The 8 Essential B Vitamins

The B vitamins are necessary to keep all of the body functions performing properly. All of the B vitamins are essential for a number of different processes. Without sufficient B vitamins the blood supply would not be healthy and this leads to a variety of illnesses and diseases. The brain needs B vitamins to function correctly and the heart also needs B vitamins to stay healthy and prevent heart disease. Food is broken down into the various nutrients by B vitamins. In fact, just about every organ and process within the body requires at least one form of the B vitamin.

Thiamin, or B1, is the B vitamin that the body needs to keep all of its cells, especially the nerves, functioning correctly. It is especially important for memory and general mental health and is one of the B vitamins that is required to convert food into energy.

Riboflavin, or B2, is the B vitamin that is essential for releasing the enrgy from food that has been consumed. Without this B vitamin the body cannot grow or develop properly as red blood cells will not be as healthy as they should be. Riboflavin also keeps the skin healthy and prevents catarcts.

Niacin, or B3, is the B vitamin that is involved in over fifty processes, ranging from detoxifying chemicals to making hormones and releasing energy from food. Niacin lowers cholesterol levels and has been used in the treatment of depression, insomnia and arthritis.

Pantothenic acid, or B5,works with several other B vitamins for a number of essential processes including breaking down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into energy and is also the B vitamin that is needed to form vitamin D, a variety of hormones, and red blood cells. Vitamin B5 is essential for the health of your central nervous system.

Pyridoxine, or B6, is the B vitamin that is largely responsible for redistributing the amino acids to create over five thousand proteins that are needed by the body and is also one of the B vitamins needed to form various enzymes. Pyroxidine is often used to treat symptoms of PMS.

Biotin, or B7, is one of the B vitamins that are involved in a number of processes within the body, including the breaking down of fats, carbohydrates and proteins into useable energy forms as well as being an important contributor for hair and nail health.

Folic acid, or B9, is the essential B vitamin for aiding in cell growth and division, especially during pregnancy. This B vitamin is also necessary to make natural chemicals which control the appetite, moods and quality of sleep. It is also the best B vitamin for helping lower the chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke by keeping the arteries open.

Cobalamin, or B12, is one of the B vitamins that is important in the process of converting the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy. This B vitamin is also vital in forming the protective covering of nerve cells and to keep red blood cells healthy, and help prevent heart disease.

Where can you find B vitamins? Vitamin B1 can be found in whole grain cereals and bread, and red meats, green leafy vegetables, brown rice, and yeast. Riboflavin can be found in cheese, peas, milk, meat and eggs, as well as whole grain products. Eat protein rich foods such as fish, meats, legumes, peanuts, brewers yeast and eggs for adequate niacin intake. You can find vitamin B6 in liver, meats, brown rice, wheat germ, and whole grain cereals. You can also find vitamin B12 in these same sources, as well as in poultry and milk. And finally, eat meat, legumes and whole grain cereals for vitamin B 9.

Make sure that you get all of your daily intake of B vitamins from these food sources to maintain healthy bodily functions. Next time we'll talk about other important vitamins for your health.