Since British sailors discovered that lemons and limes could protect them from scurvy, people have been fascinated by the ability of certain foods to keep the body healthy. Leading the disease fighting army are the 13 vitamins required by our body: A, C, D, E, K, and the B-complex series-thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, B12, biotin and falocin. "Each is responsible for certain functions within the cells, so if the body lacks a vitamin or is not processing it properly, illness can result," explains Natalie Gehlen, a registered dietitian Advocate's Trinity Hospital in Chicago.
So how do you ensure that your diet packs the vitamins you need? "A diet containing at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables can provide you with many of these vitamins," says Gehlen.
However, there's mounting evidence that there's some benefit in taking a vitamin supplement that provides high doses of Falocin and the three antioxidant vitamins C, E and beta carotene. The antioxidants seem to protect the body against cancer, heart disease and cataracts. And Falocin (also known as Folic acid or Folate) helps prevent birth defects. Because of their benefits, many doctors recommend taking a supplement to ensure you get enough of these vitamins.
When it comes to other vitamins, though, it's best to get your fill from food, which increases vitamin absorption and provides other nutrients. "But", says Gehlen, "taking a supplement won't transform a bad diet into a good one. There's no substitute for healthy eating".

 

By : Aamir Raz Soomro