Vitamins and minerals are called micronutrients. These are necessary for good health. Each vitamin plays specific roles in the body. Thus, their proper proportion, supplements, and multivitamins are essential for good health. Let us examine various types to understand their importance.
Types of Vitamins
Among best-known nutrients for ensuring good health, vitamins are important chemicals with an active role in all bodily processes. Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are the best known. They are eaten as food or as supplements or multivitamins. Each vitamin provides specific functions, making these the best essential nutrients and supplements for humans. Vitamins are either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble while vitamins B and C are water-soluble. Supplements of each of these are available in various forms. They are also available as multivitamins for boosting health.
Let us discuss the most important ones by focusing on each of the major vitamins. We will also discuss multivitamins and supplements while identifying the best vitamins for good health.
Importance of Water-Soluble Vitamins for Good Health
Vitamins B and C are water-soluble. Vitamin B is further classified into Vitamins B1, B2, B6, and B12. Apart from these, other forms of water-soluble vitamins include folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid.
These nutrients cannot be stored in the body for long and flow through the bloodstream. They unused vitamins are excreted in urine. Leafy green vegetables and citrus fruits are rich sources of vitamins B and C, respectively. Vitamin B is also present in whole grains and chili peppers.
Vitamin B is vital for energy production and proper functioning of the immune system. Along with this, it is also important for proper absorption of iron by the body. Thus, in its natural form or as supplements in multivitamins, it is best known for maintaining good health.
Vitamin C strengthens blood vessels, increases the elasticity of the skin, and aids iron absorption. However, the best-known role of this water-soluble vitamin is its antioxidant properties. Thus, this vitamin and its supplements are important for health. Many forms of citrus lozenges and multivitamins are available.
Folic acid helps in preventing neural tube defects in newborns, and is the best way to reduce risks of breast cancer or heart diseases. Multivitamins containing folic acids supplements are prescribed for pregnant and nursing women.
Importance of Fat-Soluble Vitamins for Good Health
Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body longer, ranging from a few days to over six months, for use when required.
Vitamin A is naturally present in carrots and sweet potatoes. This is the best vitamin for ensuring healthy vision, skin, and teeth, and for growth and development. Its supplements are available as various multivitamins.
Natural sunlight is the greatest source of vitamin D. Among foods, it is found in eggs, fish, and mushrooms. This is one of the best vitamins with a range of uses to ensure good health. Its best-known role is for healthy bone formation. It also aids immune functions and muscle functions as well as has regulates proper mineral and calcium concentration in the body. Its supplements support good health. Almost all multivitamins contain its supplements.
In nature, vitamin E is found in tomatoes and nuts. Along with supplements, it can be consumed as part of regular multivitamins. Vitamin E helps maintain proper blood circulation and is one of the best antioxidants, important for good health.
Leafy vegetables like broccoli and spinach are best sources of vitamin K. This vitamin, its supplements, and multivitamins containing it help in blood coagulation.
© Newsmax. All rights reserved.