Sources of Vitamin B1 and Its Functions in the Body

What is vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?

Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is the first vitamin found among the B group vitamins. It is used by almost all cells. Vitamin B1 is responsible for converting food intake into energy. It enables the carbohydrates consumed to be converted into energy. Vitamin B1, like all vitamins of the B complex, is a water-soluble vitamin and must be taken daily as it is not stored in the body. The energy produced by thiamine plays an important role in brain, nervous system, muscle, heart and gastrointestinal functions.

What are the benefits of vitamin B1 (Thiamine)?

Vitamin B1 is a vitamin taken through food. Vitamin B1 has important functions in the body. vitamin B1; It is responsible for converting nutrients into energy and is necessary for brain functions and energy production in the brain. Vitamin B1 also supports various nerve functions. It protects cardiovascular health, supports intestinal and digestive health, and protects eye health. Brain functions such as 'learning' are essential for growth and development. Vitamin B1 reduces the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol, is a powerful anti-oxidant and protects the skin against signs of aging.

In Which Foods Is Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Found?

Thiamine is found mostly in plants. The richest resources are:

• Wheat,
• Whole wheat flour,
• Bulgur wheat,
• Bread,
• Legumes such as chickpeas,
• beans and lentils,
• Nuts such as walnuts, almonds,

Apart from these, since thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin, if foods are cooked in water and then the cooking water is discarded, thiamine loss occurs. At the same time, soda added to meals can also cause thiamine loss. It is very important not to spill the cooking water to avoid loss of thiamine.

Yeast also contains thiamine. Therefore, yeast bread contains more thiamine than unleavened bread.