Vitamins and minerals are substances that are essential and needed by your body. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, E, D and zinc are important for keeping your body healthy, as each is involved in assisting the body in its own way. Most vitamins and minerals can be found in daily foods you consume, or they can be taken in pill form.
Zinc
Zinc contains antioxidant properties -- effective in protecting your body from free radicals. Zinc can help speed up wound healing. In addition, zinc plays an essential role in ensuring that your immune system works properly. Low levels of zinc in your body can lead to hair loss, white spots on your nails, skin issues and poor growth. Food sources of zinc include oysters, whole grains, mushrooms, green beans and red meats.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is water-soluble and is not stored in your body, so you need a daily supply of it from your diet or supplements. Vitamin C helps with wound healing, while also repairing broken bones and teeth. Vitamin C is also important for the creation of a protein called collagen -- used to make ligaments and skin. In addition, vitamin C contains antioxidant properties to help fight free radicals. Rich sources of vitamin C include oranges, winter squash, kiwi and tomatoes.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is involved in the formation of red blood cells, which are responsible for transferring oxygen from one cell to another, while also providing your tissues and organs with oxygen. Vitamin E also helps enhance blood circulation through your body, assisting in the growth of new cells and tissues. According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, vitamin E may help prevent numerous medical conditions, such as liver disease, cancer and heart disease. However, more research is needed in this area to support these claims. Vitamin E can be found in produce such as spinach and corn, as well as seeds and nuts.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is fat-soluble, so the body can store it. It can be found in foods such as carrots, dark leafy greens, milk, liver and apricots. Vitamin A is important for helping to promote healthy vision and aids in the growth of cells. Vitamin A might also be able to help prevent some forms of cancer.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" because you can obtain the vitamin through the sun's rays. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so it's essential for bone creation and maintenance. Good sources of vitamin D include cheese, cream, fish and oysters.
Member Comments