If you are familiar with the impacts that vitamins have on human health, you must have heard of vitamin B. vitamin B complex is composed of a total of eight B vitamins, and each has significant benefits on health. All of these eight vitamins are water-soluble and play important roles in the body’s cellular function. In this guide, we will talk about vitamin B, its health benefits and the sources where you can get this essential vitamin.
Vitamin B Complex
Other than the vitamin B complex, only vitamin C is water soluble, and others are fat soluble. The Vitamin B complex is the most beneficial vitamin and consists of eight water-soluble vitamins that make up the this complex. These eight vitamins are:
- Thiamine B1
- Riboflavin B2
- Niacin B3
- Pantothenic acid B5
- Pyridoxine B6
- Biotin
- Folic acid
- Cobalamins B12
All of these vitamins are important for the functioning of body cells and are found in a wide variety of foods. These vitamins are also known as nervous system supplements as they play an important role in the betterment of the nervous system.
What are the health benefits of vitamin B complex?
Neurological functioning
As discussed above, vitamin B plays an important role in building body cells and is important for the nervous system of the body. It is said that vitamin B helps our brains to run properly. An adequate amount of it in the human body is essential for the functioning of neurons. According to some data, it is also shown that vitamin B6 prevent the risk of neurological disorder.
Cancer prevention
A line of research about vitamin B, vitamin B12 and folate explored that these vitamins are essential for reducing the risk of some types of cancer and heart diseases. Having an adequate amount of vitamin B in the body prevents the development of skin cancer melanoma.
Beneficial for pregnant women
Women who are expectant or breastfeeding should consume enough amount of vitamin B as it is very important for the brain development of the child. Enough vitamin B in pregnant women also reduces the risk of birth defects and the development of preeclampsia. Women who are breastfeeding should take vitamin B through food or supplements after consulting with a doctor to manage energy levels.
Testosterone booster
Testosterone is the male coupling hormone liable for reproduction, growth and maintenance of the male body. However, it naturally decreases with age. B vitamins are known as testosterone boosting supplements and are known to increase the level of testosterone in men.
Stress reduction
B vitamins are helpful for those looking to combat stress. Research shows that this vitamins in the body can significantly benefit the mood and reduce the symptoms of stress in the body. Doctors suggest using vitamin B complex supplements for people having severe symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome CFS.
Lung cancer prevention
Lung cancer is common in men who smoke excessively. B vitamins are known to prevent many types of cancer, including lung cancer. Researchers also believe that having B vitamins in the body may help prevent the growth of the tumour.
Lower risk of stroke
In addition to playing an important role in increasing metabolism and maintaining healthy skin, it is also said that vitamin B is essential for lowering the risk of stroke in the body. A stroke is a situation in which blood clots block the flow of blood to the brain causing the vessel to burst in the brain. A detailed study was performed on vitamin B complex, which shows that vitamin B supplements can lower the risk of stroke by 7 per cent. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking vitamin B supplements.
Beriberi prevention
Vitamin B1, thiamine, is known to play a major role in metabolising food into energy. The deficiency of this vitamin in the body is associated with the risk of beriberi. It is a disease that affects the digestive system, nervous system and heart. Malnourished patients and heavy alcohol drinkers are prone to an increased risk of beriberi. The symptoms of this disease include loss of sensation, difficulty in walking and congestive heart failure. Those who consume alcohol are suggested by doctors to include vitamin B supplements in their diet to prevent the risk of beriberi.
Immunity boosting
The deficiency of vitamin B2 and riboflavin can cause immune deficiency. This vitamin helps the body break down food and use the carbohydrates, fats and proteins to metabolise into energy. This vitamin also plays a role in keeping your skin healthy. Low vitamin B2 can cause migraine and decrease energy levels. To treat acne, boost immunity, and treat muscle cramps and carpel tunnel syndrome, it is important to add vitamin B supplements to the diet.
Healthy hormones
Pantothenic acid, vitamin B5, is essential for everyone age 14 and above. It is needed for several biochemical reactions going in the cells of the human body each day. Including a breakdown of lipids and carbohydrates for the manufacturing of energy. Vitamin B5 is a water-soluble vitamin, therefore should be consumed daily through diet. Vitamin B5 is found in vegetables, such as kale, cabbage, cauliflower, avocado and broccoli.
Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Vitamin B6 is important for the body as it is involved in more than 100 enzyme reactions occurring in the body every day. This vitamin helps the body metabolise the amino acids from food and build new red blood cells. Research also shows that vitamin B6 is essential for preventing the risk of heart diseases. The deficiency of this vitamin can result in memory loss, irritability, depression and difficulty in concentrating. You can get enough vitamin B6 through milk, lentils, shrimp, sunflower seeds, wheat, spinach and salmon.
Final words
Vitamins are essential for the human body in order to keep it healthy and functioning. Vitamin B complex with eight essential vitamins includes all the water-soluble healthy vitamins that have a significant amount of benefits on health. Doctors suggest taking this vitamins through diet or supplements to stay healthy, fit and safe from several diseases, such as heart diseases, cancer and other health issues.
