Vitamins
Natural vitamins are those organic food substances which are found only in plants and animals, i.e., living things. The body is not able to synthesize or manufacture vitamins (although there are a few exceptions to this). Because of this, they must be supplied either directly in the diet, or by way of dietary supplements. Vitamins are vital if our body is to function normally. They are absolutely necessary for our growth, general-well being and vitality.
Vitamins cannot be assimilated without ingesting food. This is why it is suggested that vitamins must be taken with a meal. They help to regulate the body’s metabolism, assist in forming the bone and tissue, and help convert fat and carbohydrates. However, one must remember that vitamins cannot replace food.
We shall now look at the importance of each of the vitamins by turn.
Vitamin A
Repair & growth of body tissues
Protects mucous membrane of mouth, throat, lungs and nose
Helps maintain smooth, disease-free skin
Counteracts night blindness.
Reduces risk of lung and certain types of oral cancers
Vitamin B1
Aids in digestion of carbohydrates
Essential to the normal working of the nervous system, heart and muscles
Stabilizes appetite
Promotes growth
Generates energy
Vitamin B2
Aids in formation of red blood cells and antibodies
Essential for carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism
Promotes general health
Necessary for the maintenance of good skin, nails, hair and good vision
Maintains cells respiration
Vitamin B6
Building blocks of protein
Necessary for synthesis and breakdown of amino acids
Promotes healthy skin
Aids in production of antibodies
Reduces muscle spasms and leg cramps
Helps maintain a proper balance of phosphorous and sodium
Vitamin B12
Prevents anaemia by helping in formation and regeneration of red blood cells
Necessary for fat, carbohydrate and protein metabolism
Increases energy
Promotes growth in children
Maintains healthy nervous system
Niacinamide
Helps metabolize sugar, fat and protein
Reduces high blood pressure
Improves circulation
Reduces cholesterol level
Increases energy
Helps maintain healthy digestive system
Panthothenic Acid
Aids in the utilization of vitamins
Helps in cell building
Aids in development of the central nervous system
Fights infections
Participates in release of energy from carbohydrates
Biotin
Promotes healthy
Aids in the utilization of folic acid, protein, Vitamin B12 and Panthothenic Acid
Folic Acid
Essential for the formation of red blood cells
Aids in the metabolism of amino acids
Necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA
Inositol
Aids in breakdown of fats
Helps prevent thinning hair
Helps to reduce blood cholesterol levels
Necessary for the formation of lecithin
Choline
Prevents fat from accumulating in the liver
Helps improve memory
Important in controlling cholesterol and fat build up
Facilitates movement of fats in cells
Important in nerve transmission
Para Amino Benzoic Acid
Aids in formation of red blood cells
Contains sunscreen properties
Returns hair to its natural colour
Aids in the assimilation of Panthothenic Acid
Produces folic acid, this aiding healthy bacteria
Vitamin C
Helps heal wounds, scar tissue and fractures
Essential for healthy bones, teeth and gums
Builds resistance to infection
Prevents scurvy
Gives strength to blood vessels
Aids in absorption of iron
Is essential for the synthesis of collagen
Vitamin D
Required for bone and teeth formation
Improves absorption and utilization of Phosphorous and Calcium
Maintains stable nervous system
Vitamin E
Retards cellular aging because of oxygen
Alleviates fatigue by supplying oxygen
Prevents and dissolves blood clots
Helps in preventing sterility
Aids in bringing nourishment to cells
For more information on vitamins, visit: http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/vitamins.htm
