B I N A R A G A . I N F O

VITAMIN OVERVIEW

In the body, and for general health, growth, and well-being. Vitamins are only required in small amounts and do not supply the body with energy. There are thirteen known vitamins; four fat-soluable and nine water-soluable. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluable which means they will not dissolve in water. Unlike water-soluable vitamins, they are not excreted in urine, but remain stored in the body's fat reserves until they are needed. Since the body stockpiles them, large regular supplements should be avoided (unless prescribed by a doctor), as they may lead to toxic levels accumulating.

The nine water-soluable vitamins are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, biotin and vitamin C. Some water-soluable vitamins are easily destroyed during the preparation of foods, or leeched into the cooking water. Losses during cooking can be minimized by using as little cooking water as possible and by not overcooking foods. Or by steaming or microwaving foods that you would normally boil.