Vitamins
Vitamins play a central role in a long and healthy life because they are involved in almost all regeneration and protection mechanisms in the body. They help cells protect themselves from oxidative stress, strengthen the immune system, and promote energy production in the mitochondria. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, as well as vitamin D, are particularly effective in reducing inflammation and slowing down cell aging. A balanced vitamin intake is therefore one of the simplest and most effective strategies for increasing vitality and longevity.
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are tiny but crucial substances without which our bodies cannot function. Although they do not provide energy like carbohydrates, protein, or fat, they control countless processes in the body. You can think of them as little tools that kick in when something needs to be repaired, built up, or protected. Without vitamins, our metabolism doesn’t run smoothly, and deficiencies often become noticeable quickly, for example through fatigue, skin problems, or a weaker immune system.
There are 13 different vitamins in total, each of which fulfills its own specific function. Some strengthen the immune system, while others are important for blood formation, energy metabolism, nerve function, or the development of skin, bones, and teeth. The body needs every single one of them to function healthily.
The two groups of vitamins: fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins
There are basically two main groups: fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. They can only be absorbed properly if we eat them together with some fat, for example in combination with vegetable oil, nuts, or avocado. The body can store them in the liver and fatty tissue, so we don’t need to consume large amounts every day. However, this storage capacity also has a downside: if you consume too much of these vitamins over a long period of time, for example through high-dose dietary supplements, they can accumulate in the body and cause health problems.
Water-soluble vitamins
Water-soluble vitamins, including vitamin C and the eight B vitamins, function differently. They can hardly be stored. Anything the body does not need immediately is excreted in the urine. That is why we need to consume them regularly, preferably every day in the form of fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Too much is usually not a problem because the body excretes excess amounts. However, even here, a very high intake of supplements over a long period of time can have side effects.
Vitamins can be thought of as a puzzle: each piece has its place, and only when all the pieces are put together does a complete picture emerge. A varied diet is therefore the best way to provide the body with all the vitamins it needs for energy, protection, and repair processes.
Vitamins can be thought of as a puzzle: each piece has its place, and only when all the pieces are put together does a complete picture emerge. A varied diet is therefore the best way to provide the body with all the vitamins it needs for energy, protection, and repair processes.
Vitamins can be thought of as a puzzle: each piece has its place, and only when all the pieces are put together does a complete picture emerge. A varied diet is therefore the best way to provide the body with all the vitamins it needs for energy, protection, and repair processes.
