Want to learn more about Vitamins?
Vitamins are nutrients that are vital for our health. There are different types of vitamins presented in foods that are required by the body in small quantities. To ensure we get all the vitamins we need it is important to eat a well-balanced diet. However, certain groups such as elderly, the sick post-menopausal or pregnant women may need to take an additional vitamin supplement at times. Please consult your doctor for advice. Vitamin A This vitamin is very important for the growth of children, healthy vision and skin. Also helps maintaining a healthy immune system by building resistance to infection. It is found in various dairy products, liver and oil. The body can also convert the antioxidant found in vegetables, yellow and orange fruits into vitamin A. Excess intake can be harmful so it is advised that pregnant women do not take vitamin A supplements or have liver or liver products that may contain large amounts of vitamin A. Back to top Vitamin B groups: There are different types of Vitamin B namely: Thiamin (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Niacin (B3), Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6) and B12. They generally help to release energy from carbohydrate based foods (B1, B2, B3, B5), metabolism of protein (B6), maintaining a healthy heart (B1), normal growth (B2), nervous system (B1, B3), good skin (B3), normal function of blood system and red blood cell production (B5, B6, B12). Vitamin B1 is mostly found in whole grains, flour and bread, meat, and in some breakfast cereals. Vitamin B2 is found in dairy products, eggs, some breakfast cereals and green vegetables. Vitamin B3 mainly found in meat, liver, yeast extract, flour and bread. Vitamin B5 is found in a wide variety of meat and vegetable sources including beef, chicken, eggs, potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes and whole grains. Vitamin B6 It is found in a variety of foods including beef, fish, poultry, eggs, whole grains and some vegetables. Vitamin B12 is found in meat, fish, dairy products, yeast extract and fortified cereals. Back to top Folic acid (folate): Folic acid is necessary for nervous system structure and the formation of red blood cells. It is essential in early pregnancy for the normal development of the growing embryo (prevents spina bifida). It is found in orange juice, green vegetables and some breakfast cereals. Vitamin C: As our Moms always said before.... This vitamin is important to keep a healthy immune system (essential antioxidant). It helps healing process of wounds and fractures, absorption of iron, as well as formation of normal structure of connective tissue. It is found mainly in fruits such as citrus fruits, strawberries, and black currants. Vitamin D: Famously known as the sunshine vitamin as the body can produce it when exposed to sun light. This vitamin is amazing for its absorption of calcium and phosphorus ability in the body helping form strong bones and teeth. This vitamin can also be found in eggs, oily fish, butter and milk. Vitamin E: Found in nuts, seeds, avocado and vegetable oils. This vitamin is an antioxidant, helps body from free radicals and protects the cell membranes. Back to top Vitamin K: This vitamin is essential for the bone structure and blood clotting function. Mainly found in spinach and other leafy vegetables. For any more information you can also use the following websites: - http://www.webmd.com - http://www.nlm.nih.gov |
Nutrition advice of the day:
Q: What is the difference between cows milk allergy and lactose intolerance? A: These are both very different types of allergies. Milk allergy means that milk products should be eliminated from the daily diet. Some people who react adversely to cows milk are still able to drink either sheep or goats milk without any symptoms (please consult with your doctor for advice). In this case this is likely due to the casein and whey in the milk products. Lactose on the other hand is a sugar found in cows, goat, sheep and human milk and intolerance is due to not having enough lactase enzyme to digest this. This would then result in excessive bloated-ness, cramps, winds and constipation or diarrhoea . These individuals are advised to take up alternative source of calcium food replacements such as potentially soya milk. |
Drag & Drop Content Here. The area will stretch to accommondat content up to 1000px in height.
This message will disappear once the site is published