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(II) 1 Vitamin B is a water-soluble vitamin. We know that the body’s heat is primarily generated through the metabolism of carbohydrates. The most important role of vitamin B is to act as a coenzyme in this carbohydrate metabolism, enabling it to proceed smoothly. Additionally, vitamin B helps to improve appetite and digestive function, as well as maintain the proper functioning of the nervous system. When the body lacks vitamin B, heat energy metabolism is impaired, leading to the production of acidic substances such as lactic acid, which in turn damages organs such as the brain, nerves, and heart. The series of symptoms that result from this are collectively referred to as \"beriberi\". The main symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation, or diarrhea ; Arrhythmia, myocarditis, general edema, up to the development of heart failure ; A tingling or crawling sensation appears in the feet, distributed in a sock-like pattern; this is followed by muscle pain, decreased muscle strength, reduced skin sensitivity, and swelling in the feet. In severe cases, it presents as irritability, and even drowsiness, stupor, ptosis, and seizures. Vitamin B, which is necessary for the human body, mainly comes from staple foods. There is also plenty of meat and eggs. Originally, the vitamin B content in rice and wheat is not much lower than that in whole grains, but a significant amount of vitamin B1 is lost during the processing into refined rice and flour. The finer the processed rice and flour, the lower their vitamin B content, as vitamin B1 is primarily concentrated in the outer layer of the grains. In comparison, the processing of coarse grains generally does not aim for precision, so their vitamin B content is higher than that of refined grains. (III) Whole grains contain more trace elements as well; this is due to the different levels of processing. The content of certain trace elements in whole grains, such as iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, is higher than that in refined grains. These trace elements have a significant impact on human health. However, whether it is refined grains or whole grains, their content of trace elements is insufficient compared to the body’s needs; they are not considered rich in such elements, and their absorption rate is very low, making it difficult for the body to utilize them. Therefore, it is almost impossible to rely on food to meet the body’s needs for these essential elements, even if all of your staple foods are whole grains. The contents of potassium, calcium, vitamin E, folic acid, and bioflavonoids in whole grains are also higher than those in refined grains.
So where do our trace elements come from?