“B” Energized With The B-Team

By Cliff Sheats

To enhance and extend your energy, make sure you’re getting enough of your B vitamins. They are involved in nearly every reaction in the body, from the manufacture of new red blood cells to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Unfortunately though, cooking and food processing can destroy these nutrients. Plus, emotional stress can cause deficiencies.

Here’s a closer look at five key players on this important “B-team”:

Thiamine or vitamin B1 plays a key role in the production of energy. It is also essential for the maintenance of a good appetite, normal digestion, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract. It has also been shown to enhance muscular endurance. Yet many people are low in this vitamin. Eating foods low in thiamine, cutting calories drastically, overcooking foods – these are a few of the practices that cause deficiencies or destroy thiamine in the body.

The best sources of thiamine are legumes and whole grains. Because this B vitamin is found in a fairly limited range of foods, taking supplemental thiamine is a good idea. All members of the B vitamin team should be taken together to ensure balance.

Riboflavin or vitamin B2 is involved in the breakdown and utilization of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It also plays a role in cellular respiration by working with enzymes to help the body use oxygen. Additionally, riboflavin helps the body absorb iron and maintains the health of the mucous membranes. Riboflavin is found in lean meats, but the amount is small. Additionally, the more active you are, the more riboflavin you need. Supplementation is wise.

Niacin or vitamin B3 has received a lot of attention because of its cholesterol-lowering effect. A prescription form of niacin does help do this. Niacin is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fat, and protein, and is essential for the health of the nervous system, skin, and digestive system. Lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, and fish are great sources of niacin.

Pantothenic acid is a nutrient you do not hear much about, but this nutrient has many roles to play in the body. It stimulates the adrenal glands and boosts the production of hormones responsible for healthy skin and nerves. Like other B vitamins, it helps release energy from foods. It also enhances the body’s ability to withstand stress and aids in the prevention of premature aging.

Pantothenic acid is found in all plants and animals. In addition, it can be synthesized in the body by intestinal flora – so deficiencies are virtually unknown. Refined and processed foods are devoid of this nutrient, and about a third of the pantothenic acid in meat is destroyed by cooking.

Pyroxidine or vitamin B6 is rather amazing because it influences nearly every system in the body. For example, it assists in creating amino acids, turning carbs into glucose, metabolizing fats, producing neurotransmitters, and making antibodies to ward off infection. If you are inactive, extra pyroxidine can help boost endurance by improving VO2 max, a measurement of the body’s ability to burn oxygen. The best food sources of this vitamin are salmon, white meat chicken, tuna, broccoli, lentils, and brown rice – all foods allowed on the Parrillo Performance Nutrition Program.

These B-team players, and others, are found in the Parrillo Essential Vitamin Formula^™. It is suggested that you take one tablet with each of your meals.

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