This winter, it's essential to keep your health on track, and the best way to do that is by ensuring you get all the vitamins you need. If you need to figure out which vitamins are essential to your health, look no further!
We've put together a list of 8 vitamins you should add to your diet this winter. Whether you get them from a health shop or your local grocery store, ensure you have these eight essential vitamins to stay healthy during the colder months.
1) Vitamin A
Vitamin A is essential for a healthy immune system, good vision, and strong bones. It helps to protect against infection and can help with the growth of healthy skin and hair.
This vitamin can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and apricots. It can also be taken in supplement form if you cannot get enough of it through diet alone.
2) Vitamin B
Vitamin B is essential for your overall health and well-being. It helps with energy production, metabolism, and healthy cell growth. B vitamins are water-soluble, so your body can't store them for long.
They must be replenished through your diet or supplementation. Familiar sources of B vitamins include legumes, whole grains, eggs, and dairy products.
If deficient in any of the B vitamins, you may experience fatigue, decreased appetite, and depression. Get enough B vitamins from your diet or supplement to keep your health on track this winter.
3) Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps your body protect itself against infection and disease. It helps with tissue repair and collagen production, making it vital for healthy skin, bones and teeth. Vitamin C also boosts immunity and helps to reduce inflammation.
Getting enough Vitamin C can help to prevent colds, flu and other illnesses. Good sources of Vitamin C include citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and grapefruits, broccoli, peppers and dark leafy greens.
4) Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for keeping your bones strong and healthy. It helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus, two crucial minerals for bone health. Your body produces vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, so it’s essential to ensure you get plenty of sun during the summer months.
You can also get vitamin D from foods such as fish, eggs, fortified dairy products, and mushrooms. If you’re not getting enough Vitamin D through diet and sun exposure, consider taking a daily supplement.
5) Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient that helps to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps to keep skin and eyes healthy.
Vitamin E can be found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and green leafy vegetables. A vitamin E supplement can help ensure adequate intake of this vital nutrient.
6) Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health. It is vital in helping your body make the proteins necessary for clotting and keeping your bones strong. Deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to osteoporosis, excessive bleeding, and even death.
The best sources of Vitamin K are dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale and some vegetable oils like soybean oil and canola oil. Other sources include eggs, dairy, and fermented foods.
It is important to note that Vitamin K is fat-soluble and needs fat to be adequately absorbed. So, pair these foods with healthy fats like olive oil or avocado for maximum absorption.
7) Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a vital role in energy production and metabolism. It's essential for healthy skin, nails, hair, and the digestive system.
Biotin can be found in various foods, including eggs, liver, fish, nuts, and legumes. You can also take biotin supplements to get the recommended daily amount. Taking biotin can help keep your skin, nails, and hair healthy and ensure your digestive system is functioning correctly.
8) Folic acid
Folic acid is an essential B vitamin that helps the body make healthy new cells. Pregnant women need to get enough folic acid to help prevent significant congenital disabilities of the baby's brain and spine.
It's also essential for everyone to get enough folic acid because it makes red blood cells, which help carry oxygen throughout the body. Foods like leafy green vegetables, oranges, whole grains, and beans are all excellent sources of folic acid. Taking a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid daily can also help ensure you get enough of this critical nutrient.
Conclusion
It’s essential to ensure you take the right vitamins to keep your body healthy and functioning optimally. Taking the recommended daily allowance of these vitamins will help you stay strong and healthy despite the cold weather. Taking proactive steps to visit healthily will help you have a great winter season!
Author’s Bio
Stephanie is a Criminologist by profession but a writer by heart. An experienced freelance writer and ESL teacher. She always wanted to become a writer and loved the idea of writing for a living. Anything that permits her to explore this passion, she's willing to try out.