ABC's To A Healthy Life

Vitamins are nutrients which are necessary for the normal functioning of our body. Any deficiency of vitamins disturbs the processes going on in the body and we tend to acquire certain ailments. Vitamins can be classified in two categories –

1. Water soluble Vitamins
2. Fat soluble Vitamins

Water soluble Vitamins are not stored in the body. Water soluble vitamins dissolve in the water present in our system. The body uses the amount of water soluble vitamins it needs and the rest is flushed out through our urine. Vitamin B and Vitamin C are water soluble vitamins.

Vitamin B is also a water soluble vitamin which gives us energy to carry our daily responsibilities. There are more varieties of this Vitamin like B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin, and pantothenic acid. Vitamin B is present in whole grains, such as wheat and oats, fish and seafood, poultry and meats, eggs, dairy products like milk and yogurt, leafy green vegetables peas and beans.

Vitamin C is helpful for our tissues; it keeps them in good shape and also helps our body to resist diseases. Citrus fruits, like oranges, cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, kiwi fruit, and sweet red peppers etc. are good examples of vitamin C rich foods.

Fat soluble Vitamins are stored in the body. When we digest these fat soluble vitamins, they dissolve in the fat and the body uses the quantity it needs and the rest is stored in our fat to be used in future. Fat soluble vitamins can be found in vitamins A, D, E and K.

Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin. It increases the eyesight and prevents color blindness. This fat soluble vitamin is also good for the skin and helps us to grow properly. Vitamin A is present in milk fortified with vitamin A, liver, orange fruits and vegetables like cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potatoes and dark green leafy vegetables like kale, collards and spinach.

Vitamin D is another fat soluble vitamin which means strength. Vitamin D is good for the bones and great for our teeth. Vitamin D can be found in milk prepared with vitamin D, fish, egg yolks, liver and fortified cereal.

Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin which is really good for the skin. Teenagers are so worried about pimples. Vitamin E is considered an absolute remedy in this case. It also protects the lungs from any infection and helps formation of red blood cells. Some examples of vitamin E are whole grains, such as wheat and oats, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks and nuts and seeds.

Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin which works in injuries. It stops bleeding, causing the blood to clot when exposed to oxygen. Leafy green vegetables, dairy products, like milk and yogurt, broccoli and soybean oil are rich in Vitamin K.

Our body has to bear a lot of stress nowadays and if we ignore the importance of vitamins we are only putting our body under more strain and this can lead to severe body disorders and diseases. When you take vitamins, make sure you take one that is soluble in your intestine as the ph there is much different than water. Help your body by taking vitamins and then see for yourself how your body stays more youthful and disease free.