Vitamins : Vitamins – Do They Really Help in Maintaining Health and Preventing Diseases?

Article by Bertil Hjert

The word “vitamin” is derived from two words, “vital” and “amine”. Vitamins are known to be really powerful organic compounds available in little concentrations in different food sources. Vitamins are supported to function in certain specific ways and their role is vital for the body chemistry. These can be compared to electric sparks that help in ‘running’ human motors.

Vitamins cannot be produced or even synthesized by the organism. Of Course, there are certain exceptions. The absence of vitamins or absorption in lesser amounts than required can result in certain deficiencies and also diseases. It is impossible to lead healthy life without providing the body with all the essential vitamins it requires. These vitamins are found in very little quantities in their natural state and that too in organic foods. Hence, it is absolutely necessary to obtain them foods or dietary supplements

Vitamins are categorized in tow different categories:

a) Fat soluble vitamins

b) Water soluble vitamins

Vitamins A, K, D and E are fat soluble whereas vitamin B complex and C are water soluble. Water soluble vitamins can be destroyed by heat. These cannot be dissolved easily in cooking water. Fat soluble vitamins are not lost by ordinary cooking methods. These have the capacity to store themselves inside the body to certain extent, mainly inside the liver. Fat soluble vitamins are measured in unit whereas water soluble vitamins are measured in milligrams and micrograms according to the requirement.

Vitamins, when used therapeutically can be of great help in fighting disease and speedy recovery. Vitamins can be utilized in two different ways. They can either be used to correct deficiencies or treating disease in place of drugs.

According to several studies and researchers conducted, it has been proved that vitamins taken according to the dosage recommended can heal a wide range of common illnesses and health related complaints.

Vitamin therapy is known to have a great impact as compared to drug therapy. Drugs can be toxic and ends up providing side effects. Vitamins are non-toxic and absolutely safe to use.

Proper nutrients obtained via diet and certain important vitamin supplements facilitates in developing a strong immunity system and this results in less illness. People with decreased immunity levels can easily suffer from many diseases for a longer period of time.

Here is information on vitamin supplements that can do wonders to your immune system:

a) Vitamin C

This vitamin supplement is helpful in providing antioxidant to cells and also reduces the overall risk of developing cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancers.

b) Vitamin E

The vitamin supplement can actually minimize free radical damage and reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cancer.

c) Selenium

This supplement is helpful in protecting against prostate cancer and often referred to as anti-aging nutrient.

d) Vitamin A

Supporting mucous membranes and skin.

e) Omega-3 fatty acids

These are highly beneficial for the heart and the central nervous system.

f) Coenzyme Q10

This dietary supplement will facilitate energy generation for enhanced metabolism.

Microorganisms, primarily bacteria, are the only known organisms that manufacture B12. These bacteria live in water, soil and even air. Animals get B12 by eating food and soil contaminated with these microorganisms. Animals then have bacteria in their digestive system from which they obtain their b12, but only if they get the bacteria from their environment and enough cobalt from the soil, which is a trace element that all vertebrates require, but is only assimilated in the form of b12. At the root of things, cobalt is how every animal synthesizes b12. Cobalt is not an animal. It is a trace element. B12 comes from the earth and can only be synthesized with a trace element. Animals get their b12 from water/dirt. B12 is not something you can only get from animals! Animals themselves are also deficient in b12 due to our environment no longer being conducive to the bacteria’s life. If you do B12 injections, research the type you’re given. I was initially prescribed Cyanocobalamin. That form is not found in nature and contains a supposedly-so-small-it-won’t-harm-anything amount of cyanide. I asked for Methylcobalamin with Hydroxocobalamin being my second choice. Why put cyanide in your body if you don’t have to? Just do your research :o)