Perhaps, the term VITAMINS is not something new to our ears. We always use to hear our parents say that we should eat this and eat that because it contains a lot of vitamins. Of course, as the sons and daughters of our parents, we immediately obey them and eat the food. But what are vitamins? And what are its benefits and why do need to have them?
Vitamins as defined are small organic compounds that are produced by plants and animals. These are important in order to maintain a well-balanced environment or equilibrium inside the body. However, the human body is incapable of producing most of the much needed vitamins on its own. So that is why individuals rely on food intake in order to meet the needed vitamins. Vitamins are needed by almost every single part of the human body, right down to the formation of the cells, up- to the function of each and every single organ. They are also responsible for keeping a person healthy at all times.
Essential Vitamins and they’re functions and benefits
VITAMIN A
The main function of Vitamin A is to promote the formation of the nerve cells in the eyes that are responsible for processing light. Simply, Vitamin A helps a person see everything clearly. Vitamin A is also capable of keeping the mucous membranes or the cells healthy especially the ones that line our lungs, intestines and urinary tract. This most common vitamin is also very helpful in reproduction, keeps our skin healthy and even bone formation and growth. Vitamin A helps in our immune system, especially with the formation and differentiation of white blood cells. White blood cells are the ones that protect our body by kicking off invasive pathogens. Vitamin A is chemically known as Retinol which lets it act as an antioxidant. During the process of metabolism of food into energy, oxidation occurs and free radicals are being formed as a part of the process. These free radicals are removed by retinol or vitamin a from the body since they can damage, and age our healthy cells.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C or more chemically known as Ascorbic Acid is needed by the human body since it is the one responsible for producing collagen. Collagen is the main building block of the bones, the ligaments, the blood vessels, the tendons and the bones. It also helps synthesize a major neurotransmitter that helps relieve stress and helps keep a person emotionally healthy which is known as Norepinephrine. With enough Vitamin C in our body, our wounds, bruises and burns can heal faster; and we can easily absorb one of the most essential minerals, Iron. Vitamin C is also a powerful oxidant that is enough to keep our immune system at an alert level which increases our defenses against disease carrying bad bacteria.
VITAMIN D
The mains sources of Vitamin D are from nutritional foods and are synthesized from the sunlight that hits our human skin. However, in order to maximize the benefits of Vitamin D from the sunlight, we need to have enough Vitamin K which is the one that synthesizes Vitamin D from sunlight. Without vitamin K, we can’t make good use of the benefits of the sunlight. Calcium is a mineral that supports the growth and development of the bones and helps the nervous system function properly, only if the calcium is maintained on a normal level at all times. Vitamin D is the vitamin responsible for regulating calcium levels to prevent any forms of calcium toxicity. This vitamin is also important in modulating the immune system and prevents the development of any autoimmune diseases. There are also studies that claims and proves that Vitamin D can also regulate insulin secretions and blood pressure.
VITAMIN E
Vitamin E functions as an antioxidant that helps prevent the oxidation or metabolism of fat and lipid cells. Oxidation of fat and lipid will increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
VITAMIN K
K together with a specialized enzyme acts as a blood clotting agent which catalyzes or starts the chemical reaction of seven different proteins in the body that are essential in blood coagulation.
VITAMIN B GROUPS
Vitamin B groups include riboflavin, niacin, thiamine, pantothenic acid (Vitamin B6), biotin, folic acid and Vitamin B 12. All of these B vitamins aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fatty acids in the body. Thiamine, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 aids the in the normal function of the nerves in the body and helps in the reproduction of the red blood cells. Folic acid is important in the formation of the central nervous system of the unborn baby and helps synthesize DNA and RNA.
