What You Need To Know About Vitamins

Vitamins play a role in the health and vitality of every organ in the human body, from the skin right up to the brain. A vitamin is an organic molecule required in various amounts by every living organism. Vitamins are classified on the basis of their soluble properties as water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water easily while fat-soluble vitamins are absorbed through the intestinal tract.

There are thirteen vitamins required by the human body, and they are divided into two groups. They are the four fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and the nine water soluble vitamins (eight B vitamins and vitamin C). Studies have shown that vitamins and minerals could lower cholesterol levels, help wounds heal faster and raise sperm count. Vitamins make a person more resistant to colds and the flu, asthma, cataracts and even gum disease. Vitamins C and E protect against the effects of aging and certain types of cancer.

Only 9% of North American men consume a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits daily. Most of them lack the optimum daily dose of vitamins and require supplements in their diets.

Each vitamin has a specific role to play in our body. Vitamin A, found in abundance in carrots, helps improve eyesight. In addition, it assists growth and aids with healthy skin. B vitamins are found in leafy green vegetables and help build up proteins and energy in the body. This group of vitamins is also involved in the building up of red blood cells. Vitamin C helps the healing process of the body tissue and keeps muscles in good shape. Citrus fruits and tomatoes are good sources of Vitamin C. Vitamin D is found in milk and aids bone development. Vitamin E maintains body tissues in the eyes, skin and liver. It also protects the lungs from damage by polluted air. Vitamin E also plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells. It is found in whole grains and egg yolks. Vitamin K is found in leafy vegetables and helps blood clotting.

The human body does not create vitamins on its own. It only absorbs the vitamins it needs from the food we eat. Therefore, it is essential to eat healthy food to ensure the required daily supply of vitamins to the body.

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.