Wrote by Stephanie Oswald Certified Health Coach (IIN, graduated 2014) and an Registered Holistic Nutritionist.
B-Vitamins are essential for many everyday functions within the body. They are critical for adrenal health, conversion of food into energy and the oxygenation of the body, helping us feel energetic and vital. B-Vitamins help us maintain the health of our nerves, skin, eyes, liver, hair and mouth. They act as Coenzymes, helping enzymes react with other substances in the body and aid in healthy brain function and digestive tract muscle tone.
There are 8 B-Vitamins;
- B1 (Thiamine), helps the body create new healthy cells, breakdown carbohydrates, covert food to energy and protects the immune system.
- B2 (Riboflavin), has antioxidant properties which help the body combat harmful free radicals; it is also important for the development of red blood cells, oxygenation of the body and can even help prevent migraines.
- B3 (Niacin), helps boost HDL cholesterol levels which helps keep LDL cholesterol levels in balance.
- B5 (Pantothenic Acid), aids in the breakdown of fats and carbohydrates for energy production, sex and stress hormone production, promotes healthy skin and helps the body cope with high levels of stress.
- B6 (Pyridoxine), helps regulate homocysteine levels, effects mood and sleep because it aids in serotonin, melatonin and norepinephrine production.
- B7 (Biotin), helps maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.
- B9 (Folate), helps prevent depression and memory loss, helps regulate homocysteine and supports the growth of baby in utero.
- B12 (Cobalamin), works synergistically with B9 to produce red blood cells, aids in the utilization of iron and helps regulate homocysteine levels.
B-Vitamins like to work synergistically, preforming best when together. Food sources usually contain many of the B-vitamins and in nature they are never found in isolation. Because they like to work together, a deficiency in one B-Vitamin often signifies a deficiency in another. They are water soluble and not stored very well, so they need to be replenished daily. B-Vitamins are found in a variety of whole foods like whole grains, avocado, leafy greens, eggs, poultry, etc. Deficiencies are fairly common and occur very easily especially in times of stress, fasting, dieting or in those consuming a highly processed diet or excessive amounts of sugar or alcohol.
Due to the depletion of nutrients in our soil, cooking methods and how long our food travels before we consume it, we may not be getting adequate amounts of each B-Vitamin daily. Taking a B-Complex supplement can help you ensure you are covering all of your basis and meeting your daily needs. Because the B-Vitamins work so well synergistically, a complete formula is very important. Land Arts B-Complex takes into consideration the different ratios of each vitamin for optimal daily dosages. It is also a liquid formulation, so it is absorbed quickly and easily within the body for optimal results.
B-Vitamin Rich Fruit Smoothie Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp. Land Art B-Complex Original liquid
- 1 peeled banana
- 1 green apple cored
- 1 pitted peach or nectarine
- 1 cup coconut water
- ½ cup ice
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- Handful spinach *optional
Directions:
- 1.Roughly chop peach and apple.
- 2.Place coconut water to blender, add ice, Land Art B-Complex, banana, apple, peach, spinach and vanilla protein powder.
- 3.Blend on high until smooth and well combined (about a minute).
- 4.Enjoy!
Resources:
- “Staying Healthy with Nutrition.” Author: Dr. Hass, MD. USA; 2006 edition. Pg. 109-134
- Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Professionals; National Institutes of health [NIH]
- “The Vitamin and Mineral Counter; The essential guide to healthy eating.” Author: Jody Vassalo. Burnaby, BC; 2001. Pg.10-13
- “Prescription for Natural healing, Fifth Edition.” Author Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. USA; 2010. Pg. 20-26