The B vitamins play a very important role in your overall health, right from increasing energy levels, improving cognitive function and cell metabolism, preventing infections and supporting or promoting cell health. Out of all its counterparts, vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) may not be the most popular vitamin, but this little water-soluble micronutrient is the solution to all your low energy woes, and mental health problems like chronic stress and anxiety.
Apart from that it helps your body make red blood cells, boost immunity, reduce signs of aging, lower the risk of autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lessen or manage skin disorders, promote and stimulate physical growth and increase the resistance to various infections, among other important bodily functions.You will hardly ever come across someone who is deficient of vitamin B5 as it is present in almost all foods. That said, it is still important to know its benefits in detail. So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started.
Benefits of Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 is one of the most important B vitamins, which is responsible for a number of important body functions. Without this essential micronutrient, you would be low on energy, suffer from weak muscles and damaged tissue, insomnia, anemia, abnormal skin developments, and intense inflammatory pain in the body to name a few. Let’s discuss some of its primary benefits below.
Provides Energy and Builds Stamina
Vitamin B5 plays a vital role in making red blood cells, which helps to convert the food that you eat into energy, thereby reducing body fatigue and weariness. This way it sets all the metabolic activities of the body on track, improving the stamina along the way. That is why it is an important ingredient in most energy drinks and athletes as well as those involved in physical labour require this vitamin the most.
Alleviates Stress
If you are suffering from chronic stress and anxiety, then perhaps you need to get your vitamin B5 levels checked. Too much of cortisol (stress hormone) can damage the body but when you consume sufficient amounts of pantothenic acid either through foods or supplements, it can regulate the stress hormone and protect the body from the disastrous effects that stress can cause on your body.
Enhances Cardiovascular Health
Vitamin B5 also plays a vital role to improve heart health. It helps to regulate the cholesterol levels in the body. Studies have shown that a chemical made out of vitamin B5, known as pantethine, which when taken daily for a number of weeks can lower the bad cholesterol levels. This way it can lower the risk of heart ailments.
Dermatological Uses
Vitamin B5 also improves skin and hair health. Research suggests that vitamin B5 slows down premature signs of aging such as pigmentation, wrinkling, dark spots, dryness and black spots, among other things. It is an important ingredient in most cosmetics and skin care products that help to keep the skin youthful, supple and soft. It also prevents hair greying and loss.
Bolsters Immunity
Vitamin B5 also gives the immune system protection against a number of infections and diseases. The best way to strengthen your immunity is by eating a well-balanced healthy diet comprising foods that are rich in nutrients, especially vitamin B5. Pantothenic acid is easy to incorporate in your diet as it is found in most vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, legumes, mushrooms, and green leafy vegetables. It is also found in fish, eggs, nuts, milk and other dairy products. You can also obtain it from peanut, molasses, soybeans, and wheat.
Vitamin B5, additionally, helps to improve the hemoglobin level in your body and plays a vital role in cell division and DNA reproduction. Given it plays such an important role in improving cognitive functions, it helps to reduce the long term risk of developing diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimers. Moreover, it helps to manage respiratory ailments like asthma.
If the varied food sources of this important water soluble nutrient are not enough, you can make it a part of your daily life by trying out Wellbeing Nutrition’s Instant Energy Melts, which contains a mix of natural tea caffeine, vitamin B5, sunflower oil, vitamin B6, vegan B12 and sodium as well as potassium - all that promise to give you the much needed energy boost. Just place a Melt’s strip on your tongue and let it melt!