Role of Vitamins

Vitamins play an important role in the body. They are involved in many biochemical reactions and they help fight against infections by strengthening the body. They are involved in the maturation of certain cells and tissues. They also help repair damaged tissues and prevent premature aging and the onset of disease. They also participate in the metabolism of many nutrients and micronutrients. This is why you should make sure you never develop a vitamin deficiency!

Where to Find Vitamins?

Vitamins are present in products of plant origin (fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes ...) and animal origin (fish meat, eggs, dairy products ...), some spices and herbs (parsley, for example, is very rich Vitamin C and E). Some are said to be soluble. They are classified as being either fat soluble (vitamins A, D, E and K), or water soluble, for example, the B vitamins, vitamin C and beta-carotene.

Antioxidant Vitamins

The antioxidants oppose the effects of free radicals by moderating the damage they cause, restoring the injuries sustained by the cells, eliminating waste and hindering oxidation. When free radicals are in excess in the body due to smoking, the consumption of certain chemicals, or overexposure to the sun, they can accelerate cell aging and provoke many diseases.

Vitamin A is present in dairy products, egg yolk, liver, fatty fish and carotenoids, precursors of vitamin A, in all fruits and vegetables with orange flesh. Kiwis and citrus are also full of vitamin C. As for vegetable oils of any kind, they are an important source of vitamin E.

In one study conducted a few years ago,  it was shown that increasing the intake of certain vitamins and minerals in people who were aware of these deficiencies decreased the risk of developing cancers.

How to Get The Most Vitamins Out of Your Diet

Vitamins are quite fragile and tend to break down during cooking. You should therefore focus on raw food if you need a good supplementation of vitamins. Similarly, you should consume raw fruits, rather that drinking only the juice.

 Should You Take Vitamin Supplements?

Theoretically, a balanced diet can meet all your needs in terms of vitamins. In practice, things are less straightforward.

Many people have unhealthy diets, voluntarily or involuntarily. The modern diet lacks vitamins. We abuse of junk food, consume too much sugars and saturated fat and just not enough vitamins.

Consumption of dietary supplements in general and in particular vitamin, is now become the norm: everyone wants to fight against the effects of aging. Be careful, however, when you self-medicate: it is better to consult a doctor or pharmacist if any long-term supplementation is required. This is to prevent the risk of overdose and harm if vitamin taken inappropriately. For example, excessive consumption of vitamin A - a major antioxidant, may have harmful effects on health.