Vitamins and Minerals: The actual benefits!

This class of food nutrients is no longer just a topic you learn in elementary school. There is a huge market for vitamins and minerals nowadays, and the growing awareness of healthcare has opened our eyes (figuratively) to the benefits of these nutrients. You'll find many companies in the UK that offer services and products in this ambit. There are also online company reviews about diet that you can read up on to find the best places to patronize.

In this feature, we'll explain why these nutrients are a big deal, what they do and what you stand to benefit from them. However, a proper introduction is in order. So, first of all, we'll give a short definition of what these vitamins and minerals are.

What Are Vitamins and Minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that enable the development of proper functioning of the body.
They are needed in small amounts to meet the daily requirement. And a balanced diet is all it takes to get all that the body needs. It's important to know that the body doesn't produce them (or does in tiny amounts), so they have to be consumed through food.
A, B6, B12, C, D, E, K, and folic acid are some of the most vitamin compounds. Calcium, iron, potassium and the likes are a few of the valuable minerals for the body.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Food is not the only way of getting these essential raw materials. Dietary supplements are another way to supply the body with these nutrients. These are often pills formulated to 'supplement' the nutrient intake we get from foods in order to reach the recommended daily amount. They can be taken alone or alongside a meal.

Vitamins, especially, are organic and can be broken down by air, heat or acid. That is why a substantial amount of these nutrients are lost through exposure to air or cooking. With dietary supplements, no nutrients are lost, so you get all the benefits in full.

What do Vitamins and Minerals Do?

Being so minute, these nutrients don't get the credit they deserve for the work they do. Here are some of the roles vitamins and minerals play in the body:

Prevent Deficiencies

Bleeding gums, tiredness, sore legs and arms are symptoms of a disease known as Scurvy, resulting from vitamin C deficiency. Rickets disease arises when the body lacks vitamin D, and a vitamin A deficiency can be so severe as to result in blindness.
On the other hand, taking these vitamins promotes healthy gums, agility, strong bones and teeth, and good eyesight. These are only a few examples, as all vitamins and minerals play specific roles in the body system.

Prevent Birth Defects

Getting adequate vitamins while pregnant lays a fantastic foundation for your kids. For example, folic acid supplements protect against brain and spinal birth defects in babies.

Releasing Energy

We know that carbohydrates give energy, but it is with the help of Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Biotin and other B vitamins that energy is produced.

Building Cells

Certain vitamins like B6, B12, and folic acid help metabolize amino acids, thereby aiding cell multiplication. Vitamin C makes Collagen - a protein found in bones, muscles and tendon and holds the body together.

Protect the body

Vitamins and minerals often keep diseases at bay by helping the body fight them off. Vitamin E is known for being a strong antioxidant that helps protect against damage from unstable molecules. Look up the top Vitamins reviews to find out more about the benefits of these nutrients.

Can Vitamins and Minerals be Harmful?

These nutrients are usually beneficial to the body. However, they become harmful when excess amounts are absorbed into the bloodstream. For instance, too much manganese worsens iron deficiency, whereas an overdose of vitamin C prevents the assimilation of copper. The effects of some counteract or hinder the other, so when in excess, they could interact negatively.

That said, as long as you take the right amounts, these nutrients are only beneficial. You can get your supplements at any of the diet companies in the UK. To guarantee the best quality, you can read reviews of Predator Nutrition, Dokteronline.com reviews, and those of other companies on the market.