We all know that vitamins are essential for our bodies, but there are many misunderstandings about the health benefits they provide. Vitamins play a vital role in maintaining a person’s good health and wellness, but they can also be harmful if a person takes too many. People should be aware that it is best to take the right amounts of vitamins that our bodies need. According to Nordic Naturals, our bodies process vitamins differently, which is why it’s best to choose the vitamins that bring benefits to the body.
Synthetic vs. Natural Nutrients
Our diet will not be enough to provide our body with all the vitamins and minerals we need. For some individuals with severe nutritional deficiencies, taking supplements such as multivitamins may be necessary. More recently, there has been a debate about whether it would be best to source these essential vitamins and minerals via synthetic or natural nutrients. Most natural nutrients would be sourced from whole foods, while the synthetic ones are artificially made, including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. They can be taken as pills, tablets, powder, or in liquid form, and are made to mimic the ways that natural nutrients affect our bodies.
Vitamins Are Not the Only Solution
Our bodies need a proper balance and adequate amounts of essential nutrients. A healthy diet can be more successful with the help of vitamins. However, taking vitamins will not be enough to keep you healthy. You need to pair them with a balanced diet. Supplements are also vital for some groups of people. Pregnant women, for example, may need folic acid supplements to avoid the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, on babies. For those who are on a vegan diet, taking vitamin B12 supplements would be beneficial.
The Vitamins Your Body Needs
Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Vitamins A, D, E, and K are necessary to keep your body strong and healthy. Vitamin A is best for cell development and growth. They are also vital in promoting healthy skin, hair, bones, and teeth. Vitamin A is also critical in reducing a person’s risk of developing lung malignancies. Your bones and teeth will thank you for getting enough vitamin D.
Most healthcare providers would typically recommend their patients to take Vitamin E regularly for its antioxidant benefits, crucial in protecting cells from free radicals, thereby lowering an individual’s risk of developing cancer or heart diseases. Vitamin E is also found to have positive effects on dementia. Vitamin K, on the other hand, is best for improving your blood’s clotting ability. You can get a healthy supply of vitamin K from green leafy vegetables, broccoli, spinach, and liver.
Water-Soluble Vitamins
Essential vitamins are water-soluble and must be replenished regularly to keep the body since they are excreted from the body (except for vitamin B12 stored in the liver).
Vitamin C
Getting enough vitamin C is also useful for protecting your blood vessel walls. It is also critical in wound healing and supporting immunity. Get tons of these from citrus fruits, broccoli, and potatoes.
B-Complex
Made up of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12, the B-complex is a group of vitamins responsible for your body’s healthy metabolism. It also ensures that you have a good appetite and nerve function. While these vitamins share many similar characteristics, each one of them serves a particular purpose for our bodies. In some individuals, these vitamins may be required in different doses.
More than supplementing your body with these essential vitamins, you also need to have a proper diet and regular exercise. Having a healthy lifestyle can tremendously help in improving your overall health.
