By
Dr. Manuel J Sanchez Our bodies have specific nutritional requirements that need to be
met in order for us to be healthy. For example, we need minerals like
iron in order to form hemoglobin, a substance that is found in red blood
cells that allows oxygen to be transported to all our cells. Vitamins
are also essential substances that are needed to perform diverse
functions in our bodies. A healthy diet will include fruits and
vegetables loaded with vitamins in order to supply the demands of our
bodies. Some vitamins do not need to be consumed because they can be
manufactured by our bodies like vitamin D.
There are 13 essential vitamins that we need in our bodies and each has its own function. Vitamin A is needed to form metabolite, a substance that is needed in our eyes in order to have good night and color vision. Vitamin A in its diverse forms is contained in carrots, broccoli, leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and other foods. Vitamin C is needed to perform many important metabolic reactions in the body and it has been proven to prevent scurvy, a rare condition that is characterized by bleeding of the gums, and sometimes bleeding of the skin, and bleeding in the eye. There a popular belief that vitamin C helps to reduce the chances of acquiring the common cold, this has not been proven yet, however it does help your body in many ways, including the immune system. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe and other fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin D is a really important vitamin that can be produced by our bodies when we are exposed to the sun. This way of obtaining vitamin D can be considered unsafe if the exposure is prolonged because of the danger involved by the exposure to UV light (which can cause skin cancer, photo-aging, melanoma if not protected properly) vitamin D can also be obtained from fortified foods and vitamin supplements. Another disadvantage of obtaining vitamin D by the exposure to the sun, is that we might not the amount that we actually need. Vitamin D is linked with the proper absorption of calcium in our bones and prevents rickets in little children. Research involving vitamin D is being done and the future holds many possibilities of learning the connections vitamin D has with heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Vitamin K is linked with the manufacture of proteins required for blood clotting. Sources of vitamin K include cauliflower, spinach, soybeans, and cereals.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and is related to immune response as well. Sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, asparagus, spinach, asparagus, and corn. There are many types of B vitamins and their main purpose is to keep the skin healthy, to produce red blood cells, and to metabolize carbohydrates and proteins. Sources of vitamin B include dairy products, nuts, eggs, legumes, cereals, lean meats, etc.
We see that the thing that vitamins have in common is that most of them can be found in many fruits and vegetables. So to keep a healthy body we have to consume vegetables and fruits since they are rich in vitamin which as we have examined, perform many vital functions in our bodies. Also look in the labels of the products that you consume to check if they are fortified with the vitamins that you need. Keep in mind that excess vitamins can also harm you so make sure and consult your doctor in case you want to start vitamin supplements and do not what dosages are safe for you.
As a practicing primary care doctor, I do recommend for all my patients to take vitamins on a regular basis because most people don't always eat a healthy diet.
There are 13 essential vitamins that we need in our bodies and each has its own function. Vitamin A is needed to form metabolite, a substance that is needed in our eyes in order to have good night and color vision. Vitamin A in its diverse forms is contained in carrots, broccoli, leafy vegetables, eggs, milk, and other foods. Vitamin C is needed to perform many important metabolic reactions in the body and it has been proven to prevent scurvy, a rare condition that is characterized by bleeding of the gums, and sometimes bleeding of the skin, and bleeding in the eye. There a popular belief that vitamin C helps to reduce the chances of acquiring the common cold, this has not been proven yet, however it does help your body in many ways, including the immune system. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, strawberries, cantaloupe and other fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin D is a really important vitamin that can be produced by our bodies when we are exposed to the sun. This way of obtaining vitamin D can be considered unsafe if the exposure is prolonged because of the danger involved by the exposure to UV light (which can cause skin cancer, photo-aging, melanoma if not protected properly) vitamin D can also be obtained from fortified foods and vitamin supplements. Another disadvantage of obtaining vitamin D by the exposure to the sun, is that we might not the amount that we actually need. Vitamin D is linked with the proper absorption of calcium in our bones and prevents rickets in little children. Research involving vitamin D is being done and the future holds many possibilities of learning the connections vitamin D has with heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Vitamin K is linked with the manufacture of proteins required for blood clotting. Sources of vitamin K include cauliflower, spinach, soybeans, and cereals.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and is related to immune response as well. Sources of vitamin E include nuts, seeds, asparagus, spinach, asparagus, and corn. There are many types of B vitamins and their main purpose is to keep the skin healthy, to produce red blood cells, and to metabolize carbohydrates and proteins. Sources of vitamin B include dairy products, nuts, eggs, legumes, cereals, lean meats, etc.
We see that the thing that vitamins have in common is that most of them can be found in many fruits and vegetables. So to keep a healthy body we have to consume vegetables and fruits since they are rich in vitamin which as we have examined, perform many vital functions in our bodies. Also look in the labels of the products that you consume to check if they are fortified with the vitamins that you need. Keep in mind that excess vitamins can also harm you so make sure and consult your doctor in case you want to start vitamin supplements and do not what dosages are safe for you.
As a practicing primary care doctor, I do recommend for all my patients to take vitamins on a regular basis because most people don't always eat a healthy diet.
