Food groups that forms the best source of Vitamin
Vitamins are organic substances which come from plants and animals. Our Human Body requires these Vitamins for a healthy and long life. These Vitamins are not produced in our body, so it has to be taken from specific food groups to ensure that all the Vital supplements are provided to our body in order to function properly.
Vitamins play a vital role in the funtioning of treating diseases, fighting diseases, builds resistance etc. Lack of any Vitamin can lead to Vitamin Deficiency.
Vitamins – A broad Classification
Vitamins can be broadly classified as two categories: Water Soluble Vitamins and Fat Soluble Vitamins. A human Body requires 13 Vitamins totally. Out of which 4 are fat soluble and the rest 9 are water soluble. Let’s take a quick look into each types of vitamins.
- Water Soluble Vitamins, are those which easily dissolve in water. They should be taken in small amounts almost everyday, as our human body excretes the excess vitamins instantaneously either through sweat or urine. Vitamin B and C come under this category.
- Fat Soluble Vitamins, on the other hand are soluble in fat and fat solvents. Hence they can be stored in the human body for a longer duration. However, excessive of these could be toxic. These fat soluble vitamins are absorbed by the intestines and when needed they are transported to all parts of the body. Vitamin A, D, E and K fall under this category.
Vitamins – The 13 Types
There are totally 13 types of Vitamins which are essential for the human body to function properly. 4 are fat soluble (A, D, E and K) and 9 are water soluble vitamins (B-8 and C). Let’s see them in detail.
Vitamin A - Vitamin A plays a vital for good vision, healthy hair, skin, bones and teeth. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin and can store for a longer duration in out body. Sufficient intake can prevent vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin Adeficiency can lead to night Blindness, Gum disorders etc. Food groups that are rich in Vitamin A are as follows: Carrot, Papaya, Fish liver oil, Sweet potato, Mango, Spinach, Broccoli, Pea, Appricot, eggs, milk, curd, dry fruits, peaches, leafy Vegetables etc.
Vitamin B – The Vitamin B totally consists of 8 water soluble vitamins. The supplements that consists of all the 8 vitamins in one capsule is refered to as B complex tablets. The vitamin b is not a single element, but is classified as 8 different Vitamins such as Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12. Each of them having it’s own properties and attributes. They paly a vital role in cell metabolism and growth, functioning of immune and nervous system and for a healthy skin. It prevents deficiencies like anemia, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, cobalamin etc.
Vitamin C - This water soluble Vitamin acts as an antioxidant by protecting our body from allergies and viruses and thereby repairs damaged tissues. It is also known as L-ascorbic Acid that helps in ion absorption. Lack of Vitamin C can lead to scurvy. Sources of Vitamin C are Citrus Fruits – limon, orange, sweet lime etc., Papaya, Strawberry, Raspberry, Cauliflower, Spinach, Cabbage, Plum, Apricot, Avocado, Cherry, Grapes etc.
Vitamin D – This fat soluble vitamin plays a vital role in increasing the calcium flow in the blood stream which is essential for bone growth and teeth. A deficiency of this vitamin can make your bones brittle and thin. One of the great sources of Vitamin D is Sunlight followed by other sources from foods such as Cod liver oil, Egg, tuna, Salmon, Milk, cereal grains, yogurt, catfish etc.
Vitamin E – Vitamin E falls under the fat soluble category and acts as an antioxidant. This vitamin is very essential for fertility and reproduction . It prevents sterility, aging, heart diseases, arthritis, asthma etc. Major sources of vitamin E are Avocado, Asparagus, Milk, Egg, Spinach, Wheat germ, Whole grain, nuts, Olive oil, Red palm oil etc.
Vitamin K - This fat soluble vitamin helps in proper blood clotting. It also heals wounds and reduces the menstrual flow. Sources of Vitamin K are mainly found in green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and fruits such as kiwi and avocado, milk products etc.
Try to consume the essential Vitamins in a natural form instead of Vitamin supplements in a capsule form as it might have side effects. Go natural and get the most of it!!!!!!!
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