Vitamins
The secret for better health happens to be no secret at all.
Vitamins have long been praised and proven to be essential for sustaining life and good health. Vitamins are vital for growth, metabolism, and overall health. They also happen to be building blocks for important enzymes and hormones for proper body functions.
There are at least thirteen vitamins the body needs for optimal health. Every vitamin is responsible for balancing a certain body function. Having a shortage of a certain vitamin can lead to numerous ailments depending on the vitamin deficit.
Most people get the daily doses of vitamins in meals. However, in such a fast paced society nutrition has taken a back burner. Vitamins can be found in a variety of foods. Most people think that the only foods that contain vitamins are apples and oranges. At a glance, here are the thirteen vitamins and food source for each:
Vitamin A – Cod liver oil
Vitamin B1 – Rice bran
Vitamin B2 – Meat or eggs
Vitamin B3 – Meat, eggs, or grains
Vitamin B5 – Meat or whole grains
Vitamin B6 – Meat or dairy products
Vitamin B9 – Leafy green vegetables
Vitamin B12 – Liver or eggs
Vitamin C – Citrus
Vitamin D – Cod liver oil
Vitamin E – Unrefined vegetable oils
Vitamin K – Leafy green vegetables
Each vitamin is classified between two categories, water-soluble and fat-soluble. The nine water-soluble vitamins include the eight vitamin B complex and C. These vitamins dissolve in water and have to be consumed daily. The four fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. Fat-soluble vitamins are often stored in the body.
There are a number of things that deplete the body of vitamins. Stress happens to utilize a lot of energy and a lot of the vitamin B complex. Poor diets including excessive sugar or refined products strip the body of vitamins and minerals as well.
Too much of a good thing is a relevant warning concerning vitamins. Overdosing on certain vitamins can lead to several different diseases.
Maintaining a healthy diet is the perfect way to ensure vitamins are a daily addition. For those who are concerned about not getting adequate amounts of nutrients, dietary supplements are a excellent way to compensate.