As winter grows closer there has never been a better time to invest in our overall health and give our bodies the boost they need to get through winter illnesses and infections such as common colds and flu. As well as a diet packed with tasty nutrients and things our bodies need, vitamins offer a brilliant boost of goodness to our bodies. Vitamins can help us in several ways, from helping with energy and fatigue to helping our immune systems.
Here are the best vitamins to take this winter to give your body the boost it needs.
Vitamin D
One of the vitamins our bodies miss most in winter is Vitamin D, as a large portion of our intake comes from our skin absorbing this from sunlight. With reduced sunlight and shorter, darker days, it is no surprise many of us might need a little boost to see us through the winter months. Vitamin D not only serves our bodies with immune-boosting properties but also serves our minds in helping with our mental health, promoting positive improvements to combat seasonal depressions. Vitamin D occurs naturally in oily, fatty fish but outside of this, there are few opportunities to get enough of this vitamin organically. For this reason, most of us could benefit from taking vitamin D throughout the winter, but those following strict vegan or vegetarian diets may benefit more than others.
Vitamin D typically comes as a small tablet taken once a day in conjunction with a balanced diet. While there are liquid versions available the most common form is a tablet, which tends to be the more cost-effective and convenient option.
Vitamin C
Most of us are familiar with vitamin C as a product of oranges and orange juices, as a promoted benefit of consuming both these products. However, many of us are not getting the right amounts of this nutrient in our diets. Although Vitamin C is present in a lot of other foods such as broccoli, strawberries, and peppers our bodies might not absorb all the nutrients from these foods as we break them down and use them alongside other ingredients in recipes and dishes. Supplementing our diets with additional Vitamin C benefits our bodies’ ability to fight infection and illness with more power and improves the healing and maintenance of our bodies. The key areas that vitamin C impacts are the teeth, bones, skin, and immune system however, it also contributes towards overall health.
There are several types of Vitamin C supplements; traditional tablets, pre-mixed liquids, powders and, dissolving tablets. The liquid or dissolving forms are argued to absorb into the body easier however traditional pills seem to be slightly more convenient and cost-effective.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is one of the lesser-known supplements but still plays a key role in the function of our body and our brain. Vitamin B12 is found predominantly in meat products which can mean that some people following meat-free diets may find they need an additional supplement, however, B12 is a common component many of us are missing in our diet.
B12 helps us regulate our blood and nerve cells and supports the absorption and function of Iron in our bodies, preventing anemia. Vitamin B12 also helps us regulate our energy production and usage, making us feel less lethargic and tired which can be an unwelcome side effect of dark winters.
Iron
Iron occurs naturally in many foods that we eat including red meat, dried fruits, and beans. However, it can still be difficult to get all of our recommended intake from diet alone, which is where iron supplements come in. Iron supplements help with the general function of our bodies, with special emphasis on energy, digestion, and immune system regularity. It is important that we get the right amount of iron as too little or too much can be equally as damaging to our health. Before introducing iron supplements into your diet consult a doctor or physician to discuss the best practice for your body and your health.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the essential vitamins our body requires to function properly. The key functions of Vitamin A is heart, lung, and liver health, but it also has other benefits which help our bodies in other areas.
Vitamin A supports eye health, preventing age-related eye concerns and vision problems. Amongst its many other benefits, this vitamin helps protect your skin against conditions such as acne, supports regular and healthy bone development, and helps support a strong immune system.
In total, there are 13 essential vitamins that our bodies need, in varying amounts. Vitamins all contribute to the overall health of our bodies and help keep the body functioning properly. Nutrition should be something we all think about, considering the different ways we can boost our diet to help our bodies to perform at their best. Vitamins and supplements are sometimes the answer to this question. Although they should never be used as a replacement for a varied diet. Instead, vitamins or supplements should be used as a way for us to fill in the little gaps between our diets and our vitamin intake.
If you think supplements might be the right choice for your body, speak to your doctor or a professional who can give you advice on getting the best results.
