Vitamins and Their Main Roles

Even if some people might think that they eat simply because they are hungry, it must be said that the main role of the nutrition is to assure the essential elements that are required for the well functioning of the organism. In addition, all types of nutrients have very specific roles in protecting the organism against certain disorders, illnesses and infections, in strengthening the immune, nervous, bones and muscular systems and in various metabolic processes.

Types of Vitamins

The vitamins have an essential role in the nutritional processes. First of all, most vitamins are not produced by the human organism (with the exception of vitamins like vitamin D, which is produced in contact with the sun), so the alimentation should include these nutrients. Furthermore, vitamins can be divided into two main categories: the ones which are soluble in fats and the ones which are soluble in liquids. It is very important to know which vitamins are soluble in water and liquids and which ones are soluble in fats, as there are some essential differences between their functions. The vitamins that are soluble in liquids have to be part of the daily diet, as they are not deposited in the organism (due to the fact that they are soluble in water, they are eliminated). Based on this fact, people can consume these types of vitamins without any limit, as they extend them on daily basis. The vitamins that are soluble in fats are stored in the human organism. Mainly, these vitamins are stored in the liver and in the fat tissue. If the nutrition includes exaggerate quantities of such vitamins, they can get toxic for the human organism – this is the case of vitamins A and D.

Here are the main vitamins, together with their roles and functions:

• Vitamin A is the one that improves the skin and protects the body from various infections.
• Vitamin B1 has various positive effects upon the nervous system and has an important role in the metabolism of the carbohydrates.
• Vitamin B2 is the one that improves the sight and stimulates the growth.
• Vitamin B3 contributes to the optimum functioning of the digestive system.
• Vitamin B4 fights against anemia.
• Vitamin B5 is helps the skin and the hair and stimulates the optimum growth.
• Vitamin B6 is the one which protects the teeth and the bones.
• Vitamin B12 is important in the cellular metabolism and it prevents anemia.
• Vitamin C is efficient in the treatment of respiratory infections, heart conditions and even cancer. Furthermore, this vitamin protects the immune system.
• Vitamin D is the one that helps in the assimilation of vitamin A and strengths the teeth and the bones.
• Vitamin E reduces the arterial tension and protects the heart. Also, this vitamin is a great antioxidant that prevents the premature ageing.

Vitamins, Nutrition and Weight Loss

Another aspect that regards the connection between vitamins and nutrition is the fact that the weight loss process should be based on the consumption of vitamins. Usually, vitamins appear in aliments that are low in calories (as vegetables, greens and fruits are the main sources of vitamins), so they can be consumed in any type of weight loss diet. Furthermore, the nutrition should not be poor when trying to lose weight, as several metabolic disorders might appear if the organism lacks important nutrients. Moreover, it is a known fact that people tend to feel weaker and more tired when trying to lose weight with the help of a diet and physical exercises. But in order to avoid these unpleasant effects, people should consume various aliments that are rich in vitamins, as these nutrients are the ones that provide vitality, energy and strength. Besides, people can not possible be capable of exercising properly if the necessary amounts of vitamins are missing from their organism, as they get weak, tired and dizzy.