3.2.2.1 Vitamins GapFill

Vitamins are organic molecules needed by the body in  largehugesmallidentical amounts. They can be divided into two groups. The first group includes vitamins A, D, E and K which are soluble in  fruitmicromoleculesfatalcohol. These vitamins are  not storedstoredantioxidantslost in the body and their excess is often toxic.

The second group includes group B vitamins and  fruitrubellavitamin Dvitamin C, which are soluble in  wateracidalcoholurine . These vitamins are  storednot storedantioxidantslost in the body, but instead their excess is removed from the body with urine.

Vitamins A, C and E are also  actorsalbuminsactivatorsantioxidants. This means that they protect the body from  water activityfree ionslactosefree radicals , help to slow down ageing and prevent cancer.

Most of the vitamins are very fragile and are destroyed when treated with  antioxidantslow temperatureairhigh heat, acid or sunlight. It is best to  grate vegetables in advancedeep-fry vegetablesbuy pre-cut vegetablescut vegetables only when needed and shorten cooking time to lower vitamin loss during cooking.

The number of vitamins needed by a healthy person is stated by the   Ministry of Social CareCommittee for WellbeingBritish Nutrition FoundationEuropean Union. It is important to consume adequate amount of vitamins to avoid health issues such as  obesityherpesrubellarickets and  osteoporosisvitamin Crubellahypertension when eating too little vitamin D, or  arthrosisricketsarrhythmiaanaemia when eating too little folic acid.