Overview

A vitamin is an organic compound required as a nutrient in tiny amounts by an organism. A compound is called a vitamin when it cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must be obtained from the diet. Thus, the term is conditional both on the circumstances and the particular organism. For example, ascorbic acid functions as vitamin C for some animals but not others, and vitamins D and K are required in the human diet only in certain circumstances.

Vitamins are classified by their biological and chemical activity, not their structure. Thus, each "vitamin" actually refers to a number of vitamer compounds, which form a set of distinct chemical compounds that show the biological activity of a particular vitamin. Such a set of chemicals are grouped under an alphabetized vitamin "generic descriptor" title, such as "vitamin A," which (for example) includes retinal, retinol, and many carotenoids. Vitamers are often inter-convertible in the body. The term vitamin does not include other essential nutrients such as dietary minerals, essential fatty acids, or essential amino acids, nor does it encompass the large number of other nutrients that promote health but are otherwise required less often.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

The Fitness and Happiness Connection

In a recent Time Magazine cover story titled Why Exercise Will not Make You Thin , author John Cloud presents evidence for the theory that the more you practice the support You get hungry, and the less likely you will lose weight. His arguments seem to humans to give up exercise as a whole aligned. Unfortunately, the article has very little insight into the positive relationship between movement and joy.

Even if the dietary habits to prevent weight loss, there is no denying that sports is an important part of good health. It is well documented that aerobic exercises can make you happier, because they are the body's production of endorphins, the chemicals that you may be a feeling of increased well-being and even euphoria. Exercise can also sleep better able to fight mild cases of depression and increase your self-esteem.

Finding time to practice is not always easy, but for people who do the jobs that are within the acceptable idle hours, it is important to find a few hours a week for the exercise thereof. Create a fitness plan is a way to ensure that you stay motivated to exercise regularly. A good fitness plan should include these three components of balanced exercise: aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility training.

Aerobic Exercise

This type of exercise gives the heart a workout. It consists of physical activities that accelerate the heart rate and respiration for at least 20 minutes. Cycling, running and swimming are the major forms of aerobic exercise. Team sports such as tennis and basketball, you also get a good aerobic workout, and the development of machines such as treadmills, cross trainers and Exercycle. You can avoid boredom in your fitness plan by selecting between different forms of aerobic exercises.

Strength Training

Besides the heart, other muscles in the body also need a workout. Strength training with weight machines and free weights to the muscles of the arms, legs and trunk tone. Yoga and Pilates can also be used for strength training. Another advantage of the training is to build up muscles that prevent the loss of bone mass and slower the onset of osteoporosis.

Flexibility Training

Flexible can prevent injuries and improve performance for aerobic activities. Stretching on a regular basis is one of the best ways to remain flexible. Most gyms offer flexibility and stretching class and there are also DVDs that are used to learn how to stretch properly. In addition to stretching, lots of activities to promote flexibility, including karate, dance, gymnastics, Pilates and yoga.

A balanced fitness program should be more sessions per week from each of these three types of sports. Note that you are not a top competitor in a sport in order to benefit from it - is enough to participate only on a regular basis. Apart from looking and feeling better, you will gain a sense of performance by focusing on new challenges. Investing time in a fitness program is one of the best ways to ensure happiness and a feeling of well being.

 

Are You Happy?
TheHappySelf.com: Personal Transformation for Thinking People
http://www.TheHappySelf.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Dylan

0 comments: