How Useful Are Vitamins Anyway?Vitamins and their usefulnessby: Ric Wiley There are two distinct types of vitamins, those soluble in water and those soluble in fats. Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E and Vitamin K are fat soluble vitamins and the water soluble vitamins are Vitamin C and Vitamin B although there are different types of Vitamin B. Vitamins A and D are water soluble vitamins and they are not as easy to store in your body as the fat soluble vitamins. A normal well balanced diet should provide a good daily intake of the correct levels of vitamins and this is usually the case but care must be taken to ensure that you do have a well balanced diet. There are times when you may need to supplement your normal intake of vitamins and this is where vitamin supplements can be useful. This list gives an indication of where you may need a little help. Dieting May lack vitamin B complex and Vitamin C Heavy smokers May lack Vitamin C Heavy Drinkers May lack some Vitamin B’s and Vitamin C Elderly people May lack vitamin B complex and Vitamin C Vegetarians May lack Vitamin B12 which is often found in meats Night shift workers May lack Vitamin D (which is made in your body when it is exposed to sunlight People who are suffering from stress, overworked or under pressure may be lacking Vitamin B complex or Vitamin C. There are few ways that Vitamins can get into your body and these are usually by oral means. Things such as Vitamin B12 can be taken by injection but this should only be carried out by a qualified medial practitioner. One of the problems with vitamins though is that they are easily destroyed by the acids in your stomach so that much of what you take is lost due to stomach acids. I have probably spoiled your views on vitamins but what you have to remember is that your body needs a well balanced diet which is rich in vitamins as some can be destroyed by the natural process of your body. Lightly cooking foods will help to preserve their vitamin content and eating fresh foods will again increase your intake of vitamins. If you are worried that you have a deficiency in any particular vitamin then you can supplement your diet with the use of vitamin supplements which you will usually find in the form of tablets. These can be single vitamins or a multi vitamin tablet. Unless you have been advised by your doctor that you need to take a specific vitamin, then the decision if yours as to what vitamins you need. Many people routinely take Vitamin C, especially in the fall and winter to help keep the common cold away as this has been shown to benefit the body in fighting this ailment. However, although these are natural products it is important to remember that as with anything Vitamins need to be taken as part of a well balanced diet and they also need to be taken in moderation. Just as with other products you can take too much of a good thing and vitamins are just the same. Take your vitamins sensibly and do not take more than you need About The Author Ric Wiley is an Internet researcher and author. Check out his latest web sites at www.healthy-best.com and www.first-choice-health.com
All about trace minerals While much emphasis is placed on the minerals that are found to be essential to the human body, namely, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc, there are also trace minerals which help the body to perform its day-to-day routines. Trace minerals are needed by the body, but only in very small doses. Minute amounts of trace elements can mean the difference between poor and proper health. Many of them perform different, significant functions which are required by the body. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the different trace minerals that are useful to humans.
Iodine- Iodine is useful to the human body due to the fact that it helps to regulate development and functionality in the thyroid gland. This is a function of utmost importance, as the thyroid gland is responsible for so much. The production of energy within the human body, stimulated metabolism, speech ability, and healthy hair, skin, and teeth are all due to a properly functioning thyroid gland.
Copper- Copper is another important trace mineral. It has been found to be necessary for proper absorption of iron in the human body. It also works with the antioxidant Vitamin C to help form elastin, which is a substance used in the muscles of the body. Proper bone formation, as well as the proper building of red blood cells are also made possible due to copper.
Manganese- Manganese, in itself, is a powerful antioxidant. In addition to performing the functions of an antioxidant, manganese is responsible for proper breakdown of amino acids and energy production. Vitamin B-1 and Vitamin E are also affected by manganese, as it helps the body to metabolize them properly. In addition, sex hormone production is regulated by manganese.
Chromium- While useful for all humans, diabetics in particular benefit from the proper dosage of chromium. It helps insulin in the body to metabolize sugar, keeping blood sugar at a reasonable level. Chromium is also responsible for helping to clean debris out of our arteries, reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.
Potassium- Potassium works in tandem with sodium in regulation of the body’s waste processes. It stimulates the kidneys to help rid the body of poisonous waste. Heart rhythms may also be stabilized by getting the proper dosage of potassium. It is also known to help send more oxygen to the brain, which can result in clearer thinking.
Selenium- Selenium is another trace mineral that has significant antioxidant properties. Some medical surveys have shown that a proper selenium intake may result in a decreased chance of contracting breast, lung, colon and prostate cancer.
The trace elements listed above are merely some of the more pertinent trace minerals. There are many different trace minerals that your body needs, and it would take quite a long list to describe all of them. To get all the minerals you need, be sure to eat your daily requirements of fruits and vegetables. These foods contain some of the most vitamin and mineral-rich compounds available, and are healthy to eat, to boot!
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