All vitamins are essential for proper health and longevity. However, there are several vitamins that offer more benefits than others. Following are the best vitamins for optimal health and wellness.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is best known for its benefits to the eyes. Dr. Gary Null, author of "The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments," relays that it helps prevent visual deficiencies and diseases, such as night blindness and macular degeneration. Vitamin A is also beneficial for the skin because it regulates sebum production. This keeps skin from becoming too dry or too oily. Good sources of Vitamin A are dairy products, liver and vegetables that are orange or dark green in color.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C acts as an antihistamine because it controls the rigorousness of cold symptoms. Vitamin C is also responsible for producing the connective tissue collegian for younger and smoother looking skin. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and protects cells from oxidation. Vitamin C also speeds cell regeneration and can help to speed the healing of bodily ailments from cuts to surgical wounds. Citrus fruits are adequate sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D supports calcium absorption and is one of the best vitamins to help keep bones, teeth and hair strong. Because calcium is essential for bone and joint health, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the prevention of osteoporosis and arthritis. Vitamin D is best found in milk, egg yolks and fish.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential vitamin because of its antioxidant properties. It fights free radicals from the environment, preventing them from harming the body and repairs damage that already exists. Vitamin E is best known for its anti-aging skin benefits because it produces collagen and boosts cell turnover, which fights fine lines and wrinkles. It also lubricates cell membranes and is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Food sources for Vitamin E are vegetable oils and nuts.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is unique because it has different benefits when applied topically than when taken internally. When applied topically, Vitamin K helps to eliminate bruises and is often given to patients after plastic surgery. It also will reduce dark circles under the eyes when used as a topical cream. When taking Vitamin K by mouth, it helps to regulate blood clotting within the body. Dark green vegetables are rich sources of Vitamin K.
References
- The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments; Gary Null, Ph.D.; 1998
- Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century; Earl Mindell; 1999
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