Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Vitamins

Sticking with the health theme, I decided to repost something from a while back. For those of you who have already read it, I apologize. For my new readers, I hope you enjoy!


Vitamins are sometimes hard to understand. Which ones are most important? How much is enough to benefit us? Can too much harm us? As my husband became more interested in taking vitamins, I decided that I would do a little research and see what role each vitamin plays. Of course, there are too many vitamins and nutrients to discuss in a single post, so I researched some of the most important ones to share.

Everyone knows that calcium is important in bone protection. But did you know that calcium alone will not help prevent osteoporosis. Calcium can only work as well as your body is able to metabolize and absorb it. Calcium needs the help of vitamin D, vitamin k, and magnesium. Be aware of the type of calcium supplement you are taking because without its supporting vitamins it may not be doing its job. If your body does not get enough of its needed calcium it may begin extracting from your bones and teeth. Some good non-dairy sources of calcium are whole wheat products, broccoli, kale, dark leafy greens, canned fish, legumes, okra, nuts, and seeds.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been becoming more popular over the last few years. They are known as the “good fats”. “Studies have shown that Omega- 3 fatty acids can have a positive on or prevent serious degenerative illnesses like heart disease, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and more. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3’s are especially beneficial to menopausal women in preserving heart, breast and bone health, and even help keep our moods on an even keel.” (Dr. Marcel Pick). Good sources of omega-3 are found in seafood, hempseed oil, flaxseed, walnuts, canola oil, eggs, pumpkin seeds. If these are foods you don’t eat, you can take omega-3 supplements. However, research the product before you buy it because you could wind up burping fish all day.

Vitamin B-6 has many important functions in the body. One of its most important function is that is aids the stomach to produce hydrochloric acid. The production of hydrochloric acid is needed for the body to absorb calcium. Vitamin B-12 and Folic acid are also important in protection of our bones.
The last two vitamins are more common to households, vitamin C and A. Vitamin C plays an important role in building and maintaining body tissues. It also provides our immune system with important protection. If you feel a cold coming on, it is suggested that you take extra vitamin C to help boost your immune system. Vitamin C also protects our bodies from scurvy. Vitamin A improves our eyes ability to adjust to light as we go inside and out. Vitamin A also provides moisture for our eyes, skin, and mucus membranes.

8 comments:

Lutein Vitamins said...

Lutein is an antioxidant that helps maintain the health of your circulatory system .

Anonymous said...

Very informative...I'm a big vitamin buff as well!

(Thanks for the follow btw, I'm following you back!)

Shanilie said...

I am all for vitamins! This day and age most medical experts suggest men and women should be taking some form.

I usually take a womens one a day as well as a cod liver oil. Hey, it's not omega threes but its quite the same thing with the fish oils. Plus Im hooked, that's what my great grandma always took and they even gave it out in school and she's almost 100. haha

Debbie said...

I keep my omega 3 in the freezer - can't taste the "fish flavor" at all.

Kel said...

Thanks for all the comments. I'm going to try the Omega 3 in the freezer!

Sonja @ Craft-Werk said...

Hi Kel, thanks for becoming a follower on Craft-Werk. Whoa, there is lots of food for thought on your blog, pardon the pun... I'll get stuck into it now...

Hattie said...

I needed to go back to taking vitamins. I used to take a multi(plus calcium), D, B-complex & omega-3. I felt great taking these & I don't know why I stopped! Thanks for the (re)post!

Saline Breast Implants said...

You should take a lot of vitamins in the recovery period after breast surgery .