For our bodies to be Healthy and perform at their most efficient we need to ensure that we are giving our bodies all they need to function properly. This article is about raising your awareness about what vitamins and supplements our Body needs and why it can be important to ensure that we are giving our body what we need.

Having a healthy body does not mean being Mat Fraser or Michelle Keegan it is about making sure you are fuelling it with the correct variety of foods in order to get the nutrients, proteins, fats and carbs needed to service all of the bodies functions and activities. If you are unable to absorb or consume enough of the nutrients required through your diet then this is where using additional supplements can be a real life saver.

The questions is, where do you start and what supplements or vitamins do what? This short guide will give you some valuable insight into some of the most common and important supplements and vitamins on the market today:

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is basically a nutrient that ensures the body can produce healthy nerve and blood cells and also helps in creating DNA which is the genetic material needed in creating cells. Vitamin B12 could also reduce or prevent a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia. This is what can make people feel fatigued and constantly tired or run down.

Vitamin B12 is found widely in animal based foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, but can also be found in some other foods like cereal or other foods that have been fortified with Vitamin B12. Usually when we eat these foods the stomach will beak the foods down and absorb the B12 nutrient, but is some cases people are unable to it this way or do not consume these type of foods so will need to add the Vitamin B12 supplement to their diet in order to reach the daily recommended level of 2.4 micrograms (mcg) for a healthy adult.

Turmeric

Turmeric root contains are wide range of natural oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and phytochemicals that come together to provide outstanding healing properties in pretty much every area of the body. Phytochemicals are naturally occurring compounds found in plants and are able to boost the healthy functioning of cells, organs, and internal body systems. The compounds include antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, and a wide variety of protective, preventative, and health-promoting derivatives that help support the body in carrying out all of its bodily functions.

The powerful turmeric really does have some amazing benefits such as to help combat germs, bacteria, and viruses. Turmeric also helps to aid in digestion, support immunity, improve energy, maximize metabolic functioning, Regulate Blood Sugar, and increase mental processes. As you can see Turmeric is a must have in anyone’s diet if they are looking to stay healthy or improve their fitness or weight loss.

Maca

Maca is another root and is from the cruciferous family which is closely associated with common vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and turnips which we all know are very good for the body. Maca currently has the health & fitness world in a spin as there is some real excitement and buzz around just what this supplement could achieve.

Maca is believed to have a wide range of health and well-being benefits such as reducing blood pressure, improving moods & regulating hormone levels, boosting energy levels & endurance for workouts, increasing libido & increasing fertility and finally improving brain functions and learning. I am sure you will agree this simple plant based root has many benefits and many of these are actually recorded or documented at Medical News Today

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is a well know compound that is used to create energy within cells. Our bodies naturally produce coenzyme Q10, but as we go through life and get older the production of this compound starts to decrease which will cause some potential issues in later life. Luckily we can continue to get the levels we require by taking additional coenzyme Q10 supplements as health conditions like heart disease, cancer, brain disorder and diabetes have all been linked to low levels of coenzymes Q10.

Coenzyme Q10 is believed to have the following health and well-being benefits; improved exercise performance, improved skin appearance, regulate blood sugar levels and improve diabetes and is also known for improving brain and lung functions.

This would certainly be a supplement to add to your diet later on in life to ensure you are able to maintain a healthy level of coenzyme Q10 in order to help reduce the risk of the health related issues above due to low levels in older age.

5-HTP

5-HTP or otherwise known as 5-Hydroxytryptophan is a compound made naturally in the body, but again as we get older in life the levels produced by the body decrease. 5-HTP is created as a by-product of the amino acid L-tryptophan. Our bodies are not able to make L-tryptophan naturally so we tend to absorb this essential amino acid from the foods we consume.

5-HTP is a supplement produced from the seeds of the plant Griffonia simplicfolia which is native to West Africa.

5-HTP enables the body to produce more serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood and sleep-wake cycles. Having healthy levels of serotonin will contribute to having a positive mood and outlook on life as well as promoting restful sleep. Serotonin also plays key roles in many other bodily functions such as digestion, appetite, and pain perception.

5-HTP supports a neurochemical process which should allow high-quality sleep and also keep the body’s biological clock in sync.

Other benefits of 5-HTP are believed to be a reduction in migraines & headaches, can reduce the symptoms of fibromyalgia and can also help aid with weight loss and a healthy diet at it also can make you feel fuller for longer and reduce hunger pains.

As I said above this is just a few of the vitamins and supplements that are available and should be considered as part of a person’s overall health & well-being. If you have any comments or additional vitamins or supplements that you think I should have covered in this article then please comment or drop me an email and I will be happy to add this to the article?