What Are the Health Benefits of Vitamins?
Vitamins are an essential component of our daily diet because they provide the nutrients our body needs to function properly. If your diet includes a healthy portion of fruits and vegetables, then you are getting the necessary vitamins. Dietary supplements are another source of vitamins, but they do not contain other substances and minerals that you need to get the most benefits out of the vitamins. Whole foods contain different vitamins that have different benefits.
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Vitamin A
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Vitamin A or retinol is an extremely effective form of anti-oxidant. The health benefits of vitamin A include healthy eyesight, improved immune system, soft skin, acne prevention, lowered cholesterol and stronger bones.
Vitamin B
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Eight vitamins belong to the vitamin B family. These are: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxamine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folic acid), and B12 (cyanocobalamin). Thiamine helps to improve cardiovascular and nervous system functions, and protects against conditions like heat disease and beriberi. Riboflavin provides the body with energy and helps to improve the immune system. Niacin helps to lower cholesterol levels and improves mental health. Pantothenic acid helps to relieve stress and improve conditions such as allergies, hair loss, asthma and heart disease. Pyridoxamine helps to prevent skin disease and improves the metabolism. Biotin helps the production of energy and can help treat diabetes by controlling glucose levels. Folic acid is an essential nutrient for pregnant mothers because it prevents birth defects in newborns. It also improves the production of red blood cells. Cyanocobalamin is an essential ingredient for the production of red blood cells and proper functioning of the nervous system. .
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Vitamin C
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Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps too prevent and cure scurvy and is a powerful antioxidant. It plays an essential role in the production of collagen. Vitamin C also helps to treat the common cold, cataracts, lead toxicity and strokes.
Vitamin D
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Vitamin D (calciferol) is essential ingredient in the prevention of bone loss due to osteoporosis and aging. It improves the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which helps in the prevention and treatment of bone disorders, such as rickets.
Vitamin E
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Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an excellent antioxidant and helps to improve sterility and stamina. Vitamin E may help in the treatment of cancer, heart disease and cataracts; however, studies conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health and American Heart Association suggest that vitamin E may not be as helpful in the treatment of diseases as previously thought.
Vitamin K
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The most important benefit of vitamin K is that it improves the body's blood clotting mechanism, which helps to prevent excessive blood loss.
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