The virtues of vitamins

Scientific evidence has proven what moms have known all along — take your vitamins. Studies confirm vitamins are not only necessary for the proper functioning of the immune system but also help in the fight against heart disease, Type II diabetes and infections such as influenza and the common cold.

Our immune systems act as a defense, keeping cold or infections at bay and suppressing cancer cell development. However, as we age, our immune system declines, making us more vulnerable to disease. One reason for the decline – vitamin deficiency in our diets. But eating an apple a day may not be enough to maintain health and wellness because 13 vitamins are vital in contributing to our body’s needs.

Build resistance
For instance:

• Vitamin A, found in liver, salmon, egg yolks as well as orange and yellow fruits or vegetables, helps in the resistance against infections and keeps our vision sharp and skin healthy.
  
  
• Vitamin E helps form red blood cells and muscle tissue, decreasing the risk of heart disease, cataracts and Type II diabetes.
  

Although there’s no sound evidence, scientists argue that vitamin E may alsprevent cancer because it protects DNA – the system that controls normal cell division. 

Brain food
Vitamins are also great brain food according to a study at the Kuakini Medical Center in Honolulu.

• Neurologists discovered elderly men who took vitamin E and C supplements at least once a week over a number of years were protected against dementia and showed improvements in memory and creativity.
  

And for those who don’t like taking pills, vitamins can be found in foods like citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, melons, broccoli, potatoes, fish, meat and dairy or whole grain products.

Definitely food for thought.