Steroids Done Right

There are multi-vitamins that say they have nutrients “from A to Zinc” but are our bodies really in need of everything in between? Contrary to what the supplement aisle may lead you to believe, only 13 vitamins are necessary for your body to prosper and thrive. Vitamins A, C, D, E, K and the B vitamins (vitamin B-6, vitamin B-12, folate, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin and thiamine) account for these essential nutrients. Every one of these have special jobs and join to give your body what it needs to grow, remain healthy and revitalized.

Now they we have established what vitamins our bodies need, which supplement has the magic combination~the best formula~the best combination~the top ingredients? Actually, we’re meant to obtain all of our vitamins in the food that we eat. Supplement means “add to” or “accompany” and you should only use vitamin and mineral supplements if they are recommended by your doctor. But it is still a good idea to know which vitamins do what and the best sources to get them:

Vitamin A, also called retinol or retinoic acid, is needed for vision, maintaining healthy skin and also works as an antioxidant. A good supply of vitamin A is found in liver. Organ meats not your taste? Eat an American cheese omelet. Dairy and egg yolk are great and tasty ways to get your vitamin A. Vitamin C, otherwise known as ascorbic acid, is another antioxidant.

It also helps facilitate the formation of your body’s connective tissue. Everyone takes vitamin C around cold and flu season because it has immunity raising properties. So the next time you experience the desire to sneeze grab a glass of OJ. Vitamin C is found in most citrus fruits. At dinner, create a blend of spinach, tomatoes and green peppers for a quick salad on the side chock full of this disease fighting vitamin.

Vitamin D aids in helping your body to absorb calcium by helping to build strong bones and preventing diseases that weaken your bones like osteoporosis. Drinking fortified milk products and ocean fish like grouper, mahi mahi or flounder, is a sure bet on providing plenty of Vitamin D. Great news for sun lovers: Your body creates vitamin D after you have spent time in sunlight.

Vitamin E, also a wonderful antioxidant, helps blood flow and aids in the repair of body tissue. Select a bag of peanuts at your next baseball game and you’ll be getting a tasty dose of vitamin E. You can also find plenty of vitamin E in green vegetables such as peas, beans, and broccoli.

You can thank Vitamin K that those painful paper cuts won’t keep bleeding and bleeding. It helps blood clot properly and in forming bones. Don’t agonize too much the next time you eat too many slices of pizza (or the whole thing) because both the tomato sauce and the cheese are rich in vitamin K.

Finally, the B vitamins: Thiamin and riboflavin both aid your body use carbohydrates and can be found in lean beef and whole-grain products. Niacin and B-6 help your body handle protein and fats. Keep plenty of tuna or salmon around since both of these B vitamins are found in fish. Pantothenic acid helps make red blood cells and B-12 helps keep cells healthy.

Folate, also considered Vitamin B-9, is an important part in new cell growth. Bioton is needed for hair to grow and remain strong. Both folate and biotin can be found in many greens, beans, peas and seeds. Choosing the right foods and eating balanced meals is the best way to make sure that you get the correct amount of the above mentioned nutrients.