Leading a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle has not only been proven to help you live longer, it also makes you look and feel better everyday. Here at Inspirations & Celebrations, we frequently talk about the benefits of eating a nutrient-rich diet (filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, etc.); but there’s more to being healthy than just eating well.
As we get older, our bodies’ natural ability to absorb essential nutrients from foods starts to wane over time. To counteract this process, adding vitamins, minerals, and supplements to our daily diets can help provide vital nutrients to our bodies, to help them operate more efficiently. Sometimes our bodies start to experience deficiencies, which lead to a range of issues, including: decreased energy, lack of focus, irritability, hair loss, problematic skin, etc.
Featured in this nutritional guide are the ABC’s of Vitamins and Supplements.
Vitamins & Supplements
Vitamin A: Not only can Vitamin A help boost night vision, it’s also known to clear up acne-prone skin and improve the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A is the foundation of Retinol, which is one of the most important ways to proactively combat skin aging. The danger with Vitamin A, is that it can be toxic when taken in large amounts.
Vitamin B: Do you easily get stressed out? Tend to feel anxious, quick to anger, or irritable? Vitamin B Complex can help your body better cope with stress triggers.
Vitamin C: One of the most important Vitamins out there, Vitamin C not only helps keep our immune systems strong (which helps prevent colds and illnesses), it also affects every organ and tissue in our bodies. Aside from a Multi-Vitamin (which is a combination of multiple vitamins), taking Vitamin C on a daily basis can help keep you well. It also acts as the foundation of Collagen, which is important when it comes to keeping your skin healthy and youthful looking. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, are known to be high in Vitamin C.
Vitamin D: Most people don’t get enough Vitamin D in their bodies. As Nutrition News published, “an intake of 2000 IU/day of Vitamin D3, and, when possible, very moderate exposure to sunlight, could raise blood levels of vitamin D3 to those associated with a 50 percent reduction in the incidence of breast cancer.” [Source: Nutrition News, Vol. XXXV, No. 1]
Vitamin E: This “potent antioxidant can slow aging, protect your brain, prevent heart disease, lower cancer risk, and enhance immunity.” [Source: Nutrition News, Vol. XXXV, No. 1]
Vitamin K: Vitamin K2 is under-going more scientific research to study its health benefits. Thus far, studies have shown that it can help “reverse already hardened arteries”. [Source: Nutrition News, Vol. XXXV, No. 1]
Calcium: This not only helps our bodies develop and repair bones, it also is essential for helping blood clots and strengthening our cell membranes.
CoQ10: When you’re over 40 years old, co-enzyme Q10 “can energize the body, strengthen the heart, revitalize the immune system, control periodontal disease, normalize blood pressure, overcome infertility, reverse the effects of aging, and more.” [Source: Nutrition News, Vol. XXXV, No. 1]
Magnesium: This supplement can be helpful in benefiting your heart’s health, as well as preventing and treating osteoporosis.
Omega Fatty Acids: Also known as Fish Oil supplements, essential omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to boost heart health, have anti-inflammatory properties, improve your mood, and help your skin and hair look healthy.
Whether you simply take a daily Multi-Vitamin, or prefer to create your own personal cocktail of supplements (tailored to your particular body’s changing needs), vitamins and supplements can help give your body the boost it needs to look and feel fabulous.
[Image Credit: Shutterstock; Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Consult with a Doctor or Nutritionist before starting any health program.]
