Take Your Vitamins

Vitamins and health are essentially one in the same. We require a daily absorption of vitamins, mostly through our food, throughout our life if we are to remain healthy. The connection between vitamins and health has been researched extensively. Scientists found that most people get less-than-optimal intakes of vitamins from food which puts them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, cancer, and numerous other ailments.

There are 13 vitamins that we need; Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K are all fat soluble vitamins- which means they can be stored in the body and do not need to be consumed daily. Vitamin C and 8 of the B vitamins are water soluble- which means they cannot be stored in the body for extended periods and must be consumed frequently (i.e., in our food). Vitamins and health-related studies show that people who eat vitamin-rich, raw food seem to have less incidence of heart disease. Eating healthy plays a major role in the resistance to illness.

All vitamins, however, are not created equal. We shouldnt just go out and grab the first bottle of vitamins we see and start chugging them down. There are 3 types of vitamins sold today: the natural vitamins (taken directly from plant or fruit sources), the much more common brands of synthetic vitamins (synthesized in a laboratory), and the equally common yeast tablets that are injected with synthetic chemicals.

The synthetic vitamins are mere imitations of the real thing. Synthetic and natural vitamins may look the same under the microscope but they dont assimilate the same way in the human body. It is recognized that there are probably many vital foods factors that have yet to be identified, and to ensure we are not deprived of them, we should consume natural, raw foods preferably uncooked and unprocessed. Natural vitamins and minerals are destroyed in the cooking process which increases the need for vitamin supplementation. When buying vitamin supplements and anti-aging supplements, make sure the vitamin manufacturer is providing quality vitamins and not cheap, synthetic imitations. Be especially cautious of the discount vitamin suppliers.

Vitamin manufacturers make big profits each year selling synthetic vitamins containing sugar, yeast, artificial coloring, and other chemicals. Vitamins and healthcare need to be held to certain standards. Those standards can mean the difference between living a sick life, and living a long, healthy life.

Related Links:

What are vitamins?

an organic substance that acts as a coenzyme and/or regulator of metabolic processes. There are 13 known vitamins, most of which are present in foods or supplements; some are produced within the body. Vitamins are crucial for many bodily functions including a healthy immune response.
An essential low molecular weight organic compound required in trace amounts for normal growth and metabolic processes. They usually serve as components of coenzyme systems. For humans, vitamin A, the B series, C, D1 and D2, E and K are required. Deficiencies of one or more vitamins in the nutrient supply result in deficiency diseases.