Do You Know Your Vitamin Facts?
Lets face it. Everyone knows a few facts about vitamins and minerals, or at least we certainly hear enough in the media to be aware that this should be an important part of our daily diet. Half of the population in the United States currently take some form of supplement but do we really have an understanding of what vitamins and minerals do? Lets cover some basics, then you can take the Vitamin Quiz.
Vitamins and minerals are essential to healthy living. The body works best when it receives adequate amounts of each and every one. For example, without vitamins the body would not be able to convert food into energy or assist in the development of bones. A lack of minerals would negatively affect functions such as muscle contractions, bone density, blood clotting and brain function.
Vitamins are organic substances found in living things. Vitamins regulate the normal metabolic function including growth, digestion and nerve function. There are two types: Water-soluble and Fat-soluble.
Water-Soluble vitamins are easily absorbed but are not stored in the body and must be replaced daily. They are the B-complex vitamins and vitamin C.
There are 8-B complex vitamins in the group. They are: Thiamin (B-1), Riboflavin (B-2), Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Biotin and Pantothenic acid. They help the body obtain the energy from food and are important for appetite, good vision, healthy skin and formation of red blood cells, to name a few.
Vitamin C has many functions which includes helping with collagen formation, wound healing and absorption. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant.
Fat-Soluble vitamins dissolve in fat and are absorbed into the blood stream. Excess amounts are stored in the liver and fatty tissues and are eliminated much more slowly. This means that fat-soluble vitamins do not need to be taken every day. Examples of fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A,D,E and K.
Vitamin A has many functions: Helps eyes adjust to light, plays a role in bone and tooth development, keeps skin, eyes and mucous membranes moist. Vitamin D promotes hardening of teeth, increases calcium function. Vitamin E Prevents damage to cell membranes and is a powerful antioxidant
Minerals are inorganic substances found in plants. Plants extract the minerals from the soil. We, in turn, take in the plants as food. Minerals play a role in the structural composition of hard and soft body tissues. They also act as a catalyst for many body functions. Without minerals, vitamins could not be assimilated into the body.
The best sources of vitamins and minerals come from consuming a colorful variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and nuts. Certain Herbs are also a rich source of not only vitamins and minerals but also fiber as well as essential nutrients. Obtaining vitamins and minerals through a healthy diet should always be the most important approach.
Supplements are also an important source of vitamins and minerals. They serve an important role in the diet due to concerns that the typical 'American' diet is lacking in balanced nutrition. If a person is not consuming 5 to 7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily, it is recommended that they take a daily vitamin and mineral supplement. The best sources of vitamins should be of high quality, or pharmaceutical grade vitamins , meaning that the quantity and quality of the nutrient is the same as the claims and that the product can be successfully absorbed by the body.
Ready To Take the Vitamin Quiz ?
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