Unless you have a known deficiency, the answer to that question is nearly absolutely: “never.” Nobody thinks about B vitamins – and that could be a mistake.
The vitamins in the B group are responsible for nervous health, mental agility and plenty of other systemic processes. Basically, B vitamins are vital – and plenty of people lack it, often without even realizing it. Vitamin B deficiencies tend to fly under the radar, causing symptoms that are nasty, but mild enough not to require medical investigation. This is very worrying considering that studies have found high rates of vitamin B deficiency in patients with heart failure, and plenty of medical professionals suspect a deficiency in B12 specifically is related to such mental health problems depression.
Keeping the above in mind, we can conclude that B vitamins are important, and it’s highly recommended to ensure you have enough intake in your diet. B vitamins are found in abundance in green leafy vegetables, but an often neglected source of B vitamins is seafood. If you add any of the options below to your diet, you are sure to get a healthy dose of B vitamins – and a very delicious culinary experience…
Shrimp
Shrimp are a superb source of B vitamins, and also make an excellent substitute for meat in many dishes. Rather neutral in taste, prawns can be served in curries, salads or even on their own as a nutritious snack treat. King prawns are the tastiest of all, but the smaller prawns are also nutrient-dense and a cheaper option if you are trying to eat healthy on a budget.
Salmon
Salmon is among the healthiest foods you can eat. As well as being a rich source of B vitamins, it’s also full of beneficial omega-3 acids, which play a vital role in the health of tissues and joints. When cooking with salmon, use it as the ‘star’ of the meal – no need to add complicated flavors. Instead, combine it with easy additions like rice and lemon juice for a delicious treat that also boosts your health in multiple ways.
Crab
A fantastic source of B12 specifically, crab is a flexible ingredient that should be a particular favourite if you are a fan of Thai food. There are thousands of recipes out there, but here it’s Thai style crab curry it is wonderful, and the surprisingly short cooking time makes it an excellent option for weeknights.
Shell
Another B12-rich option, clam in the shell is a culinary delight that’s a popular choice for dinner parties, although it also works well as a casual just-for-you treat. It’s also worth noting that a meal consisting of scallops does not need to be overly complicated; they’re a dining experience unto themselves, so elaborate recipes are unnecessary.
In conclusion
If you add the above foods to your diet then you can B sure of great food and a nutritious boost to your B vitamin intake – enjoy!