Vitamins For Vitality and Good Health

From when we were little we always heard our mothers say “don’t forget to take your vitamins”, “eat your vegetables they are packed with vitamins” and we never really understood exactly what vitamins were and what purpose they served.

The older you got, the better your understanding of vitamins was, but still many people don’t realise just how important vitamins are to keep you healthy. Also, many people are are at a loss of knowing which vitamins and minerals are found in various foods, and what purpose each of them serve.

What are Vitamins?

Vitamins are substances found in certain foods we consume. Each vitamin has a specific role to play, and vitamins work in conjunction with each other and together with other substances like minerals, to ensure complete functionality of the body, starting on a cellular level.

For example:

• Vitamin D is found in milk and is good for strengthening bones and teeth;
• Vitamin A is found in carrots and supports good eyesight;
• Vitamin C is found in fruits, especially citrus fruit, this vitamin heals and protects;
• Vitamin B is found in green leafy vegetables and is essential for energy.

Two Types of Vitamins

There are two types of vitamins – fat soluble and water soluble.

The four fat soluble vitamin groups are vitamins A, D, E and K and are all related structurally. These vitamins are soluble in fats (lipids). They are usually absorbed in fat globules (called chylomicrons) that travel through the lymphatic system of the small intestine, and into the general blood circulation of the body. Fat soluble vitamins are then stored in the body tissues and stay stored until they are needed.

Water soluble vitamins, like the B group, are not stored in the body. These vitamins are absorbed in the intestine, pass directly to the blood, and are carried to the tissues in which they will be utilized. Therefore, water soluble vitamins need to be replaced on a daily basis.

Vitamins play an essential role in keeping the body healthy and strong, and poor dietary habits often result in the need for supplementation. The key to good health is to eat a variety of different foods to supply the body with the necessary vitamins, however, a high quality vitamin supplement can safeguard your health if you fall short of the necessary requirements or need an extra boost in times of stress or illness.

Natural Online Pharmacy has a very useful reference Vitamin Table to help you better understand the spectrum of vitamins needed.

*(Please insert link on bold: http://www.naturalonlinepharmacy.co.za/Nutrition-Health/vitamins-table.html)

Contact Natural Online Pharmacy to see what natural vitamins and supplements are in stock.

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