Story by Audra Smith
We always hear that vitamins are important and the one that seems a mystery to the everyday person is the ‘B Vitamin Complex’. Let’s explore what this is, why it’s important and why we should take these supplements?
B Vitamin Complex is actual a combination of 8 vitamins that work together as a collection to help our body’s cells to function properly in a process called cell metabolism. Simply put, it helps the food we eat to be converted into energy, creates new red blood cells, maintains healthy skin cells, brain cells and help other organs to work properly. Wow! Just reading that alone, how did we not know to appreciate these vitamins? These eight vitamins are
B-1(Thiamin), B-2(Riboflavin),
B-3(Niacin), B-5(Pantothenic Acid), B-6 (Pyridoxine),
B-7(Biotin),
B-9(Folate), and
B-12 (Cyanocobalamin).
Where do we find them?
B Vitamin Complex tend to be found in the same foods and luckily in this day and age, many foods come fortified with vitamins and minerals already. Therefore, the average person can get their daily dose naturally by maintaining a healthy diet balanced with the essential food groups such as milk, cheese, eggs, liver and kidney, dark leafy vegetables such as spinach and callaloo, red meats and chicken and also fish (tuna & Salmon) and shellfish (oysters and clams).
Based on this list of food groups there are persons who may still need supplements such as a strict vegans to ensure that they get their recommended amounts daily or persons whose bodies cannot readily absorb nutrients from food. If you feel weak due to low energy, trouble with eyesight, trouble with digestion; this may be due to a deficiency of these groups of vitamins. Please talk to your doctor or nutritionist to see if you need to add B Vitamin Complex supplements to your diet before starting.
Meal Ideas to maximize your Vitamin Intake
Lets take a look at some meal options to improve our vitamin B intake in our diet.
Breakfast
Stuffed omelet with cheese and spinach or callaloo bacon, slice of bread, glass of fruit juice.
Lunch
Braised Liver and Onions, Boiled Green Banana and Yam.
Dinner
Grilled Tuna or Salmon, sauteed string beans, carrots with a kale salad. Get creative with your meal planning and look into the possibilities of incorporating the B vitamins more consciously into your diet. All the Best and Good Luck!
To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 11 #2 at any supermarket, pharmacy or book store near you.