Vitamin C
For years we have heard about the importance of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is water-soluble, meaning excess of this vitamin leaves the body rather than being stored in cells. This also means you need make sure you get enough of this on a continuing basis. Found in fruit such as lemons, limes and oranges it’s an essential vitamin for humans. Researcher Linus Pauling is famous for discovering the importance of this vitamin to our health. Vitamin C is responsible for many vital functions in the human; so much so that a deficiency in this vitamin can cause the potentially fatal disease called scurvy.
Recently, much has been discovered about the importance of antioxidants in maintaining healthy cells. Even in small amounts vitamin C has powerful antioxidant effects. Vitamin C also supports our brain function, a healthy heart and healthy capillaries, veins and arteries as well as acting to help prevent the common cold.
Vitamin B
There are eight essential B vitamins and it’s important that they get taken in balance. This is why they’re frequently sold as B-Complex. All the B vitamins play an important role in cell metabolism. Like vitamin C, the B vitamins are water-soluble and excess at any time leaves the body in the urine. Therefore it’s important to keep replenishing these vitamins. Once thought to be a single unit the B vitamins are now broken down, named and numbered.
The B vitamins are thought to be necessary to vital human body functions such as rate of metabolism, healthy hair and skin, healthy muscle tone, proper functioning of the immune system and the nervous system and proper cell growth and function. It is thought that vitamin can also reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer and help with symptoms of “ADHD”.
Vitamin E
Like many other vitamins, Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant, important for immune function and nutritional absorption. It promotes a healthy heart and the health of the prostate, colon and lungs by aiding the body to maintain healthy cell walls and cell structures.
Vitamin E is also called the “youthful vitamin” because it’s thought to slow the aging process and the growth of cataracts.
When looking for vitamin E, look for the d-alpha tocopherol, which is the real compared to the synthetic dl-alpha tocopherol.
Omega-3 Fatty Acid
Another vital supplement for your body is Omega-3 Fatty acid (Fish Oil). It turns out when mothers used to make their children take a teaspoon of cod liver oil a day they were doing their kids a world of good. Not only has this supplement long been associated with the health of the heart it also it also assists your body in maintaining proper cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Omega-3 Fatty acids have also been shown to lower blood pressure and help the body with proper immune system response.
Not only does this supplement have so many great physiological benefits but recent studies have shown Omega-3 Fatty acids can have considerable effect of mental health and outlook. People who are depressed may benefit from giving supplements a try. They certainly have fewer side effects than the medications usually prescribed.
Minerals
Minerals, made of metals and other inorganic compounds, are as essential to bodily functions as vitamins. They form the structure of our bodies. They also help our systems work. Some of the most important minerals for your body are calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium.
Calcium in the most abundant mineral found in the body. Bones and teeth contain substantial amounts of calcium. Eating a varied diet is essential to proper absorption of calcium. Food sources for this essential mineral include cheeses, sesame seeds, milk, yogurt, broccoli, spinach, eggs, kale, bok choy, celery, cabbage, carrots, barley, cashews, cottage cheese, sweet potatoes, brazil nuts, brown rice and fish.
Magnesium works with calcium in the body and they should be taken together. Most magnesium is found in the skeleton and the muscle tissues. It is essential for protein formation, cell reproduction and the production of energy. Food sources for magnesium include parsley, wheat germ, kelp, oat bran, avocado, celery bananas, bean curd, buckwheat, brazil nuts, peas and tomatoes.
Essential for healing, growth, immune function, reproduction and preventing anemia, Iron is another vital mineral to the functioning of the human body. Food sources for iron include curry powder, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, tomato paste, white fish, dried apricots, walnuts, oysters, water cress, semi-sweet chocolate, kelp and ripe olives.
Potassium is an essential mineral. It needs to be replenished after heavy exercise and sweating. Without so replenishing one can feel weak and fatigued. Potassium also helps with the regulation of your heartbeat, energy production and blood sugar metabolism.
Since many of these minerals are not water-soluble (excess remains stored in your body) you should not take too much. Make sure you follow the directions of the bottle on and talk to a nutritionist if you have any confusions.