Vitamin Benefits

Vitamins are one of the essential nutrients that the system requires for proper and effective functioning. Though they are important for living, they are not substitutes for food. They are converted to their hormone form or to their active coenzyme form. Death is caused due to the deficiency of certain vitamins. Severe illnesses are also caused.

Some of the commonly seen to occur deficiency disorders are scurvy, beri beri and pellagra. Fish liver oil, margarine, fruit juices and enriched flour are good sources of vitamins. Fish liver oil and margarine are enriched with fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E and K.

Vitamins are necessarily seen in the food we eat and vitamins benefits are many. They are required for the normal development and growth of the body. Every vitamin has a specific role to play. Vitamins are of two kinds, namely Fat soluble and Water soluble, on the basis of their solubility. Excessive washing of foods result in the leaching of vitamins. The dietary fat soluble vitamins are saved in the fat tissues of the body, thereby utilizing them, in case of need. Vitamins A, D, E and K are the fat soluble vitamins.

Water soluble vitamins are not retained to a great extent, as they are water soluble and are easily eliminated from the body. The unused vitamins are let out through the urine. Benefits of vitamins include enhancement of the immune system. Many vitamins are antioxidants, such as vitamins A, E and D. These vitamins function as antioxidants or free radical scavenger. This prevents degeneration of cells, such as in cancer, cataract, and atherosclerosis and so on.

Biotin helps in reduction of blood glucose levels. They also aid in healthy skin, nails and hair. Beta carotene eliminates any kind of skin disorders. Vitamin A is essential for good vision. Folic acid prevents anemia and Alzheimer's disease. Synthesis of DNA and RNA, regeneration of blood cells are also few of the vitamin benefits. Vitamin C helps in wound healing and immunity. Benefits of Vitamin E are seen as an antioxidant that protects against heart diseases. Vitamin K helps with the bone strength and blood coagulation.

The benefits of vitamins fail to stop there. They help in delaying the aging process and act as a preventive or stoppage measure for many kinds of diseases. They increase your longevity. A number of vitamin supplements are available in the market. It helps in supplementing the vitamins that are either lost from the body or those that are not taken in at all.

Submitted on March 31, 2010