VITAMIN B1(THIAMIN)

Thiamin is known as “the morale vitamin” because of the beneficial effects it has on the nervous system and morale. People with heart disease have been found to have lower than normal levels of thiamin in their heart muscle.  Beriberi is a condition, which includes symptoms of general weakness and decreased appetite and was found to be preventable if whole brown rice was eaten instead of refined white rice. In 1926 two doctors isolated the active ingredient missing from the refined grain, which was named thiamin.

Thiamin is a very delicate and easily destroyed vitamin. After vitamin C, it is the least stable of all vitamins. For example, alcohol destroys thiamin. Also, people with a low level of thiamin seem to be troubled more by insects.

Thiamin ensures mental alertness. It is vital for the release of energy from carbohydrates, fats and alcohol, and generally aids digestion. During pregnancy, thiamin ensures the correct growth of the fetus.