in foods in variable and a minute quantity, and must be supplied to the animal organisms from external sources, so that specific physiological functions, vital to life, may go on normally.
Vitamins, Minerals and Deficiencies
Read useful information on vitamins, minerals and deficiencies.
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- jeffwend jeffwend May 25, 2008 @ 1:40 am
- Hi,
Just dropping a quick note to let you know that I am featuring your lens in my natural health group.
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- Tinnitus23 Tinnitus23 Feb 13, 2008 @ 12:22 pm
- Very nice lens! Vitamins must always be incorporated to our diet. It is not enough that we have it with the food we eat. Taking supplements assures us that we are provided with adequate daily vitamin needs.
Tinnitus sufferers also need to have a well nourished body to have a healthy immune system.
by Triphala
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