Multivitamins and Nutrition

Posts Tagged ‘beta-carotene’

The consumption of healthy food is not only good for your body, it is also important to keep your brain sharp. The focus in the following nutrition tips to reap the rewards of a healthy diet for the brain:
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Nutrition, Dietetics More and more people use vitamin supplements. United States alone, there is a market of 23 billion dollars. We know that multivitamins can compensate for deficiencies due to diet or a special affection, but what it really for people in good health?

The NIH is interested in the issue, and its conclusions are mixed. You should know the United States, dietary supplements are not considered drugs, the law imposes much less control over their production and their use.

Many people believe that taking vitamins and most of their diet will protect them from many diseases like cancer. And it is true in some cases, such as folic acid supplements taken by pregnant women protect their babies against spina bifida. Vitamins C and E, beta carotene, zinc and copper protect against the loss of eyesight in people with macular degeneration. Read the rest of this entry »

They are indispensable when cooking. Are always present in the refrigerator and use in salads, stews, steamed. Did you know that vegetables are full of properties?

For example, the chard is often prescribed in low-calorie diets designed by nutritionists to those who have decided to undergo a diet and are especially suitable for those suffering from anemia. Its main component is water, making it very diuretic.

The eggplant from India and 90% of it is water. It is rich in fiber but this is basically the skin. It contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, folic acid, iron, calcium, phosphorus and potassium.

The zucchini is very rich in water and encourages the creation of red blood cells. Contains vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, magnesium, sodium, iodine, iron, and phosphorus Salcioara. Has laxative properties and also helps the immune system.

The sprouts are quite rich in vitamin A (better vision) and C (maintenance of bones, teeth and blood vessels), very suitable for those suffering from fluid retention (ideal for obese people determined to lose or arthritic) and very rich in potassium and fiber (advisable to treat constipation). Another advantage is its high content of folic acid and its immunostimulant effect, while increasing natural defenses and protects against multiple diseases.

Spinach contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, folic acid, iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium and beta-carotene. They provide the most nutrients when eaten raw and are especially suitable in cases of iron deficiency anemia.

Tomatoes hiding in his red desirable hides a substance called lycopene, a type of carotene is not converted into vitamin A, beta carotene of carrots or apricots, but also a great antioxidant.

The potato is a staple food healthier, nutritious and versatile that you can try. It is the only food rich in starch, sweet potato and apart from maize, which provides a significant amount of vitamin C. They are also rich in potassium, magnesium and vitamins B6 and B1. Like all foods rich in complex sugars, are recommended as a basic source of energy.

The pepper has gained a leading position in the European diet. It’s low in calories, is high in water and fiber. It is very rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3 and vitamin B6. It is also a source of phosphorus and magnesium, potassium, calcium, folic acid and carotenoids. Supports the formation of collagen, bones, teeth and the creation of red and white cells.

Finally, the carrot is one of the oldest vegetables known. It is very rich in carotene and rich in vitamin A. It promotes intestinal healing, is diuretic and astringent. They can be eaten raw and cooked.

Brief Definition
Vitamin A belongs to the group of fat soluble vitamins (soluble in fat) is essential for the organism.

This vitamin is present in foods of animal origin as a pre-formed vitamin A and retinol is called while the plant appears as provitamin A, also known as carotenoids that stands out among the beta carotene.

Beta carotene are natural pigments that are found in fruits and vegetables red, orange and yellow, or in dark green vegetables. Beta-carotene is a chemical form required by the body for the formation of vitamin-A.

Approximately 80 and 90% of the retinol esters are absorbed while the beta carotene they do between 40 to 60%. The majority of vitamin A, almost 90% is stored in the liver, the remainder being deposited in the lungs, kidneys and body fat.

Functions of vitamin A and retinol in the body:
* Skeletal system: it is necessary for growth and bone development.
* Cell development: essential for growth, maintenance and repair of mucosal cells, epithelial, skin, vision, nails, hair and tooth enamel.
* Immune system: helps in the prevention of infectious diseases, especially respiratory creating protective barriers against different microorganisms. It stimulates immune functions, including antibody response and the activity of several cells produced by bone marrow involved in defending the body as phagocytes and lymphocytes. Therefore promotes the repair of infected tissues and increases resistance to infection.
* Reproductive System: helps in the normal function of reproduction, contributing to the production of sperm as well as normal female reproductive cycle. Due to its vital role in cell growth, vitamin A helps the changes that occur in the cells and tissues during development of the fetus to develop normally.
* Vision: It is essential for vision, since the Retinol helps improve night vision, preventing certain visual disturbances such as cataracts, glaucoma, vision loss, blindness twilight, also helps fight bacterial infections such as conjunctivitis.
* Antioxidant: Prevents cellular aging and the onset of cancer, since being a natural antioxidant eliminates free radicals and protects DNA from the mutagenic action. Read the rest of this entry »