Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal metabolic functions. These features include the use of proteins to repair damaged tissue and the conversion of fat and carbohydrates into energy. They do not directly supply the body with energy or calories. Since vitamins (with the exception of vitamin D) cannot be synthesized by our body, they must be consumed through the diet to prevent vitamin deficiency disorders.
There are a total of 13 vitamins that fall into two categories: fat-soluble and water-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins that include the vitamin C and B complex groups cannot be stored in the body. They must be constantly replenished as they are quickly removed through the urine. Liposoluble, on the other hand, can be temporarily stored in the liver and adipose tissue.
vitamin History
Long before the discovery of vitamins, many cultures knew that certain foods had great benefits to our body's health. In the times of the ancient Egyptians, they fed the liver of their patients to cure night blindness. Recent evidence illustrates that night blindness is caused by vitamin A deficiency.
Since the 18th century, many doctors and scientists have made deep discoveries about the nature and benefit of vitamins.
In 1747, the Scottish naval surgeon discovered Dr. James Lind, a nutrient (now known as vitamin C) found in citrus foods helped prevent scurvy
In 1905, Dr. William Fletcher that if he removed certain nutrients (now known as vitamins) from food, a disease would occur. He made this observation while investigating the causes of beriberi in Southeast Asia. Dr. Fletcher concluded that the unpolished rice husk contained "special factors" that prevented beriberi.
In 1912, the Polish scientist Casimir Funk called the nutritional parts of our food, a "vitamin," "vita," meaning life, "amine," a molecule found in thiamine. He later concluded that if we lacked certain Best vitamins for erections
, the associated diseases could occur.
features
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps us look in the dark. It is known as retinol because it produces pigments found in the retina of the eye. Vitamin A helps promote the health and growth of all cells and tissues found in our body. Assist in the formation and maintenance of healthy teeth, skin, tissues and mucous membranes.
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin found in certain foods that our body can produce after exposure to UV rays from sunlight. This vitamin helps absorb calcium and phosphorus and helps deposit these minerals into teeth and bones. By promoting calcium absorption, vitamin D helps build and maintain strong bones. Studies suggest that vitamin D also helps maintain a healthy immune system and helps regulate cell growth and differentiation.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a powerful antioxidant that protects cellular tissue from the harmful effects of free radicals. Free radicals are potentially harmful by-products of energy metabolism, which can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Research has shown that vitamin E can help prevent specific cancers such as colon, breast and prostate. In addition, recent studies have shown that vitamin E stimulates the immune system, improves brain function and helps in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin E has been observed to help reduce the risk of developing various visual disorders, such as cataracts or macular degeneration.
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin, commonly known as the "coagulant" vitamin. The main responsibility of this vitamin is to regulate normal blood coagulation (through the formation of prothrombin). Blood clotting occurs immediately when there is an injury or tear in any blood vessel. Regulates this process by helping the body transport calcium. Vitamin K participates in the synthesis of several proteins necessary for functions such as coagulation and anticoagulation. Vitamin K, by preventing the hardening of the arteries, can reduce the onset of heart disease and heart failure.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that affects the body in many different ways. It is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, an important protein used to create blood vessels, scar tissue, skin, tendons and ligaments.
Vitamins are organic compounds that are essential for normal metabolic functions.