Vitamins they are a set of different organic molecules, which cannot be produced by the body and therefore must be introduced through food. These are micronutrient bioregulators essential for the body, to regulate the fundamental processes of growth and cellular chemical reactions. Let's find out their properties.
> Classification of vitamins
> Group of water-soluble vitamins
> Fat-soluble vitamins
Vitamin classification
Vitamin, or amine of life, is the name with which the Polish scientist Casimir Funk had identified in 1912 a new organic compound essential to human life. From his research onwards, about twenty vitamins have been discovered to date.
The classification of vitamins is based on their solubility. If they can dissolve in fatty substances they are called liposolubili, in water water-soluble.
Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and represent a reserve for the organism.
On the other hand, water-soluble vitamins are not accumulated, so it is essential to introduce them daily through a varied diet.
The water-soluble vitamins are the Vitamin C and all those of group B, while the fat-soluble vitamins are those of the groups A, E, D, K. Vitamins are responsible for specific tasks and their deficiency can cause malfunction or dysfunction of the organism. Here are a few general indication on the properties of the essential vitamins for the organism.
Vitamin C and vitamin B, water-soluble group
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is the main natural antioxidant, prevents damage caused by free radicals and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin C is also important for strengthening the body in cases of respiratory diseases, bronchitis, colds, allergic symptoms, joint disorders.
Le vitamin B they are essential for the growth and healthy development of the organism, in fact they play a fundamental role in the activity of enzymes and proteins, transforming food into energy and regulating the chemical reactions of the body.
ORANGES, PRECIOUS ALLIES. THE ROLE OF VITAMIN C
Vitamins of group B they play an important role in many bodily functions. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2 (riboflavin) help the body to produce energy and support the enzymes responsible for the work of muscles, nerves and heart. Vitamin B3 (niacin) plays an important role in energy production in cells and helps maintain skin, nervous system, and digestive system health. Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B12 (cobalamin) influence the growth and development of the body. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) comes into play in the breakdown of proteins and carbohydrates, as well as aiding the body in the production of hormones. Vitamin B9, folic acid, is responsible for the creation of DNA and is relevant in the production of the red blood of the cells. Some fruits, such as durian, have a combined richness of vitamins B1, B6 and B2.
Fat-soluble group: vitamins A, E, D, K.
Vitamin A is a vitamin that is found both in the form of retinol of animal origin, and as a provitamin of plant origin, the carotenoids. The latter are transformed in the liver into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential not only for sight and skin, but also for cell differentiation. Essentially it is necessary for the growth, reproduction and integrity of the immune system.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant neutralizing free radicals, strengthens the capillary wall, prevents sterility. Natural vitamin E is four times higher than synthetic; its deficiency determines fragility in platelets and red blood cells, as well as oxidation of tissues. It is also essential for the proper functioning of the immune system, metabolism and reproductive system. Numerous studies have shown that the introduction of vitamin E in high doses can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Vitamin D allows the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in the intestine, determines the mineralization of bone tissue and cartilage. Vitamin D is essential for maintaining a regular heart rhythm.
Vitamin K it is essential for hepatic synthesis, it is important for the regulation of blood coagulation processes, it specifically contributes to the formation of prothrombin; it is also important for the formation of proteins useful for tissues and bones.
In addition to these main vitamins, there are others in the body: Vitamin F, the youngest of all, PP, folic acid and vitamin H.
The unit of measurement for vitamins, apart from vitamin C, is theInternational Unit (UI) which corresponds to an established weight standard which is generally the milligram (mg). Among the main enemies and antagonists of vitamins are: extracts of glands and hormones; saline purgatives; paraffin and vaseline oil; allopathic (traditional) medicines; salicylic preparations; barbiturates; anti-arthritics; sulfonamides; arsenobenzoles and antibiotics. The action of heat can completely destroy vitamin C and alter other vitamins. Refined sugar (and derivatives) can destroy B vitamins especially B6.
Our factsheets on vitamins
Vitamins are presented here based on where they are found, that is in which foods they are contained, how they are reported in the body, what their function is and the best way to assimilate them. A specific section is dedicated to their deficiency, the consequences it causes, the best way to integrate; another section focuses on the effects of their excess. The pathologies that are triggered when the vitamin supply in our body is unbalanced are also taken into consideration.
| Lifehack.org
