The B6 vitamin, also known as pyridoxine, part of the vitamin B complex group of eight vitamins that work synergistically to help convert the food we eat into energy. Our body needs these vitamins to work properly.
Together, B vitamins promote central nervous system functionality and protect the health of the eyes, hair, liver, and skin. The vitamin B6 also plays an important role in heart health and preventing cancer of the colon and rectum.
Available in a wide variety of foods, let us see what are the main benefits and through which sources of food we can enjoy vitamin B6 .
B6 Vitamin Health Benefits
1.Vitamin B6 Reduces Cardiovascular Risk
A deficiency of vitamin B6 is considered rare but can cause serious health problems. A deficiency of vitamin B6 increases risk of many cardiovascular disease. Thus, adequate intake of vitamin B6 could protect the heart.
2.Vitamin B6 Prevents Colon Cancer
Among its many functions, vitamin B6 acts as a coenzyme in dozens of biochemical reactions that help the body to stay healthy. Researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have collected a set of data from previous studies to investigate the association between vitamin B6 intake and levels of this vitamin in the blood with reduced risk of colon cancer. Higher levels of vitamin B6 may prevent this type of cancer. The researchers intend to delve deeper into this topic. The study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2010 .
3.Vitamin B6 Protects Eye
The high levels of homocysteine in the blood are associated with an increased risk of macular degeneration. Vitamin B6, and other B-complex vitamins help lower homocysteine levels and protect eyesight. The folic acid and vitamin B12 are also useful for reducing elevated homocysteine levels possible.
4.Vitamin B6 Protects the Brain
The Vitamin B6 is known for its importance in protecting the brain and central nervous system. In particular, it is believed that it can protect brain functions and prevent degenerative central nervous system diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer. It is considered useful also in cases of depression, mood disorders, premenstrual syndrome and chronic headaches.
Food Sources
How to take vitamin B6
First of all, it is best to take this vitamin through natural foods. through food. In acute deficiency initially, supplements are recommended by the physicians.
The symptoms of the deficiency are dry skin, dry hair, difficulty in concentrating, irritability, insomnia and vision difficulties.
As per the Food and Drug Administration, the daily amount of vitamin B6 to be taken is usually 2 milligrams.
Food Rich in vitamin B6
There are so many foods that contain vitamin B6 . Among the foods of animal origin are the meat, cheese, salmon, and seafood. But vitamin B6, however, is not only present in foods of animal origin. The vegans can acquire them in legumes such as beans and lentils, in dark green vegetables such as spinach and kale, carrots and wheat-based products, with particular reference to the flour whole wheat for the meal and the wheat germ.
Other vegan sources of vitamin B6 include: potatoes, cabbage, banana, cantaloupe, avocado, nuts, and pod.
