Unusual Vitamins
If you have ever read a magazine, then chances are that you have read about Vitamins. We are told my health professionals and manufactures alike that we need to take more of Vitamin ‘this’ or Mineral ‘that’ to help them with their budgets, but do we really need all that Vitamin A, B, C, D or E. Chances are that if you consume regular meals that are low in fat, and high in freshness, then you probably do not need any additional intake of these ‘common’ Vitamins. If in doubt, consultant with your healthcare professional, who will advise you accordingly. Below is a brief summary of the common and not so common Vitamins.
|
Vitamin |
What it is good for |
Best source |
|
Vitamin A |
Essential for health eyesight. Immune system booster. |
Yellow or green fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, parsley, spinach, apricots and cantaloupe melon |
|
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) |
For healthy heart and nervous system |
From wholegrain products, pork and seafood. |
|
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) |
Growth, healthy hair, nails and skin |
Eggs, green leafy vegetables and almonds |
|
Vitamin B3 |
Circulation and brain function and assists with the control of cholesterol and |
Nuts and potatoes |
|
Vitamin B4 |
|
|
|
Vitamin B5 |
Anti stress |
Fresh nuts, eggs, pulses and wheatgerm |
|
Vitamin B6 |
Hormone balance, support of the immune system and cell growth |
Liver, kidneys, wheat germ, beans, eggs and sunflower seeds |
|
Vitamin B12 |
Manufacture of red blood cells and maintenance of nerves |
Oily fish and eggs |
|
Vitamin B13 |
Aids in the production of genetic material in cells |
Root vegetables |
|
Vitamin B15 |
Research has yet to provide substantiated results. |
Brown rice, whole grains, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds |
|
Vitamin B17 |
Research has yet to provide substantiated results that it helps to reduce blood pressure and the pain of arthritis |
Mung bean sprouts, apple seeds and plum kernels |
|
Vitamin C |
Healthy skin and immune system booster |
Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially red peppers, Brussels sprouts, kiwi fruit, strawberries, cabbage, oranges |
|
Vitamin D |
For health bones and teeth and effective muscle function |
If you get plenty of sunshine, then your body will manufacture its own requirements, if not, then oily fish like mackerel and salmon are good sources, besides the humble egg. |
|
Vitamin E |
Anti oxidant. Increases stamina and assists with fertility. |
Nuts, sees, soy beans, whole grains and green vegetables |
|
Vitamin F |
Normal growth and behaviour and balanced hormones. |
Grains, nuts, seeds, oily fish |
|
Vitamin K |
Health bones and teeth and for blood clotting |
Cauliflower, leafy vegetables, cheese and liver |
|
Vitamin P |
Aids in cell wall growth and repair and immune system booster |
Citrus fruits, berries, grapes, onions, garlic and buckwheat |
|
Vitamin T |
Strengthen red blood cells |
Sesame seeds |
|
Vitamin U |
Aids in the healing of ulcers of the skin and digestive tract. |
Raw cabbage |
As time goes by and technicians and researchers continue the work in the further discover of the exacting moleculacr structure of the foods that we eat, this list of vitamins will grow. Vitamin K was only discovered in 1929, and little is yet known about P, T and U.
As with all things in life, balance is essential. Many of these vitamins occur in combination in a variety of foods, so a deficiency in one will probably mean a deficiency in others. Equally consumption of a specific vitamin can put the body into total imbalance, even resulting in toxicity, so if you feel your diet is lacking consult with a health care professional before purchasing any vitamin supplements