Nowadays, the general public has become more health-conscious. This is a trend that’s been driven by the information age, and in particular, how quickly news spreads through social media. The case of Redditor username “wizardofoz” shows just how quickly this trend can grow and change.
A Brief History of Vitamins
Vitamins are essential nutrients found in food that help the body to function properly. Vitamins are categorized based on their chemical structure, but they share a few common properties.
Most vitamins are water soluble and must be combined with other substances to be effective. For this reason, most vitamins are found in fortified foods such as cereals, breads and milk. Vitamins also exist as supplements, which means they are not usually found in food.
The first vitamin was discovered in 1817 by Frenchman Pierre-François Chirac and was named b-carotene. In 1847, British scientist James Clark isolated vitamin C from citrus fruits. It wasn’t until 1922 that German chemist Dr. Heinrich Wieland demonstrated that vitamins were compounds and not elements.
How Do You Get Your Vitamins?
The health benefits of vitamins are well-known, but what many people don’t know is that there are a variety of ways to get your vitamins. In fact, you might be getting more of your vitamins than you think if you’re eating a varied and balanced diet.
Here are six ways to get your vitamins:
- Eat a balanced diet. This is the most important way to get your nutrients. Make sure to include foods from all five food groups – fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy. The more variety you have in your diet, the better chance you have of getting all of your essential vitamins and minerals.
- Take supplements. If you can’t or don’t want to eat a balanced diet, take supplements to make up for it. There are many different types of supplements available on the market today, so it’s important to talk with your doctor about which ones are best for you. Be sure to read the labels carefully so you know what’s in them and what potential side effects could occur.
- Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Many people overlook these sources of nutrients because they think they’re not as good for them as other foods. But contrary to popular belief, fresh fruits and vegetables are some of the richest sources of vitamin C and beta-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A). Not only do they provide valuable nutrients, but they’re also delicious!
Why Do You Need to Get Your Vitamins?
Vitamins are essential for our health, and most people don’t get enough of them. A lack of vitamins can lead to a number of health problems, including poor vision, brittle hair, and fatigue. Here are four reasons you need to get your vitamins:
- You Need Them To Keep Your Body Functioning Properly
Your body needs a variety of vitamins to function properly. Without enough vitamin A, your eyesight might start to decline. Without enough vitamin D, you might develop rickets or osteoporosis. Likewise, if you don’t have enough vitamin B12 or folate in your system, you could end up with problems like anemia or neural tube defects. Getting your recommended daily dose of all the different vitamins is key to keeping your body running smoothly and avoiding any serious health issues.
- You Might Be Missing Out On Important Nutrients If You Don’t Get Enough Vitamins
Not getting enough vitamins can also lead to deficiencies in certain minerals like magnesium and zinc. These nutrients play an important role in keeping your body healthy and functioning properly as well. Deficiencies in these minerals can cause problems like fatigue, anxiety, low energy levels, and more serious conditions like seizures or heart disease. So not only do you need to make sure you’re getting the right amount of vitamins each day; you also need to make sure you’re getting the right amount of minerals too!
The Source Of Your Vitamins Could Be More Interesting Than You Think
The health benefits of vitamins are well-known and indisputable, but what many people don’t know is that many of the vitamins come from unusual places. For example, vitamin K comes from fermented milk products. Vitamin D comes from exposure to sunlight. And vitamin C comes from citrus fruits and other fruits and vegetables.
Some vitamins are even found in unconventional places, such as coal tar and recycled tire rubber. In some cases, these sources have been proven to be more beneficial than traditional sources of vitamins. For example, researchers found that vitamin D levels were higher in people who got their vitamin D from sunlight instead of supplements.
So if you’re curious about the source of your vitamins, take a look at the list below to get started. Some of the ingredients may surprise you!
