It’s common knowledge that vitamins are good for your body. But not many people understand how any why they add value to your body and life. The following is a basic explanation of some common vitamins and their value.
- Vitamin A: helps to synthesize protein, promotes immune function and well-being, forms visual pigments, and works to develop red blood cells.
- Found in pumpkin, squash and sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, eggs, green leafy vegetables, melons, and dairy foods.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): Helps to aid energy production from food and assisting in DNA and RNA synthesis.
- Found in whole grains, tuna, leafy greens, mushrooms, and lentils.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Helps to absorb medicine, metabolizes iron, and participation in red cell production.
- Found in whole grains, tuna, leafy greens, mushrooms, and lentils.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Facilities cell signaling, helps control cholesterol, and assists in repairing DNA.
- Found in sea vegetables, whole grains, beans, salmon, tuna, mushrooms, and asparagus.
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid): Assisting in absorption of medication and helps to synthesize cholesterol, hormones, and neurotransmitters.
- Found in Yogurt, eggs, whole grains, avocados, lentils, seeds, berries, and coniferous vegetables.
- Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Assists in breakdown of carbs, supports nervous and immune system function, and helps to form neurotransmitters and hormones.
- Found in bananas, avocado, tuna, salmon, nuts, oats, beans, and seeds.
- Vitamin B7 (Biotin): Helps hair, skin, and nail growth and aids in energy production.
- Found in leafy greens, berries, nuts, oats, lettuce, tomato, avocado, carrots, cucumbers, onions, cauliflower, and whole grains.
- Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid): Helps in utilization of other vitamins, assists in new protein formation, helps create new red blood cells.
- Found in citrus fruit, coniferous vegetables, bean, and whole grains.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin): Helps in cell reproduction and maintaining healthy and active cells
- Found in meats, fish, eggs, and dairy.
- Vitamin C: Acts as an antioxidant to help protect cells from cancer causing agents, improves vitamin and mineral absorption, and helps regenerate collagen.
- Found in leafy greens, citrus fruits, coniferous vegetables, berries, mangos, and kiwis.
- Vitamin D: Increases calcium uptake, helps with immune system function, and helps regulate blood pressure.
- Found in fish and eggs.
- Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant and helps immune and inflammatory cells.
- Found in apples, carrots, tomatoes, avocados, seeds, leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, and vegetable oils.
- Vitamin K: Assists in blood clotting and helps to regenerate bone tissue
- Found in peas, beans, leafy greens, and vegetable oils.
The best way to absorb vitamins is to consume them from whole food sources. If you don’t have access regularly I would add a greens supplement or daily multi-vitamin in with your daily regimen. Regular consumption of vitamins can help you avoid things like cancer, influenza, and many other infections and viral sicknesses.
