The Importance and Key Sources of Vitamins
What are vitamins? Firstly, vitamins are a group of organic compounds. Vitamins are essential nutrients in our bodies, they are majorly known for body protection against diseases and for normal growth. Vitamins are also required in small amounts in the human diet. Consequently, there are two major types of vitamins, fat-soluble and water-soluble. The difference in the two arises from where they are stored. Fat-soluble are stored in body fat cells while water-soluble are not stored in the body and thus a need to be replenished from time to time.
Which Food Contain Vitamins?
It is very important to take note of the foods that contain vitamins. In fact, we should have a list of food containing vitamins in our kitchens, it is helpful when preparing food. Vitamin rich-foods are classified according to their classes, the list of these food is too long. Each class of vitamin contain different kinds of foods and play different roles in the body. The following are vitamin food classes;
- Vitamin A
The common and best sources of vitamin A are milk, eggs, green vegetables and other vegetables such as, carrots, pumpkins and apricots. Foods in vitamin A class are easily available and are affordable. Most of these foods are grown in our gardens and thus one should not lack this class of vitamins.
- Vitamin C
This class of vitamins is commonly known as ascorbic acid. Unlike vitamin A class of food, this class has few foods and most of them are fruits. They include: oranges, lemons, citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries and guavas.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a very unique class of vitamin. It is majorly synthesized by the skin in presence of sunlight. It is unfortunate if one lacks vitamin D, since is available to every person who get access to sunlight. What about our friends in South and North Pole who rarely see the sun, are they likely to suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Definitely no, though sunlight is the major source, there are also other foods that contain vitamin D, they include, egg yolks, oily fish as salmons and sardines, soy milk and orange juice.
- Vitamin B12
This class is naturally found in red meat, cheese and fish.
- Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is found in several foods including; potatoes, beans, bananas fish, eggs and spinach.
- Vitamin B1
This class is also known as thiamine and is contained in a wide variety of food comprising of peas, cereals, bread and most grains.
There are more classes of vitamins which comprise of wide varieties of food, such classes are, vitamin B1 commonly known as thiamin, vitamin B3 also called niacin, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and lastly vitamin B9 also termed as folate. Most foods that fall under this class are; meat, green leafy vegetables, and fortified cereals.
What role do vitamins play in the human body?
Vitamins play a major role in the functioning of human body. The main role of vitamins is to act as a preventive measure against diseases.
Vitamin A for instance boost immune system, promote better eyesight, and is essential for growth and development of cells. Vitamin C is helpful in the healing of wounds, and more so essential in gums, teeth and bone formation. Vitamin D contributes to the strengthening of the bones. In addition, vitamins protect the cells from damage, ensure proper functioning of the brain and also nervous system.
Why Vitamins?
Did you know that one can have a healthy body on vitamins diet only? Vitamins cover a wide spectrum of dietary needs in a body for example body building, energy giving and protective function. Vitamin containing food are also easily available and are relatively cheap and hence affordable.
- Vitamins Are Best Fat Thermogenic Burners
Interested in cutting weight without having to work out? Vitamins are the best in cutting weight, it does so by increasing body metabolism and hence fat reduction. The most effective class of vitamin that acts as the best fat burner is B complex that consists of thiamine and niacin. Food that falls in this class is best utilized in cutting weight.
- Vitamins Are Best Pre-Workouts
The best pre-workout foods are those that provide energy to the body. The body needs enough energy before any exercise, therefore, it is advisable to take energy rich food before getting into the gym. Vitamin containing food provides the necessary energy to the body to enable it to withstand vigorous exercises. Most common vitamin rich food that are energy giving are fresh fruits.
These are some of the key sources of vitamins to the body. Based on the type of vitamin your body requires, you need to find the most suitable source for a strong and healthy body.
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Author Bio:
Jenifer is an Editor at GymNeed.com – a blog about Gym, Bodybuilding, Fitness, Nutrition and Best Fat Burner Reviews. She is also an online coach for clients online around the world!
