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A vitamin in particular is a group of organic substances which
help regulate the rate at which chemical reactions take place in the body,
whereas, minerals are natural, non-organic substances which are important
components of bones and soft tissues of the body. Vitamins and minerals function
as partners and technically termed as ‘cofactors’ in the metabolism of products
in the body.
How much vitamins and minerals do we need?
It is true that we need vitamins for the normal functioning of our body. But
still, vitamins are not themselves direct sources of energy. As defined earlier,
vitamins are nutrients sourced from food we eat everyday. Thus, taking proper
and healthy diet would alone supplement one’s vitamin requirements? What’s the
use of thousands of available multivitamins in the market?
Most adults today greatly depend on the intake of vitamin supplements due to the
fact that vitamins and minerals they take in the food they eat are no longer
absorbed or utilized by their body despite a nutritious diet. Hence, massive
doses of supplements in place of normal eating are useless and dangerous. The
use of very large doses of vitamins without the knowledge of a physician is very
dangerous and can cause serious health problems.
There is no need to take ‘mega doses’ of vitamins without any deficiency or
illness taking place in the body, since the doctor will not advice such intake
unless badly need. Balanced amounts of each and every vitamin in the body should
be properly followed, as an excessive in take of one vitamin can adversely
affect the body’s use of another vitamin even though the second vitamin is
present in normal amounts. For instance, deficiency in vitamin K is attributed
by large amounts of vitamin E. Excessive vitamin E changes the body’s need for
vitamin K to the point of causing vitamin K deficiency. Furthermore, taking
excessive amounts of mineral on the other hand is too risky especially for
pregnant or nursing women, children and the elderly.
Vitamins as an Anti-aging Component
Aging is a time-sequential deterioration occurring in the body. Certain changes
like bone brittleness, decrease in muscle mass and impaired resistance to
disease and injury occur as a result of aging. These changes can be very
frustrating. However it can be controlled and reduced by proper intake of
nutritional supplements like vitamins A (beta carotene), C and E. Vitamins A, C
and E are generally called ‘anti-oxidant vitamins’.
They have potential properties which can promote health. They are also part of
the body’s defense against free radicals and oxidative stress. Cereals, fruits
and vegetables are good and natural sources of antioxidants. Furthermore, these
three: A, C and E are common components of most dietary supplements which are
very helpful nowadays, since they are a critical element in disease prevention.
We live in a world of exploitation, and as time goes by, pollution degrades our
health through the food we eat and through the air we breathe.
This is the main reason why scientists have advanced their technology and have
invaded people’s notion of “natural living”. Before, people depend on natural
sources of vitamins and minerals, but now as technology advances, vitamins and
minerals are now available in tablets, capsules or syrup which are reliable
supplements for human health. Nevertheless, fruits and vegetables and other
natural resource are still the best source of vitamins and minerals for the
human body.
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Charlene J. Nuble
For All the things you need to know about vitamins, please go to: Vitamins and
Minerals
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charlene_Nuble
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