Why Pantothenic Acid (B5) Is So Important
Vitamin B5 is water soluble, which means that the body does not store it, and so pantothenic acid must be replenished daily. It’s found widely in the foods we eat, including vegetables and fruits, meats, dairy products, legumes, seafood and whole grains.
A deficiency of vitamin B5 can lead to muscle cramps, skin irritations, insomnia, and an increase in stress and anxiety, as well as vomiting, weakness and fatigue, burning foot syndrome, and upper respiratory infections.
It’s especially necessary for the production of energy. The body uses B5 to synthesize Coenzyme A, or CoA, which is required by our bodies for life itself! CoA is found throughout the body, and it has even been suggested that it may be linked back to the very origins of our existence!
It also helps reduce bad – LDL – cholesterol from the body while increasing good – HDL – cholesterol. Vitamin B5 also helps metabolize fats and proteins. It is needed to assist in bolstering our immune systems.
Studies suggest that pantothenic acid may also reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. Combined with vitamin C, studies also show that vitamin B5 may also assist in healing wounds, especially those following surgery.
It has also been shown that pantothenic acid may help lower the effects of depression, anxiety and stress. It works in conjunction with the adrenal gland which produces a wide range of hormones, and helps support and keep this gland in optimal working order.
Finally, B5 is necessary for the metabolism of fat.
Vegetables and Fruits High in Pantothenic Acid
There are quite a number of rich sources of B5, including shiitake mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, button or crimini mushrooms, asparagus, sweet potatoes, beet greens, turnip greens, bell peppers, celery and cucumber.
The list of good sources of pantothenic acid is a long one! It includes avocados, corn, papaya, collard greens, winter squash, raspberries, Brussels sprouts, carrots, watermelon, grapefruit, pineapple, oranges, cranberries, spinach, Swiss chard, summer squash, fennel, tomatoes, cabbage, mustard greens, sea vegetables, bok choy and romaine lettuce.
INGREDIENTS
- My Favorite Delicious B5-Rich Juice & Smoothie
- 2 Sweet Red Bell Peppers
- 1/2 Cucumber
- 1 Button Mushroom
- 1 Papaya
- 2 leaves of your favourite Green – Kale, Collard, Beet, etc.
- For a smoothie add 1-2 cups of your favourite milk – dairy, almond, rice, coconut, etc.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 20 oz.