Vitamins are organic compounds needed in small quantities to sustain life. We get the vitamins we need from food, because the human body does not produce enough of them. Vitamins are essential for the normal growth and development and maintaining the health of the organism.
There are 2 types of vitamins: fat soluble and water soluble vitamins.
Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues of our bodies, and can stay in the body as reserves for days. Water Soluble Vitamins don’t get stored in the body for long because they get expelled through urine.
There are currently 13 recognized vitamins. Learn more about each vitamin and what they do for your body.
1. Vitamin A
It’s good for eyesight, growth, appetite and taste. Deficiency may cause night-blindness and keratomalacia
Great sources of vitamin A: liver, cod liver oil, carrot, broccoli, sweet potato, butter, kale, spinach, pumpkin, milk.
2. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12
They’re good for the nervous system, digestion, muscles, heart, skin, nails, hair Making red blood and the formation of the nerves. Deficiency may cause tingling in fingers and toes, confusion, difficulties in maintaining balance, loss of appetite, exhaustion and weakened powers of concentration.
Great sources of vitamin B2: asparagus, bananas, persimmons, okra, chard, cottage cheese, milk, yogurt, meat, eggs, fish, and green beans.
3. Vitamin C
It’s good for the immune defense system, protection from viruses and bacteria, healing wounds, reducing cholesterol, cell lifespan and preventing scurvy. Deficiency may cause: tiredness, bleeding gums and slow-healing wounds.
Great source of vitamin C: fruits and vegetables.
4. Vitamin D
It’s good for Strong bones and teeth. Deficiency may cause unhealthy teeth, osteomalacia (weakening of bones) and rickets in children.
Great source of vitamin D: produced in the skin after exposure to ultraviolet B light from the sun, also found in fatty fish, eggs, beef liver, and mushrooms.
6. Vitamin E
It’s good for fighting toxins, since it’s a great antioxidant. Deficiency may cause: weak muscles and fertility problems.
Great source of vitamin E: almonds, avocado, eggs, milk, nuts, leafy green vegetables.
Follow these simple tips and learn how to have a tasty and healthy diet: 5 Tips That Will Help You Learn How to Eat Healthy