http://articles.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com/rss.xml A blog about mineralandvitaminsupplements.com daily 365 1901-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://articles.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com/?a=35952 <p>by Gregg Hall </p><p>Playing an essential role in the metabolism of most animals, vitamins are complex substances made from organic materials. A wide range of foods possesses these vitamins, which are sometimes produced inside of the body. The body needs vitamins to properly function. Without them, the body breaks down and the growth processes of the body are stunted. When you do not get enough of the proper vitamins, disorders of the body can also arise. <br /><br />There are two main categories that vitamins are grouped into. One deals with the vitamins that are fat soluble. This includes vitamins A, D, E, and K. The second group includes vitamins that are water soluble, such as vitamin C, as well as B complex. As you will see, each vitamin has their own characteristics and benefits for the human body. <br /><br />Vitamin A: This vitamin helps with the growth and maintenance of good hair and skin. This is the vitamin to take when you wish to improve your eyesight. Bones depend on this vitamin for proper bone growth and also play a role in the development of strong teeth. Some of the foods that vitamin A is present within includes milk, carrots, liver, spinach, cantaloupe, and apricots. When you lack vitamin A in your body, you will suffer from night blindness, as well as dry skin. <br /><br />Vitamin B: Different levels of the B vitamin make up this substance, as well as folic acid and biotin. All of the B vitamins aid in the body's metabolism, as well as the maintenance of red blood cells. The creation of protein, as well as energy is assisted from the vitamin B throughout your body. The types of foods that you will find this particular vitamin include green, leafy vegetables; oranges; grapefruits; whole grains and meats. When you are not getting enough B vitamin, you may contract Beri Beri, which is characterized by weak muscles and unattractive, dry lips. <br /><br />Vitamin C: This vitamin is important in producing collagen, as well as the structuring of bones and muscle. Other things associated with vitamin C is healthy gums, blood vessels, muscles, as well as the quick healing of wounds. Foods that give a nice amount of vitamin C include lemons, oranges, tomatoes, cabbage and other fruits and vegetables. Getting insufficient amounts of Vitamin C results in the bleeding of gums, joint pain, as well as weak muscles. <br /><br />Vitamin D: The absorption of calcium, as well as proper bone formation is associated with vitamin D. It is the vitamin responsible for strong bones and teeth. When looking for foods that carry this particular vitamin, shoot for egg yolks, milk and other dairy items. When you don't get enough of this vitamin, you will suffer from weak bones, as well as excessive weight loss. <br /><br />Vitamin E: The formation of red blood cells, as well as lung protection is provided through this vitamin. Foods, such as whole grain bread, green vegetables with leaves, sardines, cereals and seeds offer vitamin E. When you do not get enough of this vitamin, you are making yourself more susceptible to diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as vitamin supplements at <a href="http://www.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com/">http://www.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com</a></p> 2006-09-30T23:37-04:00 http://articles.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com/?a=35951 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>You might have heard of lecithin before when mentioning the processing of soybeans, but there is so much more to this element that meets the eye. There are numerous health benefits that have been associated with lecithin, including how well it aids in the breaking down of fats and cholesterol. Often, lecithin is regarded as a byproduct, but if you just give it a chance, you will find that it a friend to your health. <br /><br />Throughout the years, lecithin has been connected to the promotion of a healthy heart. This is a fact that is not readily apparent to most of the public. They are unaware that it possesses a substantial source of gamma linoleic acid (GLA). This is the acid, (also referred to as a Omega 6 fatty acid), which possesses anti inflammatory properties. Some believe it can also be used to treat eczema. Lecithin also provides a high amount of phosphatide concentratil. Lecithin also aids in the use of a variety of vitamins, such as A, D, and E. This increases the memory, as well as concentration of an individual. Lecithin also helps the body parts to cleanse themselves, such as the kidneys and liver. The body is better able to absorb nutrients through the help of lecithin as well. <br /><br />If you have ever wondered the story about lecithin or where it came from, you should know that the meaning of the term comes from the Greek language. In the early 1800s, Maurice Gobley, a French pioneer in science, achieved the isolation of an egg yolk compound. The name originated from the word, &quot;egg yolk.&quot; Through research, it was proven that lecithin had wonderful emulsifying properties. Beyond foods, it is also used within the paint and drug industry. The main source that lecithin was found in was often connected to egg yolks. In the mid 30s, it was discovered that soybean processing also produced it. <br /><br />Now, some find their doses of lecithin in soybeans. Why bother with lecithin? Well, there is a wide range of benefits to consider. It can actually help us to obtain the phosphatidyl choline (PC) that we need in our body. This is an essential nutrient, which is a substance that out bodies cannot make on their own. This means we must turn to foods to get the amount we require. We can satisfy these needs through lecithin, which plays an integral part in maintaining cell membranes, as well as the transfer of liquid from in and out of cells. One of the main duties associated with lecithin is to keep a fair balance between fats. It may also play a role in the process of cell signaling, where cells communicate with one another to conduct the proper bodily functions. Lecithin is not to be ignored when it comes to maintaining a healthy body.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as vitamin supplements at <a href="http://www.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com/">http://www.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com</a></p> 2006-09-30T23:34-04:00 http://articles.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com/?a=35333 <p>by Gregg Hall</p><p>Vitamins (combination of two words: Vital Amines) are the complex organic substance essential in small quantities to the metabolism (nutrition) in most animals. These are found in minute quantities in food, in some cases are produced by the body, and are also produced synthetically. The human body needs them to work properly, so that we can grow and develop just like we should. Their deficiency results in many serious disorders.<br /><br />Vitamins are divided into two major groups: the 'fat-soluble vitamins' designated as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K, and the 'water-soluble vitamins' which include vitamin C and the group of molecules referred to as the vitamin B complex. Each of them has its own special role in the development of human body. <br />Vitamin A<br />Vitamin A, a fat-soluble vitamin, plays a really big part in eyesight and helps us to see in dim light and also at night. Vitamin A is also involved in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. In addition, it is necessary for proper bone growth, tooth development, reproduction and for the development of epithelial cells (that line any opening to the body e.g.; nose, throat, lungs, mouth, stomach, intestines and urinary tract). <br />Vitamin A can be found in eggs, milk, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, fish oil, liver (pork, lamb, chicken, turkey or beef), butter, broccoli, apricots, nectarines, cantaloupe, and orange or yellow vegetables or fruits.<br />The deficiency of vitamin A can cause two major disorders like: night blindness and drying of skin.<br /><br />Vitamin B<br />Vitamin B itself is a complex of different vitamins like: B1, B2, B6, B12, niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid. These B vitamins are very important in metabolic activity and in facilitating the red blood cell (which carry oxygen throughout your body). They also help your body make protein and energy.<br /><br />The sources of vitamin B are leafy green vegetables seafood, beans, peas, citrus fruits, whole grains (such as wheat and oats), poultry, meats, eggs and dairy products (like milk and yogurt). Some bacteria in our large intestine also prepare some type of B-vitamins.<br />The deficiency of vitamin B can cause the disease &quot;Beri Beri&quot;, cracked lips, weak muscles, malformation of red blood cells, affects normal growth and disturbs the nervous system.<br /><br /><br />Vitamin C<br />Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water-soluble, antioxidant vitamin that is vital to the production of collagen, a protein that gives structure to bones, cartilage, muscle, and blood vessels. It is important for keeping body tissues, such as gums and muscles in good shape and it helps in quick healing of wounds. In addition, it helps protecting the fat-soluble vitamins A and E as well as fatty acids from oxidation.<br />The vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits (like lemon &amp; orange), cantaloupe, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage and in other fresh fruits and vegetables. <br />The deficiency of vitamin C affects the healthy skin; poor wound healing and can lead to a disease called &quot;Scurvy&quot; which causes bleeding in gums, easy bruising, bumps of coiled hair on the arms and legs, pain in the joints, muscle wasting, and many other problems.<br /><br />Vitamin D<br />Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that regulates the formation of bone and the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the intestine. It helps to control the movement of calcium between bone and blood, and vice versa. It is this vitamin you need for strong bones and teeth. In addition it helps your body absorb the amount of calcium it needs. <br /><br />Vitamin D can be found in fish liver oil, egg yolks, milk and other dairy products fortified with vitamin D. It is also produced in our body in the presence of ultra violet light and sunlight.<br /><br />The deficiency of vitamin D can cause weak bones and bowed legs (in children). And its excess can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, headache, depression and deposits of calcium in the kidneys.<br /><br />Vitamin E<br />Vitamin E, a fat-soluble vitamin, is essential for the inhibition of oxidation in body tissues, formation of red blood cells, and also prevents breakdown of body tissues. It maintains the body tissues and protects the lungs from becoming damaged by polluted air. <br /><br />This vitamin can be found in whole grains (such as wheat and oat), wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, sardines, egg yolks, nuts, bread, cereals and seeds. <br />The deficiency of this vitamin can cause many diseases like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.</p><h3 class="popup">About the Author </h3><p>Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get a Great selection of vitamin and mineral supplements at <a href="http://www.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com/">http://www.mineralandvitaminsupplements.com</a></p> 2006-08-05T15:05-04:00