Vitamins
Vitamins are generally divided into two basic groups, the fat-soluble and the water-soluble vitamins.
The fat-soluble are A,D,E, and K. They are found in foods of the fatty varieties, since fats are needed to transport, absorb and utilize these vitamins within the body.
Their main function is to protect the cell membranes, (cell outer wall) to enable the billions of cells within the human body to breathe and receive valuable health maintaining nutrients.
Fat-soluble vitamins are stable in temperature changes, hence less likely to be damaged during cooking or freezing, however deficiency can occur if the body has problems absorbing them via the intestinal tract, along with fatty foods.
Unlike the water-soluble vitamins, the fat-soluble vitamins can be stored within the body (liver). Whilst a diet low in these vitamins can cause ill health, excess fat-soluble vitamins can cause a state of toxicity, so avoid an excess of these vitamins, especially in the form of supplements.
Water-soluble include the vitamin B complex group and vitamin C. Excess water-soluble vitamins, are passed through the body via the urinary tract, as these vitamins are not able to be stored by the body. Modern eating habits, high in refined carbohydrates with excess sugar, lead to a deficiency in the B complex vitamins, and as such these should be taken regularly.
Water-soluble vitamins are not generally stored within the body for any length of time. They are absorbed easily, as they do not rely on the presence of fat or bile to aid absorption.
RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) is the amount of each vitamin we need to prevent such problems such as Rickets or diseases such as scurvy, not the amounts that our bodies actually need.
As with today's world full of pollution and mass-produced genetically modified chemically feed foods, it is obvious that both vitamin and mineral intakes need to be supplemented in another form.
Aim to get your vitamins from both fresh foods, ideally organic and quality vitamin supplements.