Why Are Vitamins Good for You

What Vitamins Provide

The human body is an incredibly complex organism that requires dozens of different vitamins, minerals, and nutrients so it can operate efficiently. Every bodily function, from digestion to growth, to muscle movement, to memories, requires the right vitamins to function properly. Different vitamins provide different benefits, but together a diet rich in appropriate vitamins and minerals keeps you strong, energetic, and healthy.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Not getting enough vitamins can create a wide range of health problems, including:

• Lethargy and fatigue
• Dry skin
• Poor eyesight
• Higher cholesterol levels
• Raised blood pressure
• Slow wound healing
• Sore gums
• Increased cancer and heart disease risks
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Infertility

These are only a few of the possible conditions that can result from vitamin deficiencies. Even a simple deficiency may have dire health effects, so eating a diet with an appropriate balance of vitamins is critical to maintain good health.

Why We Need Vitamins More Than Ever

The best sources of vitamins are fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, dairy, and other wholesome foods. Unfortunately, heavily processed foods such as those that come in boxes and bags on store shelves or in the freezer section often lack essential vitamins because the chemicals required to process and preserve the foods strips them of their healthiest nutrients. Because of this, many people may be vitamin deficient without realizing it.

Individuals may also have difficulty getting adequate supplies of vitamins due to allergies to certain vitamin-rich foods, the healthiest foods may not be available locally or financially, or they may simply have different taste preferences that restrict their vitamin intake. In some cases, individuals with health problems may need vitamin supplements that do not interfere with required medication, or their treatments may create an unavoidable vitamin deficiency.

Taking Vitamins

There are several ways to get plenty of vitamins.

• Multivitamins: Choosing a multivitamin is a good way to help balance your body’s nutritional needs with ease and convenience.
• Individual Supplements: If you need specific types of vitamins, such as vitamins good for energy, there are specialized supplements available to address those needs. Some new products, such as Vitamin Water, are special types of vitamin-rich supplements in unique forms that make taking vitamins easy and delicious.
• Fortified Foods: Certain foods, such as packaged cereals, breads, and milk, are often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals to help create a healthy diet.
• Dietary Intake: The best way to get plenty of vitamins is through a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens, citrus fruits, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, fish, and legumes are especially good sources of many necessary vitamins.

Why Are Vitamins Good for You and When Aren’t They Good for You?

Despite the health benefits of vitamins, they aren’t always good for you. Taking too much of a single type of vitamin may result in toxicity or overdose symptoms. Many types of vitamin overdoses can be just as devastating as deficiencies and the health effects can be long-lasting. If your diet needs improvement and you want to add vitamin supplements to ensure you are getting enough of these essential minerals and nutrients, consult a doctor or qualified nutritionist and ask why are vitamins good for you and which ones would be best for your diet and in which dosages.

Getting Your Best Vitamins

Fresh foods are the best vitamin sources.

To get the best balance of vitamins for your body’s needs, you must ask “what vitamins are right for me?” and be prepared to adjust your diet based on the answer. Several factors affect which vitamins you need, including:

• Gender
• Age
• Activity level
• Allergies
• General health
• Lifestyle
• Current diet

Consulting with a dietitian or physician can help you choose the best vitamins for your health. They can also make recommendations about suitable dosages and may be able to recommend specific vitamin blends or products that can help you create the best, most nutritious diet for your needs.

Why are vitamins good for you? They are essential for the body to function properly and without adequate vitamins you may be subject to a variety of health difficulties. Fortunately, there are many ways to get the right vitamins in order to create a balanced diet that meets all your nutritional needs for a long, healthy life.