The health benefits of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble Vitamin also known as cobalamin.
This is a very important nutrient which keeps the bodies nerves and blood cells healthy.
It also helps to make DNA, the genetic material found in every cell inside the human body.
In today's video we highlight 18 facts and benefits of Vitamin B12, explain how it works
in the body and how you can get more of this into your diet.
1. Blood Cells Vitamin B12 plays an important role when it
comes to helping the body build red blood cells. It works with folate (Vitamin B9) to
produce haemoglobin and healthy blood cells which carry oxygen throughout your body. Unfortunately
over 40% of people are deficient in B12 which can lead to anaemia and weakness.
2. Energy Production People who are deficient in B12 will often
feel tired, weak and have low energy levels. The body cannot store B12 very well, so we
have to get it daily from healthy foods like beef, oily fish or shellfish. Getting more
of this vitamin improves energy levels by boosting oxygen to the cells and helping to
remove waste like carbon dioxide.
3. Depression A common symptom of B12 deficiency is depression
and mood disorders. B12 helps the brain to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter which makes
regulates your mood and makes you feel good.
4. Muscle Health If you feel weak and tired when exercising
then you may be deficient in B12. This nutrient improves nerve signalling, helping to tell
your muscles when to relax or contract. Athletes in particular need more B12 to keep their
energy levels high when working out.
5. Pregnancy If you are pregnant then it is imperative
that you meet your daily requirements for B12 for a healthy child. Studies show that
a foetus's brain and nervous system need lots of this nutrient from the mother in order
to develop properly.
6. Nerve Health Cobalamin also known as Vitamin B12 is absolutely
essential for making myelin sheathe. This is a fatty substance that covers and protects
the nerves in the nervous system, and helps them to communicate. This along with Vitamin
B1, B6 and E helps to support a healthy nervous system and protect against problems like peripheral
neuropathy, tingling in the hands and feet and sharp shooting pains in the toes
7. Brain Health If you suffer with memory problems, brain
fog or poor concentration then Vitamin B12 may help. It has been shown to protect the
neurons in the brain, and may also reduce the risk of Dementia. Taking a natural B12
supplement can improve brain function, along with other B vitamins.
8. Heart Health By boosting the health of the nervous system,
B12 also helps to protect against heart disease. It works with other B vitamins to keep the
heart muscle working properly, and also keeps homocysteine levels low for protection.
9. Canker Sores If you get small yellow/white ulcers inside
the mouth, then you are likely deficient in B12. Eating some shellfish with a little vinegar
is the best remedy for these painful sores.
10. Swollen Tongue Some people suffer with a swollen or inflamed
tongue. The tongue may look smooth because the taste buds (tiny bumps) stretch out and
disappear. This is known as Glossitis and can affect the way you eat and speak. Getting
more B12 helps to heal this problem by improving blood flow and nerve communication with the
tongue.
11. Macular Degeneration Research shows that when you become deficient
in B12, your levels of homocysteine in the blood go up. This can lead to macular degeneration
in the eyes with age, so it's very important to get at least 1.5mcg of this Vitamin each
day.
12. Eyesight Improvement Getting more of this in the diet also benefits
the vision by helping to reverse nerve damage around the optic nerve. B12 also protects
the nerves from future damage and oxidation, as long as you are consuming a diet packed
full of nutrition.
13. Jaundice Those with a B12 deficiency often look pale
with a slight yellow tinge to their skin. Luckily Vitamin B12 helps to produce stronger
and healthier red blood cells which can reverse this problem and give you a natural healthy
looking glow.
14. Immune System Along with other essential nutrients, Vitamin
B12 is vital for the immune system. By producing healthy white and red blood cells, B12 encourages
your immune system to fight off pathogens, harmful invaders, microbes and diseases.
15. Deficiency Over 40% of people are deficient in Vitamin
B12, even those who are taking daily supplements.
Consuming refined foods rich in sugar or flour, such as bread, biscuits, cakes, waffles and
junk foods depletes your B vitamins.
Also, if you have digestive disorders such as acid reflux, gerd, indigestion, IBS, IBD,
Celiac or Crohn's disease then you may struggle to digest and absorb B12.
Taking apple cider vinegar capsules before each meal, helps to strengthen your stomach
so that you can absorb this nutrient better.
16. Antacids If you are taking antiacid medication regularly,
this will neutralise your important stomach acid, leading to a B12 deficiency. You will
also struggle to digest protein, minerals and many other nutrients.
We recommend replacing these with a good quality digestive enzyme supplement, combined with
ox bile salts and apple cider vinegar.
17. B12 Sources The best natural food sources of Vitamin B12
are Chlorella, Liver, Sardines, Mussels and Eggs. Learn more about these in our video
entitled "Foods Rich in Vitamin B12".
18. Supplement If you wish to take a supplement, be sure
to avoid the synthetic version called cyanocobalamin, as this is poorly absorbed. It is also part
cyanide, which is a toxic chemical.
The best natural version is called methylcobalamin, which is bound to protein that the stomach
can break down properly.
As you can see Vitamin B12 is incredibly important when it comes to the nerves, blood and energy
levels of the body.
Remember to always get your nutrients from healthy foods when possible, as they contain
a complex of nutrients which work together.
Vegans, Vegetarians and those on a plant based diet will also struggle to get B12 as it mostly
comes from animal sources. Chlorella is the best plant based source of this, a type of
sea algae.
B12 is not sensitive to heat, light, air or oxygen so it can be safely cooked. However
it is water soluble and can be lost in cooking water.
In our other videos we discuss many other vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are
essential for your health.
To learn more about these please select one of our playlists at the end of the video
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I wish you great health, wealth and happiness.