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Are Vitamin Supplements Really Necessary To Live Healthy?

By Brent McNutt
Aug 26, 2009
There are multi-vitamins that say they have every nutrient from A to Zinc but do we really need everything in between? Despite what the vitamins in the supplement aisle want you to believe,, only 13 vitamins are necessary for your body to sustain and work properly. Vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine) account for these essential nutrients.

Each one works in a special way and unite to endow your body with what it needs to develop, stay healthy and recharge. Now they we are aware of what vitamins our bodies need, which supplement has the magic combination?

In actuality, we should be able to glean all the vitamins we need from the food we eat. Supplement means to complement or augment and you should only use vitamin and mineral supplements if they are recommended by your doctor. However, it is good to know which vitamins do what and how we find them: Vitamin A, also called retinol or retinoic acid, is essential for maintaining your vision, healthy skin and also works as an antioxidant.

A great resource of vitamin A is found in liver. Not the type to eat an animal organ? Try an omelet made with American cheese. Dairy products and egg yolk are rich sources of vitamin A. Vitamin C, also known ascorbic acid, is also a great antioxidant.

It assists to form your body's connective tissue. Everyone takes vitamin C throughout cold and flu season because it boosts the immune system. So the next time you experience the need to sneeze grab a glass of OJ. Citrus fruits are a prime Vitamin C contender.

At dinner, combine some spinach, tomatoes and green peppers for an easy side salad packed with this disease fighting fundamental. Vitamin D helps your body better absorb calcium by helping to build strong bones and thwarting diseases that weaken your bones like osteoporosis.

Eating fortified milk products and ocean treasures like grouper, mahi mahi or flounder, is a sure bet on providing plenty of Vitamin D. Great news for sunbathers: Your body manufactures vitamin D when you spend time in the sunlight.

Vitamin E, also a great antioxidant, supports blood flow and aids in the repair of body tissue. Select a bag of peanuts the next time you watch a baseball game and youll be getting your recommended daily allowance of vitamin E. It's also found in peas, beans and broccoli.

Thanks to the versatile Vitamin K those annoying paper cut wont bleed forever. Vitamin K is needed for blood clotting and in forming bones. Dont agonize too much the next time you reach for that extra slice of pizza (or the entire thing) because the cheese and the tomato sauce both contain vitamin K.

Lastly, the B vitamins: Thiamin and riboflavin each help your body in carbohydrate conversion and are abundant in lean beef and whole grain foods. Niacin and B-6 both help your body with processing protein and fats. Stock up on tuna or salmon since fish are rich in both of these B vitamins.

Pantothenic acid helps make red blood cells while B-12 makes sure that the cells stay healthy. Folate, also called B-9, is a crucial part in the development of new cells. Bioton helps your hair grow and retain strength. You will find plenty of folate and bioton in most greens, beans, peas and seeds.

Choosing the right foods and planning well-balancing meals ensures that you will be getting the correct amount of each of the above nutrients.
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