Vitamins

They are essentials chemicals, required by the body in small quantities. The body cannot produce them so you need to supply them externally.

They are 2 distinct groups: water-soluble ( the B group and folic acid ) and fat-soluble ( A, D, E and K). The water-soluble dissolve in the blood and tissue fluids: they cannot be stored for long. The fat-soluble can be stored by the body in the liver and fatty tissues.

The amount of daily intake required varies according to age, sex and occupation. Other factors such diet or lifestyle also influences the bodys requirements. Some chemicals contained in many widely consumed substances- alcohol, cigarettes coffee , aspirin, the Pill- use a lot of bodys resources.

They can be destroyed during storing, processing or cooking. The water-soluble are vulnerable to heat; they will get destroyed during cooking. Fat-soluble are more stable but can be sensitive to light and air. Freezing does not damage too much their qualities.

This article is inspired by the book Vegetarian Cookery.
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