Remember those chalky, colorful Flintstones vitamins that you either loved or hid under the couch when you were young? If you are a health-conscious person, you know that consuming vitamins and minerals is an essential part of your diet. But how many of us actually know what we need to take? Some vitamins can actually help you lose weight, get glowing skin, brighter eyes and healthier hair.
Why do I need to take vitamins? Unless you eat extremely healthy everyday and consume a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products, then you should be taking supplements. However, obtaining these vitamins and minerals through actual food is healthier. By taking a multi-vitamin or supplement you create insurance in case you do not get certain nutrients that day. Vitamins are essential chemicals that participate in reactions inside cells and perform specific functions in the body. When your body does not get enough of a particular vitamin, you risk serious health problems and lose out on its benefits.
Weight Loss: Something so simple as taking a vitamin can, in fact, help you lose weight! In order to lose weight, you need to up your intake of Vitamin B12 to speed up your metabolism and give you an energy boost. When you try to lose weight, you decrease your intake of calories, eat healthier and now with Vitamin B12, burn this food quicker resulting in lower numbers on the scale. Other healthy vitamins and minerals that will help shed pounds are calcium and fiber.
Glowing Skin: The key to shiny, thick and healthy hair is a fatty acid, Omega-3, and iron, says Samantha Heller, MS, RD, a nutritionist at NYU Medical Center. It is common for many women to have an iron deficiency, so taking a multivitamin for women specifically usually guarantees that you will be getting the proper amount of iron in your diet. Omega-3’s can be found in fish oil supplements that also have added benefits of lower cholesterol, promote weight loss, reduce soreness from weight training and help your brain. Vitamin C is also the skin’s best friend. It prompts production of collagen making your skin look rejuvenated and smooth. Say goodbye to foundation and go all-natural.
Bright Eyes: Antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and E, all improve ocular health. These vitamins protect from free radicals, responsible for aging and tissue damage, and promote healthy cells and tissues. When you consume antioxidants, it leaves you with bright, white, sparking eyes that will catch any guy’s attention.
Thick Hair: Again, Vitamin B is essential in maintaining healthy hair alongside antioxidant vitamins. Vitamin C encourages blood circulation to the scalp and follicles, which can seed hair growth. Soon enough your hair will look like the Garnier Fructis commercials, luscious and thick.
Many of the same vitamins do many different things to help maintain a healthy body. It is essential to incorporate multivitamins into your everyday diet if you don’t always eat healthy. You should be wary, however, of going overboard with them. Some vitamins, such as Vitamin A, D, E and K can be dangerous to your liver if too much is taken. Taking a multivitamin will not replace eating poorly and must always be taken with food. If you take any medications, check with your doctor before taking a multivitamin because it may start to interfere with your prescription. The best way to live a healthy lifestyle, look and feel your best is eating right and exercising.