Most people know about vitamin C but how much do you know about vitamin B?
A vitamin is an organic molecule that is a crucial micronutrient for healthy working metabolism. Vitamins are water-soluble or fat-soluble. People have 13 vitamins in their body, four fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and nine water-soluble (8 B vitamins and vitamin C). The names say it all, water-soluble vitamins dilute in water and perspired from our system. Fat-soluble vitamins enter our body via the intestinal tract with the help of fats.
In this blog, we want to talk about B vitamins. They help to convert carbohydrates into glucose, which turns into energy. Also, B vitamins are necessary for cell production to make new DNA cells.
There are eight types of vitamin B:
Thiamin (B1)
Riboflavin (B2)
Niacin (B3)
Pantothenic acid (B5)
Pyridoxine (B6)
Biotin (B7)
Folate or Folic acid (B9)
Cobalamin (B12)
Luckily, this group of vitamins can be found in many foods, but can also be destroyed when cooked or taken whilst consuming alcohol. This is why when you read on the packaging of bread, cereal and other products that extra B vitamins have been added due to the loss in processing. Processed foods can lose the nutrients and vitamins hence why they are not ideal to consume regularly.
Each vitamin B plays a major role in a certain biological process.
B1, for example, is super involved in the release of energy from carbohydrates and the production of RNA and DNA.
B2 is essential in the catabolism (breaking down) of fatty acids.
B3 plays a vital role in the metabolism of alcohol, fat, and glucose.
B5 oxygenates fatty acids and carbs and also participates in the synthesis of cholesterol, steroid hormones and antibodies.
B6 is involved in different enzyme reactions, mainly in amino acid metabolism.
B7 is key in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids (non-water-soluble fatty acids).
B9 helps in the production of red blood cells and is involved in cell division, especially during the pregnancy period and infancy, when the cells grow very fast.
B12 is necessary for producing blood cells in the bone marrow.
B vitamins are essential for women during their pregnancy and breastfeeding. The correct amount of B vitamins reduces the risk of defects in birth and makes sure that the foetal brain is developing correctly.
The body requires sufficient amounts of vitamin B to maintain high energy levels, healthy cells, healthy nerve function, cholesterol and hormone production, a good heart condition, muscle tone and healthy digestion.
Vitamin B deficiency and those who are high risk.
If you fall into any of the following categories, you should consider checking your vitamin B levels. Those over 50, pregnant, people who suffer from certain illnesses or are vegan/vegetarian need to be extra careful. Also, anyone who does not eat enough fresh, green produce, are also vulnerable to vitamin B deficiency. If it’s on the low side, discuss with a medical professional and try to increase your intake by consuming more natural foods. These include spinach, kale, avocados, chickpeas, kidney and black beans, as well as nuts, seeds, beets, potatoes, whole grains (preferably from a good local organic source). You could also consider a vitamin supplement but we recommend only the highest quality, made from natural, plant-based ingredients.
vitamins are vital keys in brain work, cell metabolism and energy production. We are pleased to say that each shot of wheatgrass juice contains the WHOLE SPECTRUM of B vitamins, available to you in the most natural form. Why not consider joining our Juice Club and start your vitamin boost journey today!
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