Which Vitamin does what in the body, part 1

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THE CHANGING FACE OF FOOD

Modern-day science now shows how easily our health can be influenced by our diet and our lifestyle. Ensuring a balanced diet for the maintenance of good health can often be quite a balancing act. For our bodies to function at their best they need a constant supply of the correct fuels - carbohydrates, proteins and fat together with a range of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.

Although the array of food choices is far greater than ever before, we often have less control over its nutritional quality. State-of-the-art food processing methods can unfortunately affect the nutritional quality of the foods we eat. The refining, storing, preserving and overcooking of our foods has led to the depletion of vital nutrients from our diets.

These vital nutrients are needed for energy release from cells, growth and tissue repair, correct functioning of the immune system, and they make up a significant proportion of the body's structure, tissues and fluids. Although some are needed only in very small amounts, failure to provide them may lead to serious health problems.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

Our bodies have a built in defence system against external influences which have the potential to disrupt our health. However, the vast changes in our environment can lead to this system being overloaded and compromising the body's ability to effectively protect itself. We now live in an environment which is full of substances called free radicals, these are unstable molecules which in excess can cause damage to healthy cells.

To combat this damage taking place, the body needs a constant supply of antioxidant nutrients - the main source being fruits and vegetables - however, other factors also influence our intake of sufficient antioxidants. Industrial pollution, exhaust fumes, radiation, smoking, alcohol, fatty foods, UV rays from the sun, household chemicals, overcooked food and high levels of preservatives are all sources of free radicals which bombard our cells on a daily basis. Increasing your daily intake of fruit and vegetables and adding a supplement to your daily routine can go a long way to assisting your body's natural defences.

REASONS WHY YOU MAY NEED TO SUPPLEMENT YOUR DIET

The list of hazards which confront our ability to gain the correct balance from our diets is endless, and as most of us fail to the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per it is wise to top up your intake.

• Convenience Foods - These contain highly refined carbohydrates, which place a greater demand on vitamins to process energy.

• Overcooking - Extended cooking times or frequent heating can destroy essential nutrients. In particular, boiling vegetables depletes vitamins B and C.

• Smoking - This increases the body's requirements vitamin C, which is needed in large amounts to detoxify harmful tobacco.

• Alcohol - Even in small amounts alcohol affects availability of essential fatty acids and vitamins A and B complex.

• Pregnancy - An increased demand is placed on the body supply nutrients to both the mother and the unborn child.

• Slimming - Restricting food input can eliminate whole food groups and can lead to insufficiencies in vitamins A, D and

• Stress - Environmental, physical and emotional stress increase the need for vitamins and minerals.

• Vegetarians and Vegans - Excluding food groups can cause missing out on iron, vitamin B12, vitamin B6.

• Athletes - Due to increased physical demands this group of people have a greater need for the minerals, calcium,, magnesium, zinc and chromium, plus the B complex vitamins.

• Poor Digestion - Inefficient digestion can reduce the uptake and absorption of vitamins and minerals

Suzi

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.

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