Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin supplements are natural substances found in plants and animals.
Your body needs and uses these substances to stay healthy and support it's many functions as well as providing natural energy boosters.
Vitamins are an essential part of the body's metabolic processes, playing a vital role in its enzyme systems.
In order to maintain optimum health, we need to ensure that our bodies always have an adequate supply of these important substances.
Deficiencies of these essential nutrients can have serious implications on our health.
Vitamin supplements and herbs help make the enzymes and hormones necessary for the chemical compounds the body needs for growth, repair, metabolism and overall health.
Vitamin supplements are also natural energy boosters.
There are many benefits associated with taking vitamin supplements, and most of these are down to the simple fact that the vast majority of us are not getting enough vitamins on a daily basis.
Ideally, we should be able to obtain the vitamin supplements and nutrients we need by consuming a healthy diet consisting of a wide variety of foods.
In this day of fast food bliss, most of us don't eat as we should on a regular basis. People are not getting enough exercise and are eating the wrong things.
Also, the nutritional value of our fruits and vegetables has dramatically decreased over the years.
The food that we buy from the store also has less vitamins and nutrients than before due to changed farming methods, genetically modified food and long-term storage methods such as freezing.
This leaves us to depend on vitamin and/or herbal supplements to ensure that our bodies have an adequate supply of these substances.
Selecting the right vitamin supplements is crucial to the maintenance of optimum health and performance, so I have included some guidelines below that will help you make the best choice for you.
Although certain products may be helpful to some people, there may be circumstances when these products can pose unexpected risks.
Some supplements can have unwanted effects before, during and after surgery, so be sure to let your doctor know about the vitamin supplements, minerals, botanicals or herbs you are taking before your surgery.
Do not substitute a dietary supplement for a prescription medicine.
Vitamin Supplements
Vitamin supplements are natural substances found in plants and animals.
Your body needs and uses these substances to stay healthy and support it's many functions.
Vitamins are classified as either water soluble (vitamins B and C), or fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E, and K).
The difference between the two is very important as it determines how each acts within the body.
Let's take a look at the difference between water soluble and fat soluble.
Water-soluble - great natural energy boosters
Water soluble vitamins are found in non-fatty, water based food such as fruit and vegetables and can be dissolved in water.
Because they are not readily stored in our body, consistent daily intake is important.
The water soluble B-complex vitamins include;
Thiamin (B-1) is vital for healthy nerve cells. It also has the important role of converting carbohydrates from the foods we eat into energy. Vitamin B-1 also helps to promote a normal and healthy appetite and aids in the funcion of the heart.
Good sources of B-1 are whole grains, wheat germ, dried beans, peas and soybeans. There are also many products fortified with all of the B-complex vitamins, such as breads, cereals and pastas.
Riboflavin (B-2) is important in conjunction with the other B-complex vitamins. It aids in the production of red blood cells and body growth. It turns carbohydrates into energy and helps promote healthy skin and good vision.
Sources of riboflavin are in whole grain products, eggs, milk, yogurt liver, lean meats and poultry. Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, mustart and turnip greens.
Niacin (B-3) also releases energy from food. It's important for healthy skin and nerves. Niacin has the important role of aiding in the digestion process and promoting a normal appetite.
Niacin is available in whole grains and fortified products such as breads, cereals and pastas. Other top choices include yellowfin tuna, chicken, liver, beef, halibut, and salmon.
Vegetable choices include crimini mushrooms, asparagus, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, mustard greens, green beans eggplant, cantaloupe and raspberries.
Vitamin B-6 aids in the metabolism and use of protein in the body. It is also important to the formation of red blood cells, hemoglobin in the blood and normal blood sugar levels.
It promotes a healthy immune system and nervous system and aids the body in the use of fats.
Chicken and turkey breasts are good low-fat poultry sources for vitamin B-6. Yellowfin tuna, chinook salmon, snapper, cod, halibut and pork are excellent fish and meat sources.
It is in whole grains and fortified grain products and beans, as well as several fruits and vegetables such as bananas, watermelon, spinach, kale, bell peppers, turnip greens, garlic, cauliflower, cabbage, crimini mushrooms, asparagus and broccoli.
Folic acid works together with vitamin B-12 to perform its functions. It helps the body metabolize protein and the formation of red blood cells. It aids in the production of DNA to control tissue growth and the proper functions of cells, and aids in the prevention of certain birth defects of the brain and the spine.
Many foods are now fortified with folic acid, such as cereals and fortified grains. Folic acid is in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens and sea kelp. Asparagus, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, beets, parsley and celery are also good vegetable choices for folic acid. A wide variety of legumes are excellent sources, as well as green peas, green beans, bell peppers and cabbage.
Vitamin B-12 is important in the formation of red blood cells and is needed for a healthy nervous system. It helps to build the outer layer of nerve cells and aids the body's formation of the genetic building system.
This vitamin is only available in animal products. The best sources are liver, lamb, venison and beef. Seafood choices include snapper, shrimp, scallops, salmon, cod and halibut. Yogurt is an excellent way to include this vitamin in the diet. Other dairy product choices are milk, eggs and cheese. For those individuals who don't consume any animal products, a vitamin supplement might be necessary.
Pantothenic acid, (B-5) aids in the metabolism of food, and helps carbohydrates release energy and can be beneficial to produce the good type cholesterol. It has the important role of helping the body in the hormone production process.
Pantothenic acid is easy to acquire from the foods we eat such as crimini mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, turnip greens, Swiss chard, collard greens, winter squash, corn, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, strawberries and grapefruit.
Yogurt is also an excellent source of this B vitamin, as is eggs, liver, meats, fish, yeast, whole-grain products, potatoes, and legumes.
Biotin works in much the same way as pantothenic acid. It helps the body get energy from the carbohydrates and helps the body to produce hormones as well as being beneficial in the production of good cholesterol.
The sources for biotin are most types of fresh vegetables, It's in liver, milk, and egg yolk.
Many of the B vitamins work in conjunction with each other to perform their necessary function. The foods that include the water soluble vitamins lose them easily during the cooking process or even during storage, and the ones you don't need are removed by your kidneys and come out in your urine.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that works to keep your immune system strong and healthy. It also allows you to heal from injuries and wounds more quickly.
The best way to get adequate amounts of vitamin C is by consuming lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits.
Sources of vitamin C are oranges, lemons, grapefruit, strawberries, papaya, kiwi fruit, parsley, broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, tomatoes, raspberries and cantaloupe, and pineapple. Leafy greens such as spinach, turnip greens, collard greens, cabbage and romaine lettuce and cabbage.
It is important to take vitamin supplements on a daily basis to ensure you get the essential nutrients and chemical compouneds needed for growth, repair, metabolism and overall health.
Fat-soluble - great natural energy boosters
Fat soluble vitamins are soluble in lipids (fats) and are usually absorbed in fat globules that travel through the lymphatic system of the small intestines and into the general blood circulation within the body.
Fat soluble vitamins are stored in our liver and fatty tissues, especially vitamins A and E, and are eliminated much more slowly than water-soluble vitamins.
Once they have been stored in your body tissues, they remain there until you need them, then your body takes them out of storage to be used.
Because they are stored for long periods, they generally pose a greater risk for toxicity than water-soluble vitamins when we consume them in excess.
Eating a normal, well-balanced diet will not lead to toxicity in otherwise healthy individuals. However, taking vitamin supplements that contain mega doses of vitamins A, D, E and K may lead to toxicity.
Take a look at each of the fat soluble vitamins:
Vitamin A is also known as retinol and carotenoid. Retinol is the active form, while carotenoids are the deep colored substances in plant foods which are converted to the antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is one of the most well-known carotenoids. The body then converts beta-carotene into vitamin A which is known as a provitamin.
Vitamin A benefits cell growth and keep our immune systems regulated, it also aids in the development of bones and teeth. It helps to keep soft tissues healthy including the mucous membranes and skin formation.
The part of vitamin A known as retinol gets its name from producing the pigments in the retina of the eye, and plays a vital role in how good our night vision can be. If you don't get enough vitamin A, you could be susceptibe to infectious diseases and poor vision.
The dairy products containing vitamin A are butter, whole milk, egg yolk, cheese and other milk and dairy products specifically labeled as "vitamin A fortified."
Many of the animal sources containing vitamin A are high in saturated fat and cholesterol such as liver.
The provitamin A from beta-carotene is derived from dark green leafy vegetables including spinach, broccoli, turnip greens, and romaine lettuce. Other choices are carrots, red bell peppers, canteloupe, sweet potatoes, winter squash, apricots, as well as asparagus, tomatoes, green beans and watermelon.
The richer and deeper the color of the vegetables and fruits indicates a higher content of beta-carotene. A benefit of these provitamin sources is an absence of cholesterol and fat.
Vitamin D is obtained in our bodies in two distinctly different ways. The first is the usual method of food consumption. Secondly, is through our skin's reaction to sunlight, which is how vitamin D earned its nickname of "the sunshine vitamin."
Vitamin D is primarily gotten from milk which has been fortified, and egg yolks. Fish and fish oils are also good sources including salmon, herring, sardines and cod liver oil. Vitamin D is also derived by our skin's response to sunlight.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, destroying free radicals that damage the cells and impair the immune system. It also prevents ultraviolet rays from damaging the cell structure, which is why most skin care products contain vitamin E. Studies also show potential benefits against bladder and prostate cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Most of the vitamin E in the diet comes mainly from sunflower oil, vegetable oil or vegetable oil products such as margarine. It is also in fortified dairy products, fortified cereals and egg yolks.
Dark green leafy vegetables such as mustard greens, turnip greens, spinach, collard greens and kale. Other sources of vitamin E include papaya, red bell peppers, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kiwi fruit, tomatoes and blueberries. fish, nuts, wheat germ, and whole grains.
Vitamin K is essential for the blood to clot normally. It works this process by enabling the liver to produce the necessary components for the blood to clot. Vitamin K deficiency is rare, but would lead to bleeding disorders and osteoporosis, and can also interfere with certain blood thinning medications.
People that regularly take antibiotics or have a medical condition that upsets the balance of bacteria in the intestine are at risk of developing a vitamin K deficiency.
Food sources are dark leafy green vegetables including spinach, mustard greens, turnip greens, Swiss chard, collard greens and romaine lettuce. Other excellent choices include broccoli, cabbage, celery, brussel sprouts, asparagus, cauliflower, green peas, bell peppers, summer squash, tomatoes, beans, canola and soybeans. Strawberries, pears and cranberries and papayas are good fruit choices.
It is also in cereals, meat and dairy products. Vitamin K is naturally produced from the beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria in the body.
Vitamin K is now being studied for its effectiveness as a cancer treatment. Initial laboratory studies showed that vitamin K might be as effective as some prescription drugs at slowing the growth of cancerous tumors. Vitamin K is also being studied to see if it increases the effectiveness of standard anticancer drugs.
It is important to take vitamin supplements on a daily basis to ensure you get the essential nutrients and chemical compouneds needed for growth, repair, metabolism and overall health.
are natural substances
found in
plants and animals.
Your body needs and uses
these substances
to stay healthy
and support
it's many functions
Vitamin supplements are also natural energy boosters.
When choosing vitamin supplements, ensure that you find one that is right for you, and make sure it contains a suitable amount of vitamins and can be taken on a daily basis.
I personally recommend a product that meets all of the above and more, and which is known to be pharmaceutical GMP compliant.
Total Balance, my supplement of choice from Xtend-Life Natural Products is well worth looking in to.
I have been using this vitamin supplement and have noticed a remarkable improvement in my general sense of well being. My energy level is also improved greatly and I feel more positive than ever before.
Their best selling product Total Balance, which is known as their flagship product contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, and other speciality enzymes for effective consumption.
Xtend-life's products are GMP compliant (guaranteed to be pharmaceutical grade) and have been clinically proven to be safe for people of all ages.
The formulas used to produce their products are signed off by Dr. Munem Daoud, PhD, who is also a qualified biochemist as well as a Naturopath and Herbalist.
All Xtend-Life supplements can be taken in combination with each other. Enabling the needs of each individual customer can be met without compromising the effectiveness of any of the products being used, or risking any potential excessive intake of any nutrient.
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