How Do The Various Vitamins Help You?
Table of Contents
Since a very young age, we have heard that vitamins play a very vital role in our physical and mental growth. Parents stressed on it at home and teachers put great emphasis on it at school. Despite repeated efforts to try and drill the importance of these essential vitamins in our heads, honestly, all we remember is that “If you go out in the sun, you get vitamin D which is good for your body.”
We are convinced that there are quite a few of you who are floating on the same boat as we are and that’s why we’ve decided to pull all our research strings, and list all the vitamins and how they contribute to our physical and mental growth.
Ready, Set, Go!
Let’s start with the basics. Vitamins are micronutrients that are required in small amounts for the everyday functioning of the human body. There are essentially 13 vitamins that are required for the proper growth and functioning of the body. They can be classified into fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.
The fat-soluble vitamins include Vitamin A, D, E, and K and the water-soluble vitamins include Vitamin C and the B-Complex Vitamins.
Moving on, let’s find out how these various vitamins contribute to the functioning and growth of the body and brain.
Vitamin A:
Plays an important role in the formation of skin and tissues.
Contributes to the bone growth and healthy teeth.
Strengthens the immune system.
Essential for good vision.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
Helps cells convert carbohydrates into energy.
Contributes to healthy skin, hair and muscles.
Essential for nerve function.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):
Important for the production of red blood cells.
Contributes to body growth.
Contributes to the healthy functioning of the brain.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin):
Helps in lowering cholesterol levels.
Helps convert carbohydrates into energy.
Essential for the brain and nervous system.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid):
Essential for good metabolism.
Contributes to the production of fats, neurotransmitters, steroid hormones, and hemoglobin.
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):
Helps in the formation of red blood cells.
Maintain brain function.
Reduces the risk of heart disease.
Helps produce serotonin that helps regulate sleep, appetite and mood.
Aids cognitive abilities.
Increases immunity.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin):
Required for healthy bones and hair.
Essential for metabolism.
Synthesizes glucose.
Produces and breaks down fatty acids.
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid):
Required for the production of new cells.
Needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function.
Essential for pregnant women.
Reduces the risk of heart disease, colon cancer and breast cancer.
Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin):
Maintains the central nervous system.
Contributes to the formation of red blood cells.
Protects nerve cells.
Important for metabolism.
Vitamin C:
Promotes healthy teeth and gums.
Helps in wound healing.
Helps the body absorb iron.
Acts as an antioxidant that prevents cellular damage.
Helps maintain healthy tissues.
Vitamin D:
Helps absorb calcium.
Helps the body maintain proper levels of calcium and phosphorus.
Contributes to the strengthening of bones.
Vitamin E:
Helps the body form red blood cells.
Neutralizing unstable molecules that can damage cells.
Helps prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Vitamin K:
Helps in the coagulation of blood.
Reinforces proteins and calcium in the body.
Important for bone health.
There you go! We know that this list can be a little hard to remember but at least now you know where to check if you ever want to know what the various vitamins do for you.
Need more information about the essential elements required for the human body? Consult a Nutritionist in less than 30 minutes only on DocsApp.
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