Vitamins are complex organic molecules that are required to carry out the normal functions of our body. Minerals are the basic components of all matter and are essential in building the body cells. Therefore, minerals are called building blocks of the body. The body needs vitamins and minerals in order to grow and develop. Each vitamin and mineral has a specific role to play in the human body. Let us answer our basic question, why do we need vitamins and minerals?

Vitamins and Minerals
It is very important to first understand how our body works. Everyday our body manufactures 200 billion red body cells and every 120 days our blood supply is totally replaced. Every 1-3 months our skin regenerates and our bone structure is destroyed and rebuilt within 90 days. Thus, to carry out this major rebuilding of the body, vitamins and minerals are very essential. The answer to the question why do we need vitamins and minerals can be answered as follows:

Vitamin Benefits
Vitamins are divided into two types: fat soluble and water soluble. Fat soluble vitamins are stored in the fat tissues and liver. They can remain in the body up to 6 months. When the body requires these minerals, they are transported to the area of requirement within the body with help of special carriers. The fat soluble vitamins include vitamin A, D, E and K.

Water soluble vitamins are not stored in the body like the fat soluble ones. They travel in the blood stream and need to be replenished everyday. Water soluble vitamins include the vitamin B group and vitamin C. Read the rest of this entry »