The most important Vitamins for autumn
Autumn is coming slowly but surely and the first cool, wet days are just around the corner. Now especially, your immune system is vulnerable to flu and cold viruses. With these four vitamins, you can strengthen your immune system and prepare yourself as best possible for the onset of the cold season.
Vitamin C: Shortens colds
Vitamin C is responsible for the metabolism and building up the immune system and is one of the most well-known vitamins. Vitamin C is often recommended to prevent colds. Although this can only be proven to a certain extent, the fact is that if you make sure you have a good supply of vitamin C, you can at least shorten the time a cold lasts. The vitamin is found naturally in citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli and apples.
Vitamin D: The sunshine vitamin
Vitamin D is important for strengthening the immune system and plays a role in fighting infections and inflammations. Vitamin D also plays a vital role in bone health, helping to absorb calcium in the intestines and storing it in the bones.
The main source of vitamin D is sunlight on the skin. Due to the shorter days and lower levels of sun exposure in autumn and winter, the risk of vitamin D deficiency increases.
Vitamin A: For healthy skin and mucous membranes
Vitamin A helps to maintain vision. In the darker seasons in particular, it is important to ensure that sufficient vitamin A is absorbed in order to be able to process light stimuli better. This vitamin also prevents the skin and mucous membranes from drying out, making it harder for viruses to spread and reducing the risk of colds, flu, etc.
Important: Vitamin A occurs naturally only in animal foods. But our bodies can also create it by themselves. If we take beta-carotene, our body uses it to produce vitamin A. Pumpkin, carrots and kale, for example, are rich in beta-carotene, appropriately for autumn.
Vitamin E: Protection for our cells
Vitamin E is important for cell growth in the body and helps to protect cells from oxidative stress. It intercepts free radicals and plays a major role in protecting blood vessels. Vitamin E also plays a crucial part in the functioning of our immune system. Nuts, avocados, fatty fish and vegetable oils in particular contain this important vitamin.
Dietary supplements: Seek medical advice before taking
Just as a lack of vitamins is not good for our health, an overdose can also have a damaging effect. Adverse interactions with medications cannot be ruled out either. It is therefore important to discuss the use of vitamin supplements with a doctor in advance.
