Vitamins have only been around since about the 1900’s. Before that time, foods on hand were the
source for meeting vitamin needs.
Some cultures realized, however, that certain foods met specific needs. For example, ancient
Egyptians found that eating liver could help cure a person’s ability to see at night; i.e. night
blindness, which physicians know today is a result of vitamin A deficiency.
So as to leave no stone unturned, this report takes a look at herbal remedies that date back
generations before any of our time. And it takes a look at antioxidant vitamins, natural sources of
important vitamins and minerals, benefits of supplemental extracts and natural vs. synthetic
vitamins for a complete overview of the evolution of vitamins to meet the
needs of mankind.
Herbal Remedies
Herbs have been used for tens of thousands of years to cure all kinds of
aches, pains and ailments. Just like people did a long time ago, you can safely treat a wide
variety of things with herbs or herbal extracts you can find in your backyard, at health food stores
or online. Here is a list of common herbs used to remedy everything from burns to headaches.
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera is perhaps best known for being an excellent sunburn treatment with superb skin
revitalizing properties. Some of its lesser-known uses include aiding the digestive system and
maintaining energy levels. It is also commonly taken as a vitamin and mineral supplement
because it is chock full of great vitamins that you need. Aloe is typical sold in gel form for use on
skin and sunburns and in a drinkable form for use as a dietary supplement.
Hawthorn berries
Hawthorn berry is well known for the positive effects it has on the circulatory system and heart.
This berry is packed with vitamin C and vitamin B and is typically taken over a lengthy period to
reap all of the great benefits it has to offer. Most health food stores offer it in liquid and capsule
form though the body much more easily absorbs the liquid form.
Milk thistle
Milk Thistle is a powerful antioxidant that aids the liver and has been proven by many studies to
help all liver related problems including alcohol related liver disease. The important compound in
milk thistle, silymarin, can be hard for the body to absorb and is most effective when taken in the
strongest form available.
Suma
Suma is also known as a form of ginseng from Brazil and has been used traditionally for a variety
of reasons including: fighting fatigue, supporting the immune system and helping to stay stress
free. Suma is often consumed as a tea, but is also readily available as a supplemental pill.
Ginger
Ginger is an excellent remedy for upset stomachs and has long been used as a remedy for
pregnant women experiencing morning sickness or nausea. It is also commonly used to treat
inflammation and arthritis pain. Ginger is often consumed as a tea or other beverage to treat
nausea. However, it has been used in cuisines around the world as a flavor additive.
Black cohosh
Black cohosh has been the subject of many successful studies proving that it helps menopausal
women reduce the severity of their symptoms including reducing the effect of hot flashes. Its
healthy chemicals help regulate and balance a woman’s hormones so she does not experience
the normal intensity of menopausal symptoms. Typically, black cohosh is taken as a
supplemental pill that is available at most health food stores.
The Antioxidant Vitamins
Do you know that antioxidant vitamins help to stop certain illness, ranging
from heart complaint to cancer? In recent years, scientists have
identified several antioxidant vitamins posses an added advantage to
help maintain good health. The vitamins most often identified as
antioxidants are Vitamins A, C, and E. In addition to prevent the
cardiovascular ailments and cancer, these vitamins are crucial to the
health of certain tissues and specific body processes. If you want to
achieve broad range of protection from these unique vitamins, the antioxidant vitamins should be
combined with other important nutrients.
Other Benefits of Antioxidant Vitamins
The antioxidant vitamins protect an individual not only against cancer and cardiac problems, but
also against nervous disorders, infections, vision problems and the physical effects of aging.
Inclusion of antioxidant vitamins in diet
It really makes sense to eat a well-balanced diet rich in wide variety of vegetables and fruits,
which contain many antioxidant vitamins and nutrients. As antioxidants function in your body as an
interacting network, make sure to include the antioxidants that act in the water-soluble areas and
fat-soluble areas of the body.
You need to include these important vitamins on a daily basis to assure that your body retains the
proper antioxidant reserves for future use. The common plants that contain more antioxidant
vitamins and nutrients are soy, citrus fruits, ginkgo leaves, rosemary, Bilberry fruit, Noni fruit and
turmeric. The best sources of antioxidants are ginger, pomegranate, sunflower seeds, walnuts,
and berries and garlic.
The Free Radical Story
Oxidation is the flame of our life. This process occurs to produce energy by controlled fuel burning
within our body. The natural by-products of this process are free radicals. These free radicals
cause ageing and other complications. The antioxidants (Vitamins A, C, E) reserve in our body
and antioxidant daily inclusion takes care of these free radicals by neutralizing them.
Vitamin A
Nearly everyone has heard of Vitamin A’s role in immunity, cancer prevention, and bone growth,
health of skin and other body linings and in vision. But the hidden effect of the vitamin A is nothing
but the antioxidant property. This is readily available in fortified milk and green, orange and yellow
vegetables. They really tend to neutralize the “bad guys”, the free radicals.
Vitamin C
As an antioxidant, this vitamin can help keep the eye lens healthy by hindering the destructive
processes that tend to destroy it. This vitamin also enhances the body’s absorption of iron to
prevent anemia. Vitamin C helps in preventing oxidation of water-soluble substances in the body.
In addition to this, vitamin C plays an important role in the release of stress hormones and
connective tissue health.
Vitamin E
This prominent antioxidant vitamin is well known for its antioxidant benefits. Vitamin E blocks fat
oxidation, especially in the lungs where copious amounts of oxygen is available and also prevents
damage to cell membranes and linings. Moreover, this vitamin may protect against Parkinson’s
disease, Alzheimer’s disease, age related macular degeneration, cataracts, cancer, and heart
disease.
As antioxidant vitamins provide lots of benefits, we cannot include excess of antioxidant vitamins,
as it may be dangerous too. The chemical balance of our body may become seriously disrupted
when antioxidant vitamins cross the optimal level. Always get the advice of a licensed nutritionist
or a health care professional for proper guidance when it comes to the proper dose of any vitamin.
Top Ten Natural Sources of Important
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins are very easy to find if you know where to look. Meats,
grains, fruits and vegetables are all excellent natural sources of
vitamins. As an added bonus, your body will typically absorb the
vitamins found in foods more easily than those found in
supplements. This article will discuss the top ten natural foods
that contain important vitamins that your body needs.
Oranges
Oranges are not only jam packed with vitamin C, but they also
contain potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Vitamin C is commonly know to help prevent and
cure the common cold and helps aid in iron absorption but has also been tied to the prevention of
heart disease. Vitamin B6 is a powerful tool that aids your metabolism as well as other vital bodily
functions.
Salmon
Salmon and other oily fish such as trout, orange roughy or sardines are all rich in vitamin A, D and
two important B vitamins. Vitamin A is essential for your immune and reproduction systems.
Carrots
Carrots are heavy on the Vitamin A and also have a good amount of calcium and vitamin C.
However, it’s important not to overcook them or all of the healthy vitamins and minerals will be
cooked right out. Tossing a fresh carrot into your lunch bag is a great way to keep all those great
vitamins right where they should be – in the carrot.
Spinach
Folic Acid or B9 is found abundantly in spinach. Folic acid is vital to pregnant women because it
can help reduce the risk of birth defects in newborns. Spinach also has some other important
nutrients such as vitamin A, C and E and should be eaten raw to get the most benefit from the
nutrients it contains.
Blueberries
Blueberries are perhaps best known for their effects on memory. Studies have shown that the
vitamin B compounds in blueberries help improve memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and
dementia. They are also a great source for vitamin C.
Almonds
Almonds are chock full of calcium and vitamin E. Vitamin E is thought to help prevent certain
cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It’s also a great source of calcium which helps build strong
bones.
Broccoli
Vitamin K, A and C, calcium and fiber are all very abundant in broccoli and a good dose of
broccoli once a week will help prevent cancer as well as help build strong bones.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is hands down the best source for vitamin K, which is vital to your body’s ability to
make your blood clot. It is also a good source of vitamin C, fiber and some great nutrients that
are believed to help prevent certain cancers like breast and prostate cancer.
Beans
Beans are a great source of folate which is great for cell formation. Iron is also found in beans
which helps keep your energy up. Other important substances in beans can help prevent cancer,
reduce the risk of diabetes, aid your circulatory system and help control your weight.
Apples
An apple a day may just keep the doctor away. Apples are a great source of vitamin C which will
help boost your immune system. However, studies have shown that apples also contain other
vital properties that help boost your immune system in ways that vitamin C supplements can’t.
The Benefits of Supplemental Extracts
Taking supplemental vitamins is nothing like popping a Tylenol for pain
or antibiotic for infection. A supplemental vitamin helps maintain your
health and ensure that you get the vitamins you need. You may
already get enough of certain vitamins which is why you can buy
individual supplements of just about anything you can think of. If you
are looking to improve your memory, try ginkgo biloba. For healthy skin
try lupine extract. This article will explore the benefits of a few different
types of supplements on the market today.
Pomegranate extract supplements
As one of the most power antioxidant supplements on the market
today, pomegranate extract is touted to be not only an antioxidant, but also an anti-cancer and
anti-viral substance. One of the most important benefits of taking pomegranate in extract form is
that you aren’t taking in the extra calories that you would in juice form. This is especially important
for diabetics or those who want to take pomegranate long term as a dietary supplement. Many
studies also indicate that consistent pomegranate use is linked to a drastic decrease in the risk of
prostate cancer.
Rosemary extract
When bought in liquid form, rosemary extract can be a powerful supplemental herb. A couple of
drops mixed with beef will hinder carcinogenic compounds from being formed on the BBQ.
Rosemary extract can also be rubbed on the skin to help circulation and tighten the skin. There
have also been studies that rosemary extract pills may help with prostate health and fighting
cancers.
Ginkgo biloba extract
Ginkgo is well known as a memory-enhancing agent and is most commonly found in
supplemental pill form. The plant originates from China and has a long history of medical uses. It
is also thought to be a mild aphrodisiac, Alzheihmer’s cure and a great antioxidant.
Echinacea
Echinacea is widely used to help the immune system, as an antibiotic and to purify the blood. It is
typically sold in supplemental pill form, but it makes an outstanding herbal tea as well. There are
many manufacturers that have an Echinacea tea so it is very easy to find online or in your local
supermarket.
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is used to fight depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. Over the ages, it
has been used for a few other things, but mainly for mental disorders. Recent studies have
shown that it may not be as powerful as once thought in combating these illnesses, however, St.
John’s Wort has many followers, including medical professionals that stand by it’s uses.
As you can see, there are a wide variety of uses and benefits of extracts. The even better news is
that this is just a very partial list of supplements available. Other powerful extracts include:
Bilberry, Boswellia, Cranberry, Elderberry, Eyebright, Goldenseal, Grapeseed, Milk Thistle, Tea
Tree Oil, and many, many more.
Natural vs. Synthetic: Not all vitamins are the
same
There are literally thousands of vitamins and supplements available for purchase today. Each
type of supplement such as calcium, ginkgo biloba or
multivitamins has many brands available made in a variety of
different ways. Some vitamins are derived directly from
natural sources such as oranges, oils, plants and vegetables.
And for each vitamin available naturally, there is a vitamin
pill available too. Although the vitamin supplements claim to
be the same, you may not be getting the amount of nutrients
that you imagine you are getting. It’s not to say that synthetic
vitamins are inferior to their natural supplements, but it’s
important you the differences. Another important consideration is the fillers used in vitamin
supplement pills. Some brands contain extra substances that you really don’t need any may
actually cause you more harm than good.
Natural vitamin sources
Natural vitamins sources are those that your body gets from fruits, plants, vegetables, animals
and other natural sources. This is typically a very easy way for your body to process and absorb
the vitamins you are looking for. However, if you do not eat a well balanced diet, your body may
be deprived of certain vitamins. Natural vitamin sources may not be adequate in other instances
too. For example, you may have an intestinal problem that prevents you from properly absorbing
nutrients. If this is the case you may consider supplementing with a vitamin pill to ensure you get
your daily allowance of vitamins.
Synthetic vitamin sources
Although some supplemental are derived from natural sources, not all are. Many vitamins, like
vitamin C, can be produced synthetically in a laboratory and have exactly the same structure.
However, there are vitamins that are not the same, like vitamin E. Vitamin E has two different
forms, one that is absorbed and used by the human body and one that is not. In the laboratory,
chemists typically produce a vitamin E that is half good vitamin D and half not. What this means
to you is that often times the vitamin pills you buy at the drugstore only give your body half the
amount of vitamin E as indicated on the label.
Vitamin fillers
Vitamin tablets typically contain a variety of fillers and while some of them are just fine for you, you
do need to be on the look out for others, or the risk of overdoing them. Soybean oil is a very
common filler and very unhealthy filler found most often in gelcaps. Soybean oil can actually do
more harm than the good of the vitamin because it is very high in trans fats (these are the bad
fats) and can cause all sorts of heart problems as well as obesity. Another unnecessary filler to
be on the lookout for is artificial color. Artificial colors have proven to be carcinogenic and many
people are allergic to them too.
In conclusion, wonderful herbal remedies
that been around since long ago are still
available to help people round the world
today with many health concerns. And in
addition to these great finds, modern
science and growers offer a variety of other
choices like antioxidant vitamins, natural
sources of important vitamins and minerals,
extracts, natural or synthetic vitamins to
supplement the diet. Here’s to good health!
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