Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Vitamins. Simple organic compounds that are essential to your body's functions. Health stores promote them; we rarely think to take them. But did you know that we need vitamins from outside sources (food), since by and large our bodies can't create vitamins internally? What are the ten most important ones? Well, you've most likely read them on the side of a cereal box or heard them promoted on a television commercial. And did you also know there are ten vital emotional vitamins? Quickly, here are those ten most vital vitamins (and their emotional vitamin partners) you need to consider digesting daily, what they aid in your body and where you can get them:

Vitamin A - AID: This vitamin keeps your skin and your eyes healthy, as well as helps you heal your body; SOURCE: Eggs, milk, liver and green and yellow vegetables. [Your emotional vitamin partner is a Clear Conscience as it assists you in seeing life more clearly and compassionately; it's source is from a healthy dose of humility and reflection.]

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) - AID: This vitamin helps your body break down carbohydrates and keeps your nervous system humming along nicely; SOURCE: Milk, liver, peanuts, and pork. [Your emotional vitamin partner is Reflection as it assists you in centering yourself in your life, right here and now; it's source is from a healthy dose of pacing oneself.]

Vitamin B2 - AID: This vitamin is a factor in your body's oxidization of carbohydrates and amino acids and a key ingredient in some critical enzymes; SOURCE: Green vegetables, liver and other organ meats, and milk. [Your emotional vitamin partner is Forgiveness as it assists you in breaking down the impurities of the daily life; it's source is from a healthy dose compassion.]

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) - AID: This vitamin helps you metabolize carbohydrates and also oxidizes sugars; SOURCE: Peanuts, lean meats, fish and bran. [Your emotional vitamin partner is Courage as it assists you in seeing life with all of its injustices... and standing forward to address each and every one of them; it's source is from a healthy dose of personal hope.]

Vitamin B6 - AID: This vitamin helps in the formation and breakdown of amino acids, the breakdown of proteins and fats, and in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters; SOURCE: Whole-grain cereals, fish, legumes and liver. [Your emotional vitamin partner is Purpose as it assists you in living life fully and with direction; it's source is from a healthy dose of personal faith.]

Vitamin B12 - AID: This vitamin helps you make red blood cells and is important in digestion and the absorption of nutrients; SOURCE: Eggs, milk and liver. [Your emotional vitamin partner is Compassion as it assists you in helping to create a life and a world that holds greater meaning for all; it's source is from a healthy dose of personal understanding.]

Vitamin C - AID: This vitamin keeps your connective tissue, cartilage and bones healthy, and keeps your metabolism chugging alone; SOURCE: Fresh citrus fruits, also cabbage, bell peppers and Brussels sprouts. [Your emotional vitamin partner is Hope as it fuels you through the trials and triumphs of this life; it's source is from a healthy dose of Son.]

Vitamin D - AID: This vitamin helps with calcium and phosphorus absorption in your body (essential for bones); SOURCE: Fortified milk and fish liver oil - also the body uses sunlight to create vitamin D internally. [Your emotional vitamin partner is a Faith as it assists you in living a life of virtue; it's source is from a healthy dose of self acceptance.]

Vitamin E - AID: This vitamin is believed to help your body deal with free radicals, which may fool around with cellular structure if not watched closely; SOURCE: Eggs, cereals and beef liver. [Your emotional vitamin partner is Acceptance as it assists you in better understanding the complexity and variety of Life itself; it's source is from a healthy dose of humility.]

Vitamin K - AID: This vitamin helps your blood clot; SOURCE: Leafy green vegetables and liver. [Your emotional vitamin partner is a Perseverance as it assists you in living life beyond the present struggle, challenge or tragedy; it's source is from a healthy dose of hope.]

Post Note: Did you notice how many of the these vitamin sources (not the emotional partners) can be found in liver? Why is it that all the good stuff is found in something that most of us don't have the stomach for? Bottom line: Stick with taking your multi-vitamin instead!