Vitamin U, also known as S-methylmethionine, is a vitamin-like substance but to make it easier for users is simply called a vitamin. It is not particularly well-known, which is perhaps why it's not as well studied by experts as are vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C for example.
Even so, its benefits to human health are undeniable. It is believed that vitamin U is an activated methionine, that is especially active in delivering methyl radicals needed for carrying out syntheses in the human body. It's valued for its effects for problems of the stomach and intestinal lining.
History of Vitamin U
The name of this compound comes from the Latin word for ulcer, ulcus, and the reason for its being linked to it is its beneficial effect on stomach ulcers. Vitamin U began to rise in popularity in the middle of the 20th century, with its name first and foremost linked with American scientist Garnett Cheney. Despite its not particularly long history, the substance has managed in a short time to prove itself as a potent aide in the battle against many insidious and serious diseases.
Sources of Vitamin U
Vitamin U is not created in the human body, it enters it through the food containing it. Certain vegetables are the main sources of this substance. It's possible to obtain it chemically but in that case its effectiveness against various diseases remains debatable.
Valuable sources of the vitamin-like substance are carrots, cabbage, celery, parsley, green onions, asparagus, beetroots, potatoes, broccoli, turnips. But in order for the body to absorb it properly, it's recommended to consume these foods raw.
When cooking vegetables for more than 30 min., there is usually a loss of the beneficial properties of the compound. Not all of the listed plants contain the same amounts of this vitamin-like substance. Curiously, plants grown in warmer countries possess a higher concentration of it.
According to some sources, Vitamin U can be found in food of animal origin also. It's found in notable quantities in raw egg yolks, the milk and livers of animals reared in clean environmental conditions.
Functions of Vitamin U
Vitamin U protects the gastrointestinal lining and aids in its recovery during inflammation. It stands out with its antihistamine and antiallergenic properties. Among its most beneficial functions are its neutralization of histamine, which is linked to ulcers.
Additionally, it is believed to alleviate pain. Vitamin U is also said to normalize acid levels in the stomach, contributing to proper digestion. There are accounts of the substance in question aiding in the faster recovery of skin structure. Vitamin U improves liver function.
Benefits of Vitamin U
According to scientists, vitamin U is unjustifiably shrouded in obscurity, considering its numerous benefits in the fight against all kinds of conditions. As mentioned, it's considered a powerful enemy of stomach ulcers.
Studies indicate that regular consumption of cabbage juice or raw cabbage helps prevent the condition, as well as dealing with it if already present. All it takes is drinking about 4/5 cup (200 ml) of fresh cabbage juice every day.
But that's not all. The vitamin-like substance has healing effects on duodenum ulcers and gastritis. There are also beliefs that it helps against food allergies, bronchial asthma, liver problems.
It protects against infections, boosts the immune system, helps faster recovery of skin diseases and fights symptoms that accompany hay fever. It's been proven to yield positive results for depressive states.
Deficiency of Vitamin U
Deficiency of vitamin U is usually seen in people who don't consume the vegetables containing it. Deficiency of the substance in question leads to a noticeable increase in stomach acidity, which can lead to ulcers or other stomach problems.
Overdose of Vitamin U
Vitamin U is a water-soluble vitamin and does not therefore stay long in the body. As such, any additional dose that gets into our body is thrown out.
This makes it difficult to speak of overdose with this substance. Still, it's not recommended to overconsume food supplements that contain it because they can never replace a varied and wholesome diet.
If you intend to take these sorts of tablets or powders, consult with an expert just in case. If you've already bought similar supplements, read the insert carefully.
Storing Vitamin U
Pharmaceuticals containing vitamin U need to be stored in a dry area, away from sunlight. Keep in mind that the substance breaks down at high temperatures. Additionally, it oxidizes easily. As far as cold, it withstands it well.
Vitamin U Interaction with Other Substances
Vitamin U is not considered an aggressive substance and does not have adverse effects when taking other beneficial substances. In turn, other water-soluble vitamins and medicines do not hinder the absorption of vitamin U.
