I’m talking about the vitamins pills which you have been forcing down your throat every now and then as part of your dietary supplement. A few weeks ago I read an article that said vitamin pills may do more harm than good which really shocked me. Apparently some scientist from Finland, Norway, South Korea and the US studied the long-term effect of vitamin pills on nearly 40,000 women aged 55-66 and found that vitamin B, folic acid, iron, magnesium and copper could increase their risk of premature death. Vitamin E supplement raise men’s risk of prostate cancer. Experts recommend them only if there is a strong medical reason, such as nutrient deficiency and apart from that stop popping the pills and get the essential vitamins and minerals in your diet. Copper: important for infant growth and brain development, keeps the immune system healthy & bones strong. Deficiency: Blood vessels which rupture easily, frequent infection, bones & joint problems, high cholesterol, loss of hair, fatigue & irregular heart beat. Source: Nuts, calf’s liver, shellfish and offal. Calcium: essential for building strong bones & healthy teeth, also ensures your blood clots normally and regulates muscles contractions. Source: milk, cheese, dairy foods, broccoli, cabbage, soya beans, tofu, nuts, fish where you eat bones i.e sardines & pilchards. Folic acid: works with B12 to help form healthy red blood cells and reduces risk of central nervous system defects. Source: broccoli, chickpeas, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, peas, chickpeas, brown rice, some breakfast cereal. NHS recommends women take a supplement only if they are pregnant or trying for a baby. Vitamin B6: helps form haemoglobin. Source: pork, chicken, rice, eggs, peanuts, milk & potatoes. Vitamin B12 – makes red blood cells and keeps the nervous system healthy. Source: meat, salmon, cod, milk, cheese & eggs. Vitamin C: Protects the body’s cells and keep them healthy, maintain healthy tissue which supports the body’s organ. Deficiency: Scurvy. Source: oranges, peppers, broccoli, sweet potatoes, kiwi. Vitamin E: powerful antioxidant, help protect against cardiovascular disease and cancer. Source: soya, corn, olive oil, nuts, seeds, wheat germ. Vitamin A: help strengthen immune system against infections, improve vision in dim light & keeps the skin and the linings of some parts of the body i.e. nose healthy. Source: cheese, eggs, oily fish (mackerel), milk, low fat yoghurt. Vitamin K: helps blood to clot properly, and strong bones. Deficiency: Bruising easily or frequent nose bleeds. Source: Green peas, carrots, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, vegetable oil, cereals. Iron: helps to make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body. Deficiency: Anaemia. Source: liver, meat, beans, nuts, dried fruits, brown rice, dark-green leafy vegetables (watercress & curly kale). Cut down on spinach, tea and coffee as they contain substance which makes it harder for the body to absorb iron. Magnesium: helps turn the food into energy and keeps the bones healthy. Source: nuts, leafy green vegetables, bread, fish, meat and dairy products.{jcomments on} |
