VITAMINE: 13 vitamine, infiniti benefici Ecosalute

VITAMINS: 13 vitamins, infinite benefits

Every day we hear how important it is to follow a healthy and balanced diet in order to have the correct intake of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins.

In particular, vitamins are important for growth and for the proper functioning of the whole organism.

Let's find out what they are, what they are and what they are for.

What Are Vitamins?

The discovery of vitamins dates back to 1911, by Dr. Kazimierz Funk. There are currently thirteen known vitamins. These are organic compounds, which regulate a series of metabolic reactions within the body, often functioning as coenzymes.

They fall into the category of micronutrients : in fact, small quantities are needed to meet the body's needs.

Most of them are not produced independently by our organs, with the exception of vitamin D, for this reason they must be taken with food. When the diet is not enough it is necessary to resort to the use of supplements . Their lack can cause damage to the organism.

Types

Vitamins are classified into two macro groups based on their solubility, therefore they are divided into vitamins: fat- soluble and water- soluble .

  • Fat-soluble

All those vitamins capable of dissolving in fats are classified as fat- soluble . So if they are consumed without fat, they are not absorbed by the body.

They are part of this group:

Vitamin A : necessary for vision, growth and development
Vitamin D : contributes to the absorption of mineral salts
Vitamin E : it is an antioxidant, stimulates the natural defenses of the skin and eyes, as it protects cell membranes
Vitamin K : promotes the production of coagulating agents
They are found in fish with a high fat content (such as salmon), eggs and dairy products .
  • Water-soluble

Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, water- soluble vitamins dissolve in water. The solubility in aqueous environment means that they are easily lost during food preparation, for example during prolonged cooking.

These vitamins do not accumulate in the body, which is why it is necessary to supplement them with the diet. This means that if too high amounts are taken, the body retains only what it needs and the rest is excreted through the urine.

They are part of this group:

B vitamins : necessary to support the proper functioning of the immune system, nervous system, skin and liver.
Vitamin C : it is an antioxidant, contributes to growth, collagen synthesis and the correct absorption of Iron

These vitamins are found in fruits , vegetables and protein-rich foods .

Discover the line dedicated to Vitamins and Minerals .

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