The well-known vitamin C, for example, keeps germs out, while vitamin K ensures a healthy circulatory system and strong bones. In this article you can read about the importance of vitamins and how you get enough of it.
What types of vitamins are there?
The thirteen substances that fall under the heading of vitamin can be divided into two groups. First, there are the fat-soluble vitamins, which are found in fat-containing products. You can think of meat and fish, but also nuts, eggs and milk are among these foods. Some examples of fat-soluble vitamins are:
• Vitamin A. This nutrient ensures healthy skin and sharp eyes. In addition, it is indispensable for children who are growing.
• Vitamin D. Sufficient vitamin D is necessary to keep your bones and teeth strong.
• Vitamin K. This substance is essential in the maintenance of strong bones. A second core task of vitamin K is to regulate blood clotting.
The second category consists of the water-soluble vitamins. As the name implies, these substances are mainly found in foods with a high water content. Fruits and vegetables are included, but surprisingly ‘dry’ products such as bread and nuts are also rich in water-soluble vitamins. The water-soluble vitamins include:
• Vitamin B1. The nervous system and the brain do not function properly if you do not get enough vitamin B1.
• Vitamin B5. Vitamin B5 contributes to keeping your intestinal system healthy. This substance also helps in the breakdown of food.
• Vitamin B11. This nutrient has been shown to reduce the risk of birth defects in babies. Pregnant women should therefore pay close attention to their vitamin B11 intake.
How do you ensure that you get enough vitamins?
It is advisable to start by following a healthy and varied diet. In addition to what you ingest, the way you ingest it also plays a role. Heating for too long or too intensely reduces the amount of certain vitamins in food. Finally, it is good to know that not all vitamins enter your body exclusively through food. Vitamin D is mainly absorbed by our skin from sunlight. As a result, people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency, especially in the cloudy winter months.
Are vitamin supplements a good alternative to your meal?
In everyday life, many people don’t have the time and desire to cook for themselves every day. It can then be tempting to take a few pills quickly and assume that you have taken your daily dose of vitamins. While pills can indeed be a good addition to your diet, it is not recommended to replace your serving of fruits and vegetables with a handful of supplements. Unlike vitamin pills, fruits and vegetables also contain other substances that your body needs, such as minerals and fats. In addition, vitamins are found in a high concentration in many pills. This can lead to an overdose, which is sometimes even harmful to your body.
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