EZ Melts Health Blog

Reading Time: 4 minutes There are eight B vitamins to keep track of, and all of them are crucial to your metabolism, energy levels, brain function, and well…most functions in the human body.  All eight of these nutrients are found in food, however, millions of people in the United States—and the world—are vitamin deficient, meaning that many people aren’t living at their peak wellness.  There’s a lot of information out there on just vitamin Bs alone, so we’ve made a simplified guide with a snapshot of what systems in your body each vitamin B supports.  Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) For: Kidneys Immune system Cognitive function Nerves Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is necessary for brain function and energy production. It’s also connected to healthy kidney function and immune system function. Thiamine is an essential nutrient that must be obtained from food or supplements; like the other B vitamins, it cannot be made by the body. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) For: Metabolism Healthy organs Immune system DNA/RNA production Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is an essential nutrient that helps with the production of DNA and RNA. It's also needed for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. Vitamin B2 helps with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Vitamin B1 is also found in many foods made with yeast, including beer and baked goods. It's also important for the maintenance of healthy heart muscles and red blood cells.  Vitamin B3 (Niacin) For:  Cell turnover Energy levels Healthy digestion Healthy skin Nervous system You may know vitamin B3 as niacin. It's a water-soluble vitamin that's important for energy production and helps to maintain a healthy digestive system.  Niacin also plays an important role in keeping your skin healthy, as well as maintaining the health of your nervous system. Niacin is found in meat, fish, poultry, and certain vegetables.  Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) For: Hormone production Energy levels Metabolism Healthy organs Vitamin B5 is one of the lesser-known B vitamins. It plays an important role in energy production and metabolism, as well as helping your body maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails. It's also known as pantothenic acid because it can be synthesized in the body from pantothenate (vitamin B5).  Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) For: Nervous system Metabolism Energy production Childhood development Vitamin B6 supports many bodily functions, including growth and development, energy production and protein metabolism, and the nervous system. Many people who don’t eat meat have a vitamin b 6 deficiency, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough if you're a vegetarian or vegan. Vitamin B7 (Biotin) For: Healthy hair, skin, nails,  Metabolism Energy levels Muscle support Cholesterol levels Vitamin B7 (also known as biotin) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in energy production. It's also essential for metabolism, which helps you process the food you eat and turn it into energy.  The main function of vitamin B7 is to help convert carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar), which gives us the energy we need to stay awake and active throughout the day, but is connected to so many other processes as well, including—yes—hair, skin, and nails, which is is most known for.  Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid or Folate) For:  Lower likelihood of birth defects Heart health Cognitive function Nervous system Vitamin B9 (folic acid) is essential for cell growth and repair. It also supports the production of red blood cells, which help deliver oxygen to your tissues. Folic acid is linked to healthy brain function, nervous system health, and heart health. Folic acid is especially important during pregnancy because it is linked to supporting lower instances of birth defects. Vitamin B12 For: Nerve function Red blood cell count Metabolism Energy levels Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps maintain nerve cells and red blood cells. It also helps make DNA, red blood cells, and fatty acids (fats). Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in maintaining healthy nervous system function as well as energy levels. It supports cardiovascular health by helping to maintain a healthy heart muscle as well. This is the B vitamin most people are lacking in their diet, especially vegans and vegetarians.  B-Complex B-Complex is a supplement that includes all eight essential B vitamins. While it’s rare to be lacking all eight of these Bs in your diet, many people today aren’t getting enough of all eight. Covering your bases with a quality B-Complex vitamin might be your best bet if you aren’t sure. Conclusion All these Bs might be making your head spin at this point—but Bs are essential to your health. Simplify the hassle of keeping them all straight by taking a B-Complex supplement. In addition to a well-rounded diet, a B-Complex supplement can help to bridge any nutrient gap you may have with your vitamin Bs.  Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free, and free from the nine most common allergens. We support the planet with the ingredients we use in our supplements. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements. And with our subscription service, it’s even easier to take care of yourself. Use code EZ30 at checkout to save 30% off your first subscription.

Read time: 4 minutes Vitamin B6, as we briefly discussed here, has so many important roles in the health and wellbeing of our bodies. It’s essential to get vitamin B6 through our food sources, because our bodies don’t produce it on our own. Scientists studying evolution believe that over time, mammals (that’s us) evolved to ingest most vitamins and minerals from food sources instead of naturally producing said nutrients within ourselves. For better or worse, we have to ingest B6. Many groups of people can be susceptible to vitamin deficiencies, such as vegetarians and vegans, because a lot of vitamins and minerals are found in meat and animal products. To make it easier to get your B6, and because we are really into the number right now, here are six superfoods to always keep stocked in your home that you can incorporate into a lot of recipes. 1) Eggs We are starting it off with a household staple for vegetarians. Eggs are a fantastic source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. For example, just two eggs contain 10% of your daily recommended value of B6. Eggs are relatively inexpensive and simple to cook. For breakfast, it’s important to get protein and fiber to keep your metabolism revved, your brain focused, and your stomach full for longer. So, try a quick veggie omelet in the morning before work, like this one (vegetables are a great source of fiber). Add all the spices you’d like! If you’re looking for an even speedier breakfast, cut up the vegetables the night before, so you can simply crack your eggs and go! 2) Avocado We hope you’re on the avocado bandwagon, because they are chock full to the brim with fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals you need to support your health. Just one recommended serving brings you 13% of your daily B6. They are also low in sugar and carbs, so if you are carb conscious, avocados are a great option. Keep them on your counter, and when they are soft, spread them on toast with feta and pumpkin seeds, add a dash of pepper and salt, and you’ve got a filling, wholesome breakfast. Looking for a snack before (or during) your evening meal? Try making your own fresh guacamole, served with pita or tortilla chips (we promise homemade is betterhttps://www.gimmesomeoven.com/perfect-guacamole/). It’s a fresh, vibrant addition to any dinner party! 3) Bananas Bananas are convenient, transportable when you’re on the go, and a delicious treat in the morning, noon, or night. One medium banana can provide you with up to ⅓ of your daily recommended value of B6. If you have a sweet tooth, add it into any fruit smoothie recipe you like, or, try slicing and freezing the banana on a cookie tray with a small drizzle of dark chocolate for a lighter version of dessert after dinner. 4) Sweet Potatoes Swap in sweet potatoes in your usual potato dishes, and you’ve got a sweet and savory side dish packed with B6 (about 20-29% of your daily value in one medium sized ‘tate, to be exact). Are you craving something sinfully sweet and crispy? Cut sweet potatoes into snackable strips, throw them in the oven for 20-25 minutes with some salt, pepper, and olive oil, or use an air fryer for crispiness and flavor without compromise. 5) Breakfast Cereals (Fortified with B6) Need a breakfast on the go? Pick up a box of cereal that you enjoy, and check the nutritional facts to see if it is fortified with B6. Many great grain products are. Just make sure to choose one that has minimal added sugar and preservatives—check out the health food aisle in your local grocery store for ideas. Still craving a little sweetness in the morning? Add some blueberries or a sliced banana to your cereal bowl! Bonus vitamins and a healthy way to substitute for sugar. 6) Chickpeas These little guys are packed with a ton of vitamins and minerals. Just one serving contains about 25-27% of your daily value of B6! Stocking up can be relatively affordable and easy. Keep a few cans in your pantry for nights where you want an easy, zesty side dish, like this Mediterrianian-inspired chickpea salad. Looking for a quick, delicious snack? Make or buy hummus, and cut up some veggies or add some crackers on the side. It’s a great way to keep you fueled midday. Just one serving contains 65% of your daily value of B6. EZ Melts Difference Always make sure your nutrition supports your best health, but to ensure you are getting the right amounts, we suggest a supplement like EZ Melts to add to your daily routine. It’s important to have a daily routine of feeding your body the nutrients it needs. Supplements are the easiest and quickest way of ensuring you get the correct amount. Many vitamin supplements are solid and have a ton of chemical additives, which can cause stomach upset, so quality matters. Make sure you are choosing a brand that cares about what they put into their supplements as much as you care about what goes into your body. Thanks for being a part of our community! Check out our Zero-Sugar, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO quick melting vitamin B6 tablets in a customer-approved delicious flavor!  ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens

There aren’t just three benefits to having the right amount of B6 in your body, but for time’s sake, we are keeping it short and sweet. But vitamin B6, as we briefly discussed here, has so many important roles in the health and wellbeing of our bodies, it was really hard to do that! It’s essential to get vitamin B6 through our food sources, because our bodies don’t produce it on our own. Scientists studying evolution believe that over time, mammals (that’s us) evolved to ingest most vitamins and minerals from food sources instead of naturally producing said nutrients within ourselves [1]. For better or worse, we need vitamin B6 benefits to support our brains, heart, nervous system, and metabolism of proteins, just to name a few. Keep reading to learn about what is Vitamin B6 for, three reasons why you should prioritize getting this vitamin, and how B6 literally gave the breath of life to oxygen-breathing species! 1. Despair Beware Right now, it can feel even harder to get up and get going with the pandemic still in full swing. Things are uncertain, and summer is wiling away, with many of us not able to enjoy a lot of the fun warm weather activities we usually do. Good news: vitamin B6 has a hand in regulating your moods, because of its vital role in creating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. In fact, scientists have found that the lack of B6 may explain the manifestation of certain neuropsychiatric symptoms in mental health patients [2]! The right amount of B6 is linked in studies to alleviating symptoms of depression because of its role in creating neurotransmitters [3]. That is surely something to be happy about! 2. Lower Risk of Heart Disease Homocysteine is an amino acid many people get from eating meat. However it is dangerous in high levels, because it increases the risk of heart disease--one of the leading causes of mortality in the United States! In controlled studies, supplementation with B6 can lower homocysteine in adults who are experiencing high levels and are not at severe risk of heart disease [4]. Conversely, it has been found that low levels of B6 can double an adult’s risk of getting heart disease [5]! Conclusion? Make sure to limit a lot of fatty red meats and get your B6. 3. Anemia’s Enemy Don’t have enough B6 fuel in the engine? Your body could develop anemia [6]! This is due to the fact that vitamin B6 synthesizes hemoglobin--yeah, your blood cells! Specific forms of B6 act as coenzymes for an enzyme called ALA synthase, which has a role in creating hemoglobin. B6 also helps oxygen bind more effectively for transport in hemoglobin. This brings us to our final and most interesting point: B6 played a key role in the first ever act of the consumption of oxygen!             The Breath of Life Scientists have made a remarkable discovery: They found that the most ancient and primary act of consuming oxygen for survival was about 2.9 billion years ago! And what’s more, the first process of a living organism using oxygen involved the production of B6, along with its partner enzyme, oxygen-creating manganese catalase [7]. Quite literally, B6 was involved in the breath of life. How cool is that? Dibs on using it for future conversation starter. Make sure to get sufficient amounts of the essential vitamin, and if you suspect you are low on B6 or any other vitamin for that matter, consult with your doctor about taking a supplement to keep your body up and running. The EZ Melts Difference Consult with a medical professional if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms that could be related to deficiency. Monitoring nutrient intake now could prevent more serious conditions down the road--so make sure to get the right amounts your body needs! If you try supplements, see why EZ Melts is better—our vitamins are fast melting, EZ to take, and have a delicious customer approved flavor. Unlike many major vitamin brands, our tablets do not include harmful toxic ingredients, artificial flavors, or GMOs. Try us out and see the difference!  Sources https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beastly-behavior/201809/the-abcs-vitamin-deficiency-uniquely-human-story https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2880949/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15964874/ https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/vitamins/vitamin-B6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17045461/ https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/ss/slideshow-vitamins-vitamin-b6-deficiency#:~:text=If%20your%20body%20is%20very,folate%2C%20also%20may%20cause%20it. https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2012/01/first-oxygen-users   ___ Written by Annie-Eliza Stevens