The human body contains trillions of cells and performs thousands of chemical reactions each day that make life possible. In order for the body to perform these complex processes the body's cells need the proper fuel and nutrients. Vitamins are essential to the body's growth and development, according to the National Library of Medicine. There are 13 vitamins that the body needs on a daily basis and many more that help the body function optimally. Vitamins are naturally found in food. People get the majority of the essential vitamins from the foods they eat. In addition to vitamins, the body also requires minerals for proper function, which are also found in food.
Vitamins
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that vitamins are natural organic compounds that come from the earth and are absorbed by plants. Humans then absorb vitamins and minerals from the plants they eat. The CDC states that the body needs vitamins to grow and develop normally. If a person becomes deficient in certain vitamins, health challenges follow.
Types
The National Library of Medicine states that the 13 essential vitamins include A, C, D, E, K and the various B vitamins. The majority of these vitamins are found in foods such as fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy products. The Harvard School of Public Health states that what a person eats is one of the most important lifestyle choices that they can make to improve overall health. Other factors include not smoking and engaging in physical exercise.
Benefits
The CDC states that vitamins and minerals play a unique role in maintaining health. They are required by the body and therefore a major benefit of including vitamins in the diet is optimal function of the body's cells. According to the CDC the best way to get enough vitamins is to eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, and healthy fats. Harvard recommends that in addition to eating a healthy diet a person should consider taking a daily multivitamin to fill in any nutrition gaps that may exist in the diet.
Considerations
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most adults are deficient in calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium and vitamins A, C and E. They suggest that a person consume a variety of foods in order to incorporate these vitamins in the diet. It is also important to consider that today many foods are processed and lack essential nutrition. Therefore unprocessed natural foods make the best sources of vitamins.
Expert Insight
Ensure you are getting the proper vitamins and minerals by picking varying colors and shades of fruits and vegetables. Each color contains different nutrients and provides different health benefits. Harvard recommends dark leafy greens that contain vitamin C and calcium, cooked tomatoes for lycopene, and anything that's a rich yellow, orange, or red in color for beta-carotene. They also recommend that a person include daily exercise and a daily multivitamin to ensure optimal health and prevent risk for chronic disease. These lifestyle habits are the best ways to prevent illness and promote optimal health and ensure that the body receives important vitamins and minerals that it needs to function correctly.
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