what are vitamins really
May 7, 2008
What Are Vitamins and When Should We Take Them?
No person is too young or old to benefit from vitamins but whether there’s a need for taking vitamin supplements mostly depends on a persons health condition rather than his age.
What are Vitamins?
Vitamins are substances that can be found inside your body or in food. They can be water-soluble or fat-soluble. The latter type of vitamins can be stored inside your body; they will stay there until the body finds a use for them. Water-soluble vitamins on the other hand are eliminated through urination if the body has no need for them. Because of this, you should ensure that your body has a ready supply of water-vitamins prepared daily for any eventuality.
What Functions Do Vitamins Perform?
Vitamins help the body in various ways. Although specific vitamins play specific functions. Vitamin A is good for the eyes while vitamin K aids in blood clotting and vitamins in general strengthen the immune system, help body organs and cells perform their activities, and facilitate the growth and development of your health.
What are the Different Vitamins?
Vitamin A Milk, sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach are good sources of vitamin A, and this can improve your vision and give you great-looking skin.
Vitamin B This is actually a group of vitamins made up of B1, B2, B12, B6, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin. They facilitate metabolism and the production of red blood cells. Whole grains, dairy products, poultry, fish, meat, and seafood are all excellent sources of the B-vitamins.
Vitamin C Also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C helps your wounds heal faster and protects your body from illnesses. Citrus fruits, cabbage, and tomatoes are just some of the foods rich in Vitamin C.
Vitamin D If you are suffering from calcium deficiency, vitamin D will help you absorb as much of it as you need. This vitamin also keeps your teeth and bones stronger. Vitamin D can be found in milk, fish, and other dairy products.
Vitamin E This vitamin is also an antioxidant, which makes it able to protect body tissues from the damaging effects of toxins. Vitamin E can be found in whole grains, egg yolks, and leafy green vegetables.
Vitamin K As mentioned earlier, the primary function of vitamin K is to help in blood clotting. This activity is important because it helps your wounds heal faster. Leafy green vegetables and dairy products are considered good sources of vitamin K.
Take vitamin supplements only if you don’t have the benefit of a balanced diet and you’re suffering from any deficiency disease.