Why take VITAMINS AND MINERALS? Vitamins and minerals are essential and help our bodies function better. Some vitamins and minerals, (like "fat-soluble vitamins" ) dissolve in fat and are transported by fat molecules throughout the anatomy. Other vitamins and minerals are water-soluble vitamins (e.g., B-vitamins and vitamin C). These vitamins are carried via the bloodstream. Read below as we elaborate, in detail, the various health benefits of essential vitamins and minerals:
Of vitamins and minerals, essential minerals are:
*calcium -- taken for prevention of osteoporosis and colon cancer; *chloride -- necessary for balancing fluids in the body and digestion; *chromium -- works well with insulin helping cells to use glucose, also suggested that chromium helps burn fat and build muscles;
*copper -- helps make red blood cells and is essential for iron absorption;
*floride -- helps form bones and teeth and makes teeth resistant to decay;
*iodine -- helps regulate growth and metabolic rate;
*iron -- helps build and maintain red blood cells;
*magnesium -- helps build bones, teeth and proteins, is vital for proper functioning of nerves, muscles and immune system;
*manganese -- helps make up the numerous body enzymes;
*molybdenum -- also helps in make-up of numerous body enzymes;
*phosphorus -- works wih calcium to form bones and teeth, aids in creating energy in the body, and phosphorus is present in DNA and RNA;
*potassium -- essential for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance in the body;
*selenium -- a potent antioxidant working to protect cells from damage and is necessary for cell growth;
*sodium -- vital for nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and fluid balance in body;
*zinc -- promotes tissue growth, wound healing and necessary for perception of taste.
Vitamins and minerals, such as fat-soluble vitamins are:
*Vitamin A -- (also known as "retinol") is necessary for good vision and night vision, immunity, reproduction, growth and maintenance of skin celss, gastrointestinal tract and mucus membranes;
*Vitamin D -- enhances absorption of calcium and phosphorus, thus developing stronger bones and teeth;
*Vitamin E -- natural antioxidant that reduces cancer and heart disease risks and further promotes good immunity;
*Vitmain K -- builds proteins that allow the blood to clot.
Vitamins and minerals, such as water-soluble vitamins are:
*Thiamin -- (also known as B1, Vitamin F, and thiamine) are crucial for proper nerve function and vital for producing energy from carbohydrates;
*Riboflavin -- (also known as B2) contributes to energy production;
*Niacin -- (aka. nicontinic acid, nicotinamide, and Vitamin B3) help in energy production and is essential for healthy skin, digestive tract and nervous system;
*Biotin -- helps with energy production and metablism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates/
*Pantothenic Acid -- aids in energy production;
*Vitamin B6 -- (aka. pyridoxine) assists the body to make red blood celss, converts tryptophan to niacin, enhances immunity and nervous system function, helps with metabolism of proteins and fats;
*Folate -- (aka. folic acid or folacin) is absolutely critical for all cell functions, (it helps make DNA and RNA), can protect against heart disease and lowers risk of neural tube defects in unborn babies;
*Vitamin B12 -- (aka. cobalamin) is necessary for proper nerve function, helps convert folat into an active form, helps make red blood cells, and helps metabolize proteins and fats;
*Vitamin C -- (aka. ascorbic acid) is vital for immune function, is an antioxidant that keeps the body healthy, strenghtens blood vessels and capillary walls, makes collagen and musculoskeletal connective tissue, helps build scar tissue, maintains healthy gums and helps the body absorb iron from foods.
In general, vitamins and minerals (as one can clearly see) are essential nutrients and supplements for a healthy, well-balanced body. To learn more about vitamins and minerals and what they can do for you, feel free to peruse Holistic Junction for article topics on vitamins and minerals today.
Vitamins & Minerals