Friday, December 26, 2008
Numerous studies throughout the years have confirmed the importance and positive benefits of taking vitamins and supplements every day. Many studies focus on one main nutrient at a time to figure out how it can best nourish the body. With the onset of modern illnesses and diseases, cause by the impact from processed foods and our toxic environment, vitamins and minerals can play an important role now more than ever in keeping our bodies healthy. The body needs to replenish its stores of energy and nutrients, and some ingredients cannot be synthesized in the body, so they must be obtained by supplementation or in foods. Emerging research suggests that the vitamins and minerals listed below may help prevent certain diseases, help stave off side effects or repair damages caused by them. These supplements have been around for years, but many offer benefits outside of the general daily multivitamin. All of this information is preliminary, pending further research before the FDA can approve possible supplement label claims.
• Vitamin D
o Known benefits: Bone health, immune function, brain health, reduces inflammation
o Possible links to aiding Cancer patients, heart health, Diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Autism, depression
• Vitamin K2
o Known benefits: helps blood clot, bone health
o Possible links to aiding Cancer patients
• Calcium
o Known benefits: bone health, needed for muscle contraction, blood vessel contraction and expansion, the secretion of hormones and enzymes and sending messages through the nervous system, maintains normal nerve and muscle functions
o Possible links to aiding Weight loss
• Selenium
o Known benefits: antioxidant properties help fight free radical damage
o Possible links to aiding Cancer patients
