Friday, April 11, 2008

Why Vitamins and Minerals are essential?

Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that boost the immune system; support normal growth and development, and help cells and organs do their jobs. Vitamins do not supply the body with either energy or calories directly but they remain essential nutrients for the healthy maintenance of the cells, tissues, and organs. There are many types of vitamins which benefit your body depending on their properties.


I remember once when I had too many ulcers in my mouth and I showed to my doctor. He informed me that it was due to lack of vitaminB2 in my body. He also advised me to eat food which has high vitamin B2 content. Then, I found some interesting information on vitamins and to ensure that I have all kinds in my daily diet, I made a chart and stuck in my kitchen. This is how it looks:

VITAMIN

RICH FOOD SOURCES

HELPS BODY FUNCTIONS

VIT A

Carrots, spinach, milk, cheese, peaches, eggs, melon, apricot

Maintains eyes, skin, mucous membrane; prevents night blindness, promotes normal growth of bones

VIT C(ASCORBIC ACID)

Citrus fruits, potato, tomato, green vegetables

Promotes growth of skin, bones, teeth, tendons; prevents scurvy

VIT D

Milk, eggs

Essential for growth and maintenance of strong bones

VIT K

Green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, cereal, fruits

Maintains normal blood clotting

VIT E

Vegetable oils, eggs, margarine

Essential for blood functioning

VIT B1(THIAMIN)

Breads, cereals, legumes, leafy vegetables, nuts

Aids in transmission of nerve impulses and reactions providing energy

VIT B2(RIBOFLAVIN)

Milk, breads, cereals, green leafy vegetables

Promotes healthy skin, nerves & eyes, aids in release of energy

VIT B6(PYRIDOXINE)

Whole grain cereals, bananas, vegetables

Maintains nervous tissues, regenerates red blood cells

VIT B12

Dairy products

Required for proper functioning of all cells

VIT B3(NIACIN)

Grains, breads, nuts, vegetables

Helps convert food into energy

POLACIN

Leafy vegetables, eggs, legumes

Prevents blood disorders; helps body use proteins