Happy & Healthy

YOU ARE LACKING THESE VITAMINS

The January blues is here. I mean, one is doing dry January (and we are not even halfway) and the other has been home for a week with a bruised rib from a coughing overdose. I haven't even mentioned the snow they expect tonight. Crying, because I want to go to Maastricht tomorrow (my eyebrows need a touch-up). Want to get rid of your runny nose, tickly cough, and overall misery? These are the vitamins that will help you through the winter.

Vitamin A (retinol):

1. Why? Vitamin A is important for our gums, skin, eyes, and most importantly: for strengthening the immune system and body growth.

2. Where is it found? In your steak, salmon fillet, or your Eggs Benedict.

Vitamin B1:

1. Why? Vitamin B1 plays a role in the functioning of your heart, your nervous system, and the burning of the carbohydrates we consume daily. Just go for a double portion then, ha!

2. Where is it found? In pork and vegetables, but your oatmeal in the morning also helps you burn those carbohydrates.

Vitamin B6:

1. Why? Vitamin B6 plays a role in the production of red blood cells and is important for the nervous system, immunity, and digestion.

2. Where is it found? Legumes, potatoes, and a cup of quark in between can’t hurt either.

“Want to get rid of your runny nose, tickly cough
and overall misery?”

Vitamin B11 (folic acid):

1. Why? Vitamin B11 is very important when your ovaries start to rattle (yes, present). It is an important vitamin during pregnancy because it plays a crucial role in DNA formation and the production of red blood cells.

2. Where is it found? In vegetables and fruits.

Vitamin B12:

1. Why? Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the absorption and processing of the aforementioned folic acid (vitamin B11).

2. Where is it found? Mainly in animal products. If you are vegan, then a supplement is a good idea.

Vitamin C:

1. Please a triple portion of this for Team Snot. Vitamin C is the most important for better immunity. Also, for keeping blood vessels, skin, teeth, and bones healthy, that daily portion of vegetables and fruits is important.

2. Where is it found? Just bring the bags of oranges into your house. Vitamin C is mainly found in citrus fruits.

Vitamin D:

1. Why? Vitamin D plays an important role in healthy bones and strong teeth.

2. Where is it found? Most of it should come from sunlight. Good reason for a ticket to the sun?

Vitamin E:

1. Why? Vitamin E helps your immune system in the fight against free radicals in your body.

2. Where is it found? This vitamin is mainly found in plant products. An apple with some fresh nut butter is the perfect combo to get a portion of vitamin E. Very annoying.

Vitamin K:

1. A bit less known, but certainly not less important is vitamin K. This vitamin plays a very important role in blood clotting and in metabolism in the bones. Partly, this vitamin is produced by the body itself through the bacteria in our intestines, but unfortunately, this is not sufficient.

2. Where is it found? With an egg now and then and a good portion of green leafy vegetables, you will get your dose of K.