Benefits of Vitamins and Supplements that Help Prevent Nutritional Deficiencies and Promote Weight Loss  

Vitamins are organic substances the body needs to maintain and promote good health.  They are used for growth, digestion and nerve function.  Vitamins are either fat soluble or water soluble.  The fat soluble vitamins, (A, D, E, & K) can be stored in the body until needed, so it is important not to take too much of them, as it is harder to get rid of any excess.  The water soluble vitamins (C and the B’s) are eliminated from the body through the kidneys, so any excess is flushed out rather quickly. 

The benefits of vitamins are numerous.  They prevent nutritional deficiencies causing many diseases, including scurvy and rickets.  They help maintain the health of our bones and teeth.  They protect us against heart disease and many types of cancer. Also, resent research is indicating that they may also help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.  Some vitamins or combinations of certain vitamins and other supplements are even believed to aid in weight loss! 

Vitamins and other supplements are very common “health band-aids” in today's hectic world. We are often too occupied with our busy daily activities to eat the way we should.  Many take the easy way out and run through the drive-by window at the nearest fast food establishment!  So we take vitamin supplements to help us get the nutrients our body needs, and is probably not receiving from our food. Even those eating a “balanced” diet, are not getting the vitamins they need due to soil depletion and processed foods.    

The amount and type of vitamin supplementation that is best for you as an individual depends on your age, physical condition, daily diet and your general overall health. Your doctor, dietician, or nutritionist can recommend which vitamins you may need.  They should take a thorough health history, and some blood work to determine which supplements you may be lacking. 

Many vitamins contain anti-oxidants which prevent oxidation and help rid the body of harmful impurities. Oxidation can produce free radicals.  These free radicals start chain reactions in the body that can cause cellular damage. You can think of oxidation as sort of a "rusting" process. Anti-oxidants can help slow down or prevent the rust!  Most people report having more energy, sleeping better and just feeling better overall when they take the right vitamins. Vitamin C and Vitamin E are both known to be great antioxidants. Many antioxidants are readily available in nuts, fruits and vegetables.

The combination of the antioxidants Resveratrol, Quercetin, and IsoFlavones have been a boost to weight loss for many dieters. The Antioxidant Cocktail combination reportedly shrinks your fat cells, causing your hunger to diminish. It also sends the signal to your brain to stop eating because you’ve had enough to eat.  

It is important to take good vitamins.  There can be a huge difference in the amount and quality of ingredients your body absorbs and assimilates, and that is what is important. Generally, you will find higher quality vitamin products in health food stores, from a good online vendor, or from a physician's office, as opposed to the local grocery store or the large chain stores. And, in most situations, a capsule, or a powdered or liquid preparation will be absorbed faster and better than a hard tablet.  Another thing to watch for, is artificial colors, fillers, and other additives that only diminish the quality of the vitamin.

Vitamins are very important to help keep your body in balance. Deficiencies of some vitamins can cause severe illnesses.  Excessive amounts of other vitamins can also cause problems.  It is important to do your own research, and work with a knowledgeable health advisor. 

It is also important to watch the quality and quantity of the food in your diet, and include exercise in your daily routine. Your basic diet will always be the main source of the nutrients your body needs. The many benefits of vitamins are well known.  At the very least, a good multi-vitamin is something you should seriously consider. Maintaining adequate vitamin levels can correct or prevent nutritional deficiencies, but it can not totally compensate for a very unhealthy lifestyle.