Detailed: The types of Vitamins.

Vitamins organic food substances are found only in living things, i.e. plants and animals.
They are very essential for our bodies to function properly, for growth, energy and for our universal happiness. With very few exceptions the human body cannot produce or synthesize vitamins. They should be supplied in our diet or in man-made dietary supplements. Some people believe that vitamins could also replace food, but that is incorrect. In fact, vitamins cannot be incorporated without also ingesting food. That is why it is greatest to take them with a meal.
Synthetic vitamin supplements could be of varying quality, so it is a good idea to get your supplements from a consistent source.
The information is gathered from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food & Nutrition Center.
Vitamin A:
Vitamin A helps in cell reproduction. It also inspires immunity and is required for formation of some hormones. Vitamin A helps vision and also promotes bone growth, tooth development, and helps preserve healthy skin, hair, and mucous membranes. It has been shown to be an efficient preventive against measles. Deficiency of vitamin A could cause night blindness, dry skin, poor bone growth, and weak tooth enamel. Alpha-carotene, beta- carotene and retinol are all descriptions of Vitamin A.
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):
Vitamin B1/thiamine is significant in the production of energy. It helps the body cells exchange carbohydrates into energy. It is also necessary for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Not getting enough thiamine could even leave one exhausted and weak.
Note: Most fruits and vegetables are not an important source of thiamine.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):
Vitamin B2 or riboflavin is vital for body growth, reproduction and red cell production.
It helps in releasing energy from
carbohydrates.
Note: Most fruits and vegetables are not a major source of riboflavin.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin):
Niacin helps in the functioning of the digestive system, skin, and nerves. It is also significant for the conversion of food to energy.
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid):
Pantothenic acid is necessary for the
metabolism of food in addition to the formation of hormones and (good) cholesterol.
Vitamin B6 (Pryidoxine):
B6 plays a role in the formation of antibodies in the immune system. It helps keeping normal nerve function and acts in the creation of red blood cells. It is also necessary for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more want there is for vitamin B6. Too little B6 in the diet could cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions.
Vitamin B9 (Folate/folic acid):
Folate and folic acid are both forms of B9.
Folate occurs obviously in fresh foods, whereas folic acid is the synthetic form found in supplements. Your body needs folate to make red blood cells, plus components of the
nervous system. It helps in the formation and creation of DNA and maintaining standard brain function, and is a vital part of spinal fluid. It has also been verified to decrease the
risk for an NTD-affected (neural tube defect) pregnancy by 50 to 70 percent. Folic acid is very important for proper cell growth and development of the embryo. That is why it is chief for a woman to have enough folate/folic acid in her body both before and during pregnancy.
Vitamin B12:
Like the other B vitamins, vitamin B12 is vital for metabolism. It helps in the formation of red blood cells and in the protection of the central nervous system. Vitamin B12 is the
one vitamin that is obtainable only from fish, poultry, meat or dairy sources in food.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C is one of the most significant of all vitamins. It actually plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants act to defend your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging
by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals could also cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of
cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vitamin C has also been found by scientists to be an efficient antiviral agent.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin" as it is manufactured by the body after being exposed to sunshine. Ten to fifteen minutes of
good sunshine three times weekly is sufficient to produce the body's requirement of vitamin D. This means that we don't require obtaining vitamin D from our diet unless we get extremely little sunlight – usually not a problem for children. Vitamin D is vital to the human body as it promotes incorporation of calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the normal development of healthy teeth and bones. It also helps maintain ample levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
Vitamin E:
Like vitamin C, vitamin E plays a important role as an antioxidant, thereby defending body tissue from the damage of oxidation. It is significant in the formation of red blood cells and the use of vitamin K. Many women also use it to assist reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and mothers use it to help mend minor wounds without scarring, as it is valued for its ability to calm and heal broken or stressed skin tissue.
Vitamin K:
Vitamin K is fat soluble and plays a vital role in blood clotting. It regulates blood calcium levels and activates at least 3 proteins concerned in bone health.

Why Sweet potatoes should be one of our "Most eaten foods".

Sweet potatoes are very good for the body. You can see some of its benefits below...
Not only are sweet potatoes readily available, inexpensive, and delicious, they have many other benefits for your health. Here are 9:
1. They are high in vitamin B6 . Vitamin B6 helps reduce the chemical homocysteine in our
bodies. Homocysteine has been linked with degenerative diseases, including heart attacks.
2. They are a good source of vitamin C .
While most people know that vitamin C is important to help ward off cold and flu viruses, few people are aware that this crucial vitamin
plays an important role in bone and tooth formation, digestion, and blood cell formation.
It helps accelerate wound healing, produces collagen which helps maintain skin’s youthful elasticity, and is essential to helping us cope
with stress. It even appears to help protect our body against toxins that may be linked to cancer.
3. They contain Vitamin D which is critical for immune system and overall health at this time of year. Both a vitamin and a hormone,
vitamin D is primarily made in our bodies as a result of getting adequate sunlight. You may have heard about seasonal affective disorder (or SAD, as it is also called), which is linked to
inadequate sunlight and therefore a vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D plays an important role in our energy levels, moods, and helps to build healthy bones, heart, nerves, skin, and teeth , and it supports the thyroid gland.
4. Sweet potatoes contain iron.
Most people are aware that we need the mineral iron to have adequate energy, but iron plays other important roles in our body, including red and white blood cell production, resistance to stress, proper immune functioning, and the metabolizing of protein, among other things.
5. Sweet potatoes are a good source of magnesium, which is the relaxation and anti-stress mineral.
Magnesium is necessary for healthy
artery, blood, bone, heart, muscle, and nerve function, yet experts estimate that approximately 80 percent of the population in North America may be deficient in this
important mineral.
6. They are a source of potassium, one of the important electrolytes that help regulate heartbeat and nerve signals. Like the other electrolytes, potassium performs many essential functions, some of which include
relaxing muscle contractions, reducing swelling, and protecting and controlling the activity of the kidneys.
7. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet-tasting but their natural sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream, helping to ensure a
balanced and regular source of energy, without the blood sugar spikes linked to fatigue and weight gain.
8. Their rich orange color indicates that they are high in carotenoids like beta carotene and other carotenoids , which is the precursor to vitamin A in your body. Carotenoids help
strengthen our eyesight and boost our immunity to disease, they are powerful antioxidants that help ward off cancer and protect against the effects of aging. Studies at Harvard University of more than 124,000
people showed a 32 percent reduction in risk of lung cancer in people who consumed a variety of carotenoid-rich foods as part of
their regular diet. Another study of women who had completed treatment for early stage breast cancer conducted by researchers at
Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) found that women with the highest blood concentrations of carotenoids had the least likelihood of cancer recurrence.
9 . There are versatile. Try them roasted, puréed, steamed, baked, or grilled. You can add them to soups and stews, or grill and place on top of leafy greens for a delicious salad. I enjoy grilling them with onions and
red peppers for amazing sandwich or wrap ingredients. Puree them and add to smoothies and baked goods.

Who is seeing what am seeing?.
Lol. Who does that, it contains vitamin A, Vitamin B 6, Vitamin C, and Vitamin D. Powerful!!!
I think I have added it to my most eaten list.

Shocked!. Crushed red peppers helps in relieving pain and weight loss?.

If you want more flavor in your food plus health benefits like weight loss and pain relief, try adding crushed red pepper to your meals. Mehn! I didn't know peppers are this good, Rich in vitamin A that helps vision and now pain reliever?.
In traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, a traditional form of Indian medicine, red peppers have been used to treat digestive problems, circulatory problems, infections and
arthritis. Most crushed red pepper mixtures contain a variety of different peppers such as bell, jalapeno, ancho and cayenne peppers, which range from mild and peppery to hot and
spicy. The pepper seeds are included to increase the spice level.
Nutrients
Red peppers have a lot of spice and flavor without many added calories, fat or sugar. In 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper, there are only 6 calories and 1 gram of carbohydrate.
The same amount of pepper contains 15 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin A for a 2,000-calorie diet. Vitamin A is beneficial for improving skin, hair, nails and eyes. Red pepper also contains vitamins C, E and B-6, and the minerals iron, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Pain Reliever
If you have pain or inflammation in your body, eating more crushed red pepper may help.
Capsaicin is a compound in peppers that gives them a hot and spicy flavor and is also responsible for reducing pain. When eaten, hot red peppers have a strong analgesic, or pain-
relieving, quality and produce powerful anti inflammatory actions. According to a study published in the "Journal of Biomedicine and
Biotechnology," the carotenoids found in red peppers are antioxidants responsible for relief from pain and reduction of inflammation. The study also noted that, even in high doses, no adverse effects from red pepper carotenoids were observed.
Weight Control
Crushed red pepper is thermogenic in nature, which means it produces heat in the body and stimulates the metabolism. A study published
in the journal "Physiology and Behavior" looked at the effect of hot red pepper intake on energy balance and appetite. Study participants who consumed spicy red peppers had higher energy expenditure and higher
body temperature after a meal than those who did not take red pepper. The study also found that people who consumed hot red peppers ate fewer total calories per day and had a diminished interest in food. If you're looking for a safe, healthy way to burn more calories and get excessive eating under control, adding crushed red pepper to food could help.
Disease Prevention
Polyphenols are antioxidants found in crushed red pepper that give them a strong disease-preventing property. A study published in the
journal "Nutrition Research and Practice" looked at the effect of spicy red pepper seeds on rats fed a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet, which is known to cause health problems
and heart disease. The researchers found that the antioxidants in red pepper strengthened the immune system's ability to reduce oxidative stress and prevent oxidative diseases
such as cancer, inflammation, heart disease and decreased immune function. In addition, capsaicin in hot peppers promotes circulation, which may prevent hardening of arteries andreduce risk of heart attack.

Roger that?. Peppers are damn good. Tbthealth orientates!!

Foods that are rich in Vitamin A - That must be added to your food timetable.

If you are an ardent reader, you would notice we have been posting about vitamin A and not some other micronutrients, the good news is we would soon be ending it.
These are foods that are highly rich in Vitamin A.
Vitamin A is an essential vitamin required for vision, genetranscription, boosting immune function , and great skin health. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to blindness and increased
viral infection, however deficiency is only considered a problem in developing countries where it is a leading cause of blindness in
children.
Overconsumption of vitamin A can
lead to jaundice, nausea, loss of appetite, irritability, vomiting, and even hair loss.
Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, and therefore, needs to be consumed with fat in order to have optimal absorption. High vitamin A foods include sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, winter squashes,
lettuce, dried apricots, cantaloupe, bell peppers, fish, liver, and tropical fruits. The current daily value for Vitamin A is 5000 international units (IU). Below is a list high vitamin A foods, click here for high vitamin A
foods by nutrient density , and here for an extended list of vitamin A rich foods.
#1: Sweet Potato! (Cooked)
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup (200g)
Per medium potato (114g)
19218IU (384% DV)
38436IU (769% DV)
21909IU (438% DV)
Other Types of Sweet Potato High in Vitamin A
(%DV per cup): Frozen Sweet Potato, cooked,
cubed (578%), Canned Sweet Potato (444%), and Raw Sweet Potato, cubed (377%).
#2: Carrots (Cooked)
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup, sliced (156g)
Per carrot (46g)
17033IU (341% DV)
26572IU (532% DV)
7835IU (157% DV)
Other Types of Carrot High in Vitamin A (%DVper cup): Frozen Carrots, cooked, cubed (494%), and Raw Carrots, sliced (408%).
#3: Dark Leafy Greens (Kale, Cooked)
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup, chopped (130g)
13621IU (272% DV)
17707IU (354% DV)
Other Dark Leafy Greens High in Vitamin A (%DV per cup, cooked): Frozen Spinach (458%),
Frozen Collards (391%), Frozen Kale (382%),
Frozen Turnip Greens (353%), Spinach (377%),
Collards (289%), Dandelion Greens (305%),
Beet Greens & Turnip Greens (220%), Swiss Chard (214%), and Pak Choi (144%).
#4: Squash (Butternut, Cooked)
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup, cubes (205g)
Per 1/2 cup, cubes (53g)
11155IU (223% DV)
22868IU (457% DV)
11434IU (229% DV)
Other Squash High in Vitamin A (%DV per cup, cooked): Hubbard, cubed (275%), Pumpkin, mashed (282%), and an average of All Varieties Of Winter Squash, cubed (214%).
Click to see complete nutrition facts.
#5: Cos or Romaine Lettuce
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup, shredded (47g)
Per head (626g)
8710IU (174% DV)
4094IU (82% DV)
54525IU (1090% DV)
Other Types of Lettuce High in Vitamin A (%DV per cup, shredded): Green Leaf (53%), Red
Leaf (42%), Butterhead (36%), and Chicory (33%).
#6: Dried Apricots
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup (119g)
Per 1/2 cup (60g)
12669IU (253% DV)
15076IU (302% DV)
7538IU (151% DV)
Other Dried Fruit High in Vitamin A (%DV per 1/2 cup): Prunes (24%), and Dried Peaches
(17%).
#7:Cantaloupe Melon
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup, cubes (160g)
Per medium wedge (69g)
3382IU (68% DV)
5411IU (108% DV)
2334IU (47% DV)
A medium wedge of cantaloupe melon contains 23 calories and 0.1g fat.
#8: Sweet Red Peppers
Vitamin A in 100g
1 cup chopped (149g)
1 large pepper (164g)
3131IU (63% DV)
4665IU (93% DV)
5135IU (103% DV)
Other Peppers Providing Vitamin A (%DV per large pepper): Sweet Green Peppers (12%), and Sweet Yellow Peppers (7%).
#9: Tuna Fish (Bluefin, Cooked)
Vitamin A in 100g
Per 3oz (85g)
Per ounce (28g)
2520IU (50% DV)
2142IU (43% DV)
714IU (14% DV)
Other Fish and Seafood High in Vitamin A (% DV per 3oz, cooked): Sturgeon (15%), Mackerel (14%), and Oysters (8%).
#10: Tropical Fruit (Mango)
Vitamin A in 100g
Per cup, pieces (165g)
Per mango (336g)
1082IU (22% DV)
1785IU (36% DV)
3636IU (73% DV)
Other Tropical Fruit High in Vitamin A (%DV per fruit): Papaya, small (30%).
Vitamin A makes sense...

Benefits of taking foods that has Vitamin A.

If you are an ardent reader, you would have read my previous post on Vitamin A, now these are the benefits of taking them
Get Oriented:
While we need all vitamins for our body to function in the optimum manner, we need to know how each of them work individually to better our health. Here’s how vitamin A helps us.
Can prevent cancer: The dreaded C-word can be kept at bay by including foods rich in vitamin A in your diet. According to a study conducted at the University of York, vitamin A
intake could help treat several forms of cancer thanks to the vitamin’s ability to control the malignant cells. The study was mainly done on prostate cancer cells but it may work for other kinds of cancer as well. But it warns people not to blindly pop vitamin supplements. It is best to your vitamin intake from natural sources.
Helps build immunity in children: Vitamin A has various benefits for improving children’s health. A study done in London found that vitamin A supplements reduced child mortality
by 24 per cent in low and middle income countries. The study also found that vitamin A deficiency in children increased vulnerability to infections like diarrhoea and measles and could also lead to blindness. Also read 6 immunity boosting foods for kids.
Helps perform bodily functions: Vitamin A plays a direct role in performing physiological functions and also helps in the development of
the central nervous system. It is also needed in the formation of sperm cells, regulation of haemoglobin production in the embryo, and also activating nuclear receptor TR4 which is responsible for these functions.
Prevents signs of ageing: Vitamin A has antioxidants which not only prevent free radical damage but also help in skin renewal.
The retinoid keeps lines and wrinkles away by producing more collagen which is responsible for keeping the skin looking young. If you want healthy hair, make sure you have your vitamin A intake daily. You may also want to read how to deal with premature aging.
Improves vision: Vitamin A not just improves your eyesight by helping it distinguish between light and dark, it also keeps various eye disorders at bay. Many of these affect the elderly but a deficiency can cause the disorder to appear even in adulthood. Night blindness, glaucoma, cataracts are a few eye problems which can be avoided with vitamin A. You may also read why eating tomatoes is good for your vision.

My battery is almost down self. Sighs!. Hope you got orientated?.
Post on Foods that contain Vitamin A coming soon.

What vitamins are and why they are essential

As we were thought simply in our primary school but was a little elaborated in high school thatThere are six basic types of nutrients that are considered essential to life: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and
water. These nutrients are needed for your body to function properly, and your diet is the source of them. Vitamins and minerals are
considered micronutrients because they are needed in smaller quantities than the macronutrients (protein, carbohydrates, and fat). Micronutrients do not provide calories.
When your body does not absorb an adequate amount of any of the micronutrients, diseases can occur. It's important to understand what
your nutritional needs are and how to reach them.
Vitamins are broken down into two categories:
water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble
vitamins dissolve in water. Leftover amounts are not stored and will leave your body through your urine. For this reason, you must consume them on a continuous basis. The
water-soluble vitamins are the B vitamins and vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, not water. These vitamins need dietary fat
in order to be better absorbed in the small intestines. They are then stored in the liver and fatty tissues (adipose tissues) and can
accumulate to toxic levels when consumed in excess quantities. The fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Recommendations for essential nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. Dietary Reference Intakes is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intake for healthy people.
There are three important types of DRI reference values; Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), Adequate Intakes (AI), and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL). The RDA is set to meet the nutrient requirements for the average daily intake of nearly all (97% to 98%) healthy individuals in each age and gender group. When there is insufficient data to set an RDA for a nutrient, an AI is set. AIs meet or exceed the amount needed to maintain an adequate nutritional state in nearly everyone of a specific age and gender group. Some nutrients can cause health problems when consumed in excessive quantities. The UL was set to provide the maximum daily intake that is unlikely to result in adverse health effects.
Numerous health conditions, however, can impact your nutritional needs. A registered dietitian or physician can help you better determine your needs based upon your overall health and condition.
Am a die hard fan of vitamins though.

Ministry of health, Nigeria Plans Survey In Ekiti To Tackle Soil Transmitted Helminthes

The Federal Ministry of Health in Nigeria is set to conduct a survey in Ekiti State to tackle Soil Transmitted Helminthes (SHT) among children in the south-west state.
Soil Transmitted Helminthes (STH), is a health condition caused by a group of worms which exist as parasites in the intestine of infected
people.
For the survey, samples of stool of 50 to 60 students would be collected under the guidance and supervision of school teachers and examined within the school premises, using mobile laboratories.
The effect of STH include; Anaemia, Vitamin A deficiency, malnutrition, loss of appetite, retarded growth and reduction in learning ability.
STH is said to affect mostly young children.between the ages of five to 15 years living or playing in areas where sanitation is poor.
The Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, urged teachers to cooperate with health officials who would be visiting schools to conduct the survey.
Governor Fayose also advised parents not to panic over the exercise, as it was aimed at the well-being of children in the State.
The result of the survey would be used by the Ekiti State Ministry of Health to receive free drugs from the World Health Organisation.