The Most Important Vitamins

There are various roles that vitamins and minerals play in the well being of our bodies. They are all essential to the human body. Vitamins help turn food into energy and build tissue. There are a total of thirteen vitamins split into two categories. There are the fat-soluble vitamins that are stored in body fat, and there are the water-soluble vitamins that mix with blood and water and are excreted in the urine.

Some of the most important vitamins are vitamin A, which is derived from foods such as, milk, eggs, chicken and most animal sources. Vitamin A is essential for growth, vision and good development. Vitamin D is necessary for formation of bones and teeth. Sunshine and milk are a good source of vitamin D. More of the fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin E, vitamin K and beta-carotene. These vitamins provide antioxidants for the body. Some of the water-soluble vitamins are all the B vitamins and calcium which promotes energy. Folic-acid is a very necessary vitamin that is found in dark green leafy vegetables and many fruits. Folic-acid is very essential in the first three months of pregnancy to guard against birth defects. It also guards your body against heart disease.

There are about ten minerals that are necessary to maintain good health, also. One of the first and foremost is calcium. Iron, potassium, magnesium and more are all needed for a healthy body. Your immune system and proper body functions depend on vitamins and minerals.