B vitamins
B vitamins play an important role in our overall development and functioning. Without B Vitamins our minds and body would not be able to function properly. There are several different B Vitamins, each playing their own special role in our bodies. Most often these vitamins are found together in a B-Complex which joins all B vitamins together in one group.
The first B Vitamin is B1 or Thiamin. Thiamin is a necessary vitamin for the nervous system and it is a coenzyme that helps our bodies to convert food into energy, by metabolizing proteins. It has been shown that people who suffer from diseases that result in memory loss, such as Alzheimer’s can benefit from increased doses of Thiamin. It’s not hard to get your recommended amount of at least 1 mg a day as long as you eat a balanced diet. Thiamin is found in several different foods such as, cashews, hazelnuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, green peas, rice, macaroni and watermelon.
B2 or Riboflavin is another part of the B complex that helps metabolize carbs, proteins and fats and it turns these foods into energy for the body. The best way to consume B2 is through dairy products although other foods such as sweet potatoes, pretzels, pancakes and some green veggies also contain B2. Just like the B1 Vitamin, you should get at least 1 mg of B2 a day. It may be necessary for some people to consume more B2, dependent on caloric intake, exercise and pregnancy.
B3 or Niacin works right alongside the other B vitamins to provide energy for the body. However, niacin has also been used to cure a disease called Pellegra. This disease was discovered years ago in people that were consuming a diet rich in corn-based foods. Niacin has also been beneficial in preventing high cholesterol and heart disease. Also, niacin may be effective in reducing migraines and arthritis pains. You can get your daily of B3 vitamins in dairy, meat, eggs, peanuts, mushrooms, and greens.
Another B vitamin is B5. B5 is also Pantothenic acid. This vitamin is rarely mentioned because there is a very slim chance anyone would ever need to take any extra B5 in supplemental form. B5 is found in so many foods that it’s almost impossible not to get enough, unless you have been restricted from food for a long period of time. On top of its use in metabolizing fats like the other B vitamins, B5 also produces red blood cells and adrenal hormones. This vitamin is important for keeping stress levels balanced.
B6 is often referred to as pyridoxine, pyridoxamine and pyridoxal. Even though B6 is not hard to consume through a balanced diet it seems that more people may be lacking in this particular vitamin. B6 is super important when it comes to our health. This vitamin can help prevent disease and has been useful in treating over 100 conditions associated with the human body. Often times it is important to add B6 to our diets to be sure we are consuming enough. However, beware of your dosage since too much B6 can have negative side effects.
The B12 Vitamin is vital for our body’s nervous system. Having enough B12 in our body will help prevent anemia, tingling in the limbs, numbness and it will also help maintain balance and coordination. B12 is found in most animal products such as meats, dairy and eggs. For those that do not consume these types of foods, such as vegans, it would be important to take a B12 supplement in order to achieve the proper daily dose.
As you can see, B Vitamins are important to our bodies. We need them to remain healthy and metabolize our foods to have energy to function on a daily basis. If you feel that you are not consuming enough B Vitamins it may be important for you to take a B- Complex supplement to ensure you feel and function at your best.
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