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Why You Need Vitamins

All living things need vitamins. From the smallest single celled organism, to the plants in your garden to yourself. There are no exceptions. Vitamins are very important for the metabolism, physical well-being and

growth of animals and plants alike. They are organic food substances that are important for normal body functioning. And since living organisms cannot synthesize their own vitamins, we have to get vitamins either from the food we eat or from vitamin supplements.

Different vitamins and their uses:

1. Vitamin A helps to strengthen membranes and fight infections. It is also responsible for helping to provide better vision, treating otosclerosis and in helping with jawbone and tooth formation.

2. Vitamin B is the vitamin that is most essential for our health. Vitamin B consists of 12 vitamins that help in releasing energy from food, detoxify organs and helping to promote proper metabolism. It is also responsible for the stabilization of the nervous system functions.

3. Vitamin C is also an important vitamin that helps in the healing of wounds, strengthening of blood vessels, fighting of infections and is as a major antioxidant.

4. Vitamin D is a vitamin that is derived from sunlight and helps utilize calcium and phosphorous for the formation of strong bones, teeth and healthy skin.

5. Vitamin E is the vitamin that strengthens capillary walls, rejuvenates blood, provides oxygen to all organs and helps in the internal and external healing of skin lesions.

Getting all of the vitamins we need from what we eat is easier than many people think. By eating a balanced diet of proteins, carbohydrates and good fats, you will receive the required amount of vitamins.

Here are some vitamin rich food suggestions to get you started:

1. Vitamin A is mostly found in animal foods like egg yolks, whole milk and liver. It is also available in yellow vegetables, beet greens, carrots and spinach.

2. Vitamin B is found in many foods, including dairy products, liver, nuts, fish, wheat germ, egg yolks and green, leafy vegetables. Fruits like bananas and pears, fermented soybean products and brown rice are also great sources of vitamin B.

3. Vitamin C is largely found in broccoli, sweet green peppers, citrus fruits and most other brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

4. Vitamin D can be absorbed best from the sun. However, food wise, it is found in fish liver oils, seafood, egg yolks and in fortified foods like milk and yogurt.

5. Vitamin E is found in wheat germ and wheat germ oil. For a more appetizing option try whole grain baked goods, nuts, bran, seeds and unrefined cereal.

What about Vitamin Supplements?

There are many types of vitamin supplements on the market today. They come in the form of a single vitamin or a bunch of vitamins and are most effective when taken with food. However, they are not necessary for everyone.

Vitamin supplements should be taken when they are needed. For example, pregnant women need folic acid, vegans need more B12, lactose intolerants and post-menopausal women need more calcium and those on severe weight loss diets will most probably need a multi-vitamin supplement. Sometimes athletes also need vitamin supplements for their specific athletic needs.

If you feel you don�t get sufficient vitamins from your food then supplements may be a good option for you. However, it is always better to get as many of the vitamins you need as possible from the food you eat.

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