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The Wonderful World of Vitamins...Part 1
from: Colleen PalatiVitamins are vital if we are to achieve maximum health and
weight loss. An understanding of vitamins and their function in
our bodies can help us to improve our health and supplement our
diet. Vitamins are only needed in relatively small amounts.
However a deficiency or an abundance of even one vitamin can
make us sick.
A vitamin is an organic substance or chemical found in food that
is absolutely necessary for normal growth, health, and bodily
functions. Vitamins help the body to resist infection, as well
as to increase mental alertness. Some vitamins can even help the
body to produce hormones, blood cells, and chemicals in your
nervous system.
It is best to ingest our nutrients through whole foods but very
often we need to supplement our diet. If needed, choose natural,
whole food vitamins. Natural, whole food vitamins are made from
a natural food source and are absorbed by the body much better
than chemically produced vitamins.
There are 14 different vitamins that fall into two distinct
categories. They are fat-soluable and water-soluable. In this
article, I will focus primarily on fat-soluable vitamins and
their functions. In part 2 of this article, I will discuss
water-soluable vitamins and their purpose.
Fat-soluable vitamins such as Vitamins A, D, E and K are stored
in your body fat and liver if not used immediately for
digestion. Excess fat-soluable vitamins can accumulate in your
body and reach toxic levels.
The following is a description of each fat-soluable vitamin:
Vitamin A - Can be found in liver, dairy, and cod liver oil.
Helps our cells reproduce normally, stimulates our immune
system, and is required for the formation of protein, bone, and
growth hormone. Aids in fighting infection, PMS, urinary tract
infections, and acne. May reduce harmful cholesterol levels, and
reduce the risk of heart attacks. Vitamin A may prevent night
blindness, improve eyesight, and strengthen our teeth, bones,
hair and gums.
Vitamin D - Can be found in cod liver oil, egg yolks, and
butter, but the majority of vitamin D can be supplemented by
sunlight exposure. Helps our bodies to absorb calcium and
vitamin A. If taken with vitamins C and A, it can help to
prevent colds. Without vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium cannot
build strong bones and teeth. Also aids in preventing migraine
headaches and osteoporosis.
Vitamin E - Look for Vitamin E in wheat germ oil, nuts, seeds,
vegetable oils, whole grains, egg yolks and leafy green
vegetables. Aids in PMS, cold sores, increased energy, and wound
healing. Helps keep our skin looking young, aids oxygen in
traveling throughout our bodies, prevents and dissolves blood
clots, and helps wounds heal faster. Also aids in lowering blood
pressure, minimizing leg cramps, and in helping nerves convey
messages faster.
Vitamin K - Found in leafy green vegetables. Vitamin K is needed
for proper bone formation and blood clotting. Helps the body
transport calcium.
Proper nutrition is the key to a long and healthy life. Make
wise food choices each and every day to maintain the healthy
lifestyle that we all aim for!
Keep an eye out for Part 2 of this article when I will discuss
the other category of nutrients...water-soluable vitamins.
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About the author:
Colleen Palati is a healthy living and nutrition enthusiast with
over 7 years of study in the areas of nutrition, healthy living,
and weight loss.
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