Vitamins are essential micronutrients that our bodies need in small quantities in order to function properly. They perform a myriad of functions in the body like repairing cellular damage, converting food into energy, build bones, protect vision and immunity. Vitamins are not created by the body at all or in sufficient amounts and therefore must be obtained through the diet or supplementation.
There are water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins are absorbed directly into the bloodstream during digestion or as a supplement dissolves. They circulate through the body easily requiring you to replenish every few days.
Fat-soluble vitamins gain entry to the blood via lymph channels in the intestinal wall and travel through the body with protein as their escort.
To get enough vitamins in my diet, I always go for food first and use supplements sparingly. Supplements are not highly regulated and they are manufactured or processed, which means when they’re traveling through the body, the body kinda sorta recognizes that this is a vitamin. It’s particalized. Whereas when you consume a variety of high quality, nutrient dense whole foods, the body is in heaven as it’s direct from the source.
The rice in this photo is pink because I cooked it in homemade veggie broth that was made with beets. Using stock imparts all the goodness from the veggies in the stock into the rice and adds another layer of flavor. Nutrient density FTW!
Do you get most of your vitamins from food or supplements?
Shana Robinson 