Vitamin b1 is a water-soluble vitamin. It is also known as thiamine, which has two types, thiamine hydrochloride and thiamine mononitrate.
Like other vitamins, Vitamin b1 plays an important role in our body. The following are its main benefits.
Table of Contents
- Ensure a healthy metabolism
- Maintain heart function and blood flow
- Anti-Alzheimer’s effects
- Protect nervous system
- Lower the risk of developing cataracts
- Lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- Reduce stress
- Boost the immune system
- Aid in cell reproduction and development
- Promote growth and development
Ensure a healthy metabolism
Vitamin b1 keeps a normal psychological function. It helps metabolize carbohydrates, fats and proteins in order to function properly. It plays a major role in converting carbohydrates into glucose, which is used as energy for the body. It promotes digestion in this way.
Vitamin B1 is essential for the formation of ATP by turning food into energy. ATP provides energy to carry out vital functions like pumping blood and breathing. A deficiency of thiamine can cause fatigue and lethargy. Supplementing with it helps to boost energy and metabolism.
Maintain heart function and blood flow
Vitamin B1 is essential for the functions of the heart and of the blood vessels. It is needed to keep a regular heartbeat and for proper circulation of blood in the body, especially to muscles that require oxygenated blood to function properly.
Anti-Alzheimer’s effects
Vitamin b1 is necessary for the creation of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and thought processing. It helps cognitive functions such as memory and cognition. Vitamin b1 may offer protection against Alzheimer’s disease by reducing the plaque that forms in the brain.
Protect nervous system
Vitamin B1 is necessary for the communication between neurons. It helps with the absorption of glucose which is used for energy for cells to communicate properly. Nerve damage, muscle weakness/paralysis can occur if there is a deficiency in thiamine.
Vitamin B1 could help to prevent neuron damage. It has even been shown to protect neurons from degeneration by protecting mitochondria structures that lie inside the neuron cell membrane.
The electron transport chain (ETC) or oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in the mitochondria is required for the production of ATP (energy) required for neuronal communication. Thiamine can help protect this system by enhancing its function and preventing oxidative stress.
Lower the risk of developing cataracts
vitamin b1 can lower the risk of developing cataracts, acting as a sort of antioxidant. Cataracts are one of the leading causes for blindness worldwide, so any intervention to lower their presence is to be considered beneficial.
Lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
vitamin b1 can lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease by preventing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and breathing difficulties.
Reduce stress
Vitamin b1 also plays an important role in combating stress. Vitamin b1 works with other vitamins to maintain hormonal balance by producing hormones like norepinephrine, epinephrine and serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that provides feelings of happiness, satisfaction and relaxation.
Boost the immune system
Vitamin b1 plays an essential role in fighting against infections because it helps build antibodies that fight off bacteria, viruses and other foreign bodies that can cause diseases.
Aid in cell reproduction and development
Vitamin B1 is essential for the production of new cells in the body. It also aids in the development of cells which are important to build bone, nerve and connective tissues.
Promote growth and development
Vitamin b1 is needed for the proper growth and development of the tissues. It helps in keeping cells, tissues and organs of our body healthy. A deficiency can result in loss of appetite, slow growth, weight loss, inflammation, anemia as well as neurological problems such as irritability, depression and confusion.
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