Why are Vitamins Important for Your Health

 

It is very important to take vitamin supplements for very various bodily functions as it helps in an overall betterment of the human body. Vitamins are essential nutrients needed which help with various functions like immunity, digestion, and metabolism. They help to strengthen bones, healing wounds, healthy eyesight, and overall growth. Vitamins do not provide energies like carbohydrates, proteins and fat but still play an important role in a human body. There are 13 main vitamins which are needed by the body and are divided into two categories - fat soluble and water soluble. Vitamin A, B, E and K are fat-soluble vitamins. The supplement store in the body can be used for up to 6 months. Vitamin B and C are water-soluble vitamins which cannot be stored in the body so we need to take it supplements regularly. Let us talk about different vitamins that our body needs, its functions and what are the sources through which we can get more of it.

Vitamin A- ( Beta-carotene) This vitamin is an antioxidant which improves the human immune function and is very important for our eyesight. Its deficiency can cause night blindness. It contains beta-carotene which helps to repair the eye membrane and the cornea. Carrots, pepper, sweet potato, broccoli and spinach are the main sources which give us vitamin A.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine)- Certain neurotransmitters and multiple enzyme processes are done with the help of this vitamin. Deficiency of Vitamin B1 can cause Beri-Beri,nerve degeneration and loss of appetite. Best sources of this vitamin are peas, sunflower seeds, cauliflower, potatoes and oranges.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) This vitamin highly helps in improving body metabolism, burning Calories and increasing immunity. It also supports the functions of the nervous system. Anaemia and peripheral neuropathy can be caused because of its deficiency. Humans cannot produce this vitamin so it has to be obtained from our diet. Foods rich in vitamin B6 are Fish, chicken, spinach, chickpeas, bananas, whole grains and nuts.

Vitamin B9 (Folic acid)- helps in the growth and development of a baby in the mother's womb. It is also very important for a healthy heart. Its deficiency during pregnancy can lead to neural tube defects. This vitamin can be obtained from green leafy vegetables like spinach, asparagus, fortified cereals and legumes. These supplements inpregnancy are very important

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)-  Helps to strengthen our nervous system and plays an important role in the DNA synthesis and maturation. It helps in protecting the heart. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anaemia and some neurological problems. Let, meat and poultry are Vitamin B12 rich foods.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)- Is very high in antioxidants properties and is important for the immune system, wound healing and development of connective tissues like collagen and cardiovascular health, and prevention of many diseases. It can be found in foods such as oranges, peppers, lemons, broccoli, amla, strawberries and Brussel sprouts.

Vitamin D - Helps in the formation and maintenance of strong and healthy bones and teeth. It also helps in the normal growth and development of the human body along with immunity functions and muscle development. The deficiency is caused because of lack of exposure to sunlight which reduces the ability to synthesize vitamin D in the skin. Its deficiency can cause weak bones pains and muscle cramps. Sunlight is the best source of vitamin D. Egg yolk, mushroom, salmon, tuna, fish oil, fortified cereals and fortified milk other sources to include in the diet for Vitamin D.

Vitamin E- The main function of this vitamin is to promote cardiovascular health and skin repair. It is a great antioxidant. Its deficiency may cause muscle weakness, nerve damage and blurred vision. Cloves, nuts, seeds, whole grains, tomatoes, mangoes are Vitamin E rich foods.

Our unhealthy eating habits and bad lifestyles cause a deficiency of vitamins causing lower immunity, weakness and fatigue. a balanced diet is all we need to meet the required vitamins in our body which contain a variety of grains fruits and vegetables. Eat healthy and stay healthy!!!
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