An Overview of Vitamins and Minerals: Where Are They Found and What Do They Do?

Many questions come up when dealing with vitamins and minerals. In what foods they are found? What do certain vitamins actually do for the body? So, I wrote this article to help define the answers to these questions.

Vitamin A- This is primarily good for healthy eyes, organs, skin and hair. This is also an antioxidant. It can be found in fortified milk, liver, cheese, eggs, and fish oil.

Vitamin B1- (Thiamine). It converts the food you eat into energy for your body. This is essential for healthy function in the muscles and nervous system. It can be found in pork, fortified grains (cereals), legumes, seeds, and nuts.

Vitamin B2- (Riboflavin). Regulates hormone balance, healthy eyes, skin and promotes healthy nervous system. It can be found in yogurt, milk, meats, leafy green vegetables and whole grains.

Vitamin B3- (Niacin). This converts food into energy. It also helps the body produce more red blood cells. It is found in meats, fish, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

Vitamin B6- (Pyridoxine). Promotes red blood cells, increase the body’s ability to fight infection and prevent serious disease. It is found in fish, eggs, whole wheat and chicken.

Vitamin B12- Helps you body produce red blood cells and promotes healthy nervous system. It is found milk, eggs, fish, and poultry.

Vitamin C- this is a wonderful antioxidant but it also promotes healthy skin and regulates metabolism. It is found in citrus fruits and green vegetables. In some cases cereals may add it to their product.

Vitamin D- Promotes the absorption of calcium, builds strong bones and teeth, and improves the function of both nervous system and muscles. It is primarily found in whole milk.

Vitamin E- This is an antioxidant and promotes healthy blood cells. It is found in vegetable oils, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Vitamin K- this is especially important for the production of proteins which helps your blood clot. It is found in milk, cereals, eggs, spinach and broccoli.

By changing the way we shop, we can increase our vitamin/mineral consumption.

Credit: Manda Spring

Copyright: Manda Spring