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Most people may realize that vitamins and minerals are two different things, but they probably do not know what vitamins and minerals their body needs and what they are good for. Vitamins, for example, are essential to life; regulate metabolism and assist the processes that release energy from digested food.
They also work with enzymes as co-enzymes, enabling the body to perform its activities, or build and feed cells. Vitamins are also either water soluble or fat soluble.
This is important because vitamins must have an effective way of being broken down within the body, otherwise they are not used and passed through the body. This is actually best evident in most vitamin pills or supplements you can buy in stores or on-line.
Most of these company's vitamins are not water or fat soluble enough for the body to ever break them down. I often refer to them as vitamin bricks. While you think you are getting all of that vitamin C you are buying, it is probably passing right through you. This has often been referred to as "expensive pee."
Just be careful and do your research. Like I said a reputable company will be able to provide you with information that proves that its vitamins are of the highest potency and purity and are very soluble.
So what are the fat soluble vitamins? They are: vitamin A, D, E, and K. Beta-carotene is also a fat soluble vitamin.
Fat soluble vitamins are stored in body tissues and require the presence of fatty acids in order to be transported and absorbed. Fat-free diets, for example interfere with the absorption of these vitamins and can create possible deficiencies.
What about water soluble vitamins? They are: B-complex, which consists of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. Biotin, vitamin C, and Folic Acid are also water soluble vitamins.
Water soluble vitamins must be regularly consumed, and replenished within the body. Water soluble vitamins should be consumed or taken at divided times throughout the day. That is one reason it is best to eat a few small meals throughout the day than eat one or two giant meals.
Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body, and therefore they are quickly depleted. Unlike animals, we cannot produce any Vitamin C in our bodies, therefore it is essential that you pay attention to how much vitamin C you are consuming, that is the only way your body will get enough to be healthy.
Well enough about vitamins, lets talk about minerals. Minerals are needed for the proper composition of body fluids. They are also needed for the building and formation of blood and bones as well as building and feeding cells.
The minerals you need are: Calcium, sodium, magnesium, boron, copper, cobalt, chromium, Iodine, sulpher, manganese, selenium, iron, vanadium, zinc, potassium, silicon, and phosphorus.
Minerals are needed in varying amounts and, like vitamins, are crucial to the body's health. Minerals also give you sustained energy.
The best way to get your proper amount of vitamins and minerals is through your diet (vitamins and minerals are easily broken down within food). However, many of us do not have the time or money necessary to create a perfect diet for ourselves that contains just the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
That is why many people rely on supplements as well as their diet to give them the vitamins and minerals they need. But if you are going to buy any vitamin or mineral supplements you need to do your research and make sure they are of the highest quality, and most importantly that they are going to be broken down within your body and not just pass through you.
A good company will give you access to this information before you buy. You can make sure that the vitamin and mineral supplements you are buying are of highest quality by making sure that the company you buy from has a proven track record of success, plenty of testimonials, and a money back guarantee. If their products work they will guarantee them, otherwise they have something to hide.
Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to inhibit or stop other molecules in having oxidation reactions. This can produce unstable molecules (also known as free radicals) that start cell-damaging chain reactions. They protect cells by neutralizing external forces (like damage caused by pollution, temperature, wind, and sun), as well as internal factors (such as metabolism, emotions, and too much oxygen).
Powerful antioxidants help flush out free radicals and toxins out of the body, keeping the pores from clogging toxins and healing the damaged skin tissue. Hence, antioxidants can be very helpful in treating acne blemishes, keeping the skin vibrant and healthy.
Antioxidants are abundant in fresh natural foods and are also available in the drugstores as man-made supplements.
Most people associate only eyesight with Vitamin A. However, the epithelial tissues of the skin actually also depend on the amount of Vitamin A inside the body. Vitamin A, being an antioxidant, neutralizes damaging elements in the skin, as well as reduces sebum production, thus aiding to prevent wrinkle formation, resist skin infection and keeps the skin vibrant and youthful. Deficiency in Vitamin A can in fact cause acne outbreaks. Deep orange and dark green fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, carrots, and apricot, are rich sources of this vitamin.
Vitamin B complex is essential in maintaining healthy skin and good muscle tone, this is also vital in preventing blemishes of the skin caused by acne. Rich natural sources of Vitamin B include bananas, potatoes, tuna, and liver.
Vitamin C is an essential acid that is normally deposited in the skin and is a vital antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals and harmful ultraviolet light. Vitamin C helps in the formation of normal collagen that is essential in tethering scars and filling them up until they become less visible or noticeable. Citrus fruits and juices, green peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli and other leafy greens are rich sources of Vitamin C.
Vitamin E is one vital antioxidant that protects the skin cells from factors (such as pollution and ultra violet light) that produce cell-damaging free radicals. This vitamin promotes wound healing and cuts down the risk of acne scarring. Good sources of Vitamin E include sunflower seeds, peanuts, and sesame seeds.
The mineral zinc present in the body, which acts as an antioxidant, is vital for healthy skin and resistance to infection. It helps in tissue healing and scar prevention. Dairy products, yeast, beans and lentils, nuts, pumpkin seeds, and wholegrain cereals are good sources of zinc.
Chromium supplements are also found to be helpful in reducing the formation of damaging free radicals in the tissues. As it acts as an antioxidant, chromium helps reduce skin infections, preventing acne and skin blemishes.
Selenium, whose action is the same with that of Vitamin E, is another essential antioxidant useful to the human body. It also protects cells, especially those in the skin, from harmful free radicals, keeping the skin healthy and blemish free.
If you are looking for treatment for acne blemishes, consider the antioxidants, they are helpful not just in naturally improving the skin, but in keeping your overall health condition as well.