Vitamins are one of nature’s best defenses when it comes to healthy living.  An important key is selecting the appropriate amounts of the correct vitamin. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the primary sources for vitamins, fiber and minerals.

Medical journals claim that vitamins A, C, and E provide the largest benefit as antioxidants.  Antioxidants counteract the oxidants which are produced in our own bodies through a natural biological process.  Oxidants also occur from our environment; some such as smoking or alcohol, we induce ourselves and others we simply have little control over such as air pollutants.  Either way oxidants can be harmful to healthy living.

Vitamin A

A is beneficial to the eye. Our retinas require vitamin A, it helps our eyes adjust to light changes and color vision functions. Vitamin A keeps our skin and mucous membranes moist and in this case it functions in the form of a good oxidant.

Vitamin B

B is part of a group that is responsible for cell metabolism. There are 8 vitamins within the B group that increase the rate of metabolism, maintains healthy skin and muscle tone, improves the immune and nervous system functions, promotes cell growth and helps to prevent anemia. This is a vitamin that must be replenished on a regular basis, because our body will naturally eliminate any excess. Here’s the list: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12

Vitamin C

C is an essential nutrient for our bodies, it protects us against stress which is an oxidant.  It protects our immune systems, helps to prevent cardiovascular and prenatal health problems and prevents the wrinkling of skin.

Vitamin D

D is produced after exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or artificial sources and some of our foods are artificially fortified with vitamin D.  Direct food sources for vitamin D are fish, eggs and meats which tend to be rich in this vitamin and are recommended for consumption. Vitamin D helps in maintaining strong bones, preventing rickets or osteoporosis.

Vitamin E

E is essential for healthy skin care, which is why you find vitamin E in skin care products and it boasts anti-aging.  It’s an antioxidant that protects your skin cells and helps to regulate vitamin A to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Foods containing vitamin E are corn, soybean, wheat germ, sunflower and safflower oils.

Supplements to natural resources, should be treated as additives or medicine and labels need to be read as excessive amounts may affect your body's normal functions. Healthy living is about getting our nutrients from natural sources, using supplements as an alternative as needed.

Source: World health Organization, Health.com, American Heart Association

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