Intro

In the early 20th century, Japan faced a widespread health crisis known as beriberi, which was linked to a deficiency in Vitamin B1 (thiamine). This issue arose when the Japanese military adopted a diet heavily reliant on white rice, which had been refined to remove the husk, bran, and germ, stripping away many nutrients including thiamine. Without this essential vitamin, many soldiers suffered from severe fatigue, nerve damage, and heart problems, leading to a significant impact on the health and performance of the military. This historical episode highlighted the critical importance of thiamine in the diet and led to changes in nutritional practices to prevent such deficiencies. Maybe now you understand what a Japanese woman with drift car has to do with all of these? You’ll soon find that if you’re not in the mood of drifting then you probably don’t consume much of this powerhouse vitamin.

Vitamin B1, also known as Thiamine, is important for the nervous system and maintaining a positive mental outlook. It smells and tastes similar to yeast and can be destroyed during cooking, especially when boiling or steaming, but less so when baking.

Thiamine helps turn carbohydrates into energy as part of its role in activating enzymes that manage many body processes. It is crucial for breaking down glucose for energy and also helps nerve signals and uses oxygen in the body. Older people may not absorb thiamine as well.

Cooking, as well as consuming sugar, coffee, tea, nicotine, and alcohol can reduce thiamine levels, so it’s important to make sure you get enough of it.

Like other B vitamins, thiamine should be consumed regularly. Any excess is removed through urine and sweat.

Thiamine is also considered a lifesaver for those suffering from beriberi, a disease linked to thiamine deficiency. It can dramatically improve their health within hours when given via injection.

Thiamine boosts circulation, supports blood formation and carbohydrate metabolism. It is vital for a healthy nervous system and is involved in making certain brain chemicals and stomach acid, aiding in digestion.

It can benefit the brain, potentially helping with depression and improving memory and learning. It supports growth in children and may help with conditions like arthritis and cataracts.

A lack of thiamine can lead to beriberi, and even mild deficiencies can cause symptoms like fatigue, irritability, constipation, and an enlarged liver. Other symptoms include forgetfulness, stomach issues, heart problems, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, nervousness, numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness, and severe weight loss.

People who drink alcohol, use antacids or birth control pills, or undergo hormone replacement therapy might need more thiamine. It’s also necessary for those with depression or anxiety, those who urinate frequently, or those recovering from an infection.

Foods rich in thiamine include rice (unrefined), sunflower seeds, peanuts, wheat bran, beef liver, pork, seafood, egg yolks, and beans.

Thiamine might help with motion sickness and even repel insects when it’s excreted through the skin.

Summary of health benefits

Energy Production: Thiamine plays a crucial role in metabolizing carbohydrates, turning them into energy, which is essential for maintaining high energy levels and an active lifestyle.

Nervous System Health: It supports the proper functioning of the nervous system, which is important for overall vitality and maintaining youthful reflexes and movements.

Muscle Tone: Thiamine is involved in muscle tone in the intestines, stomach, and heart, which can help in maintaining a youthful posture and preventing muscle weakness.

Skin Health: Thiamine helps in the development of myelin sheaths, which protect the skin from damage and aging signs. Proper thiamine levels can contribute to clearer, more vibrant skin.

Brain Function: By aiding in the production of neurotransmitters, thiamine supports cognitive function, which can help maintain sharp memory and mental clarity, often associated with youthfulness.

Heart Health: Thiamine is beneficial for cardiovascular health, helping to maintain the muscle strength of the heart which is vital for longevity and youthful energy levels.

Forms of B1

Thiamine, or Vitamin B1, is available in several different forms, each with specific uses and characteristics:

1. Thiamine Hydrochloride: This is the most common form of thiamine supplement. It is water-soluble and used primarily to treat thiamine deficiency and its symptoms like beriberi. It’s easily absorbed by the body and often used in multi-vitamin supplements and fortified foods.
2. Thiamine Mononitrate: Also water-soluble, this form is more stable than thiamine hydrochloride, making it ideal for fortifying foods because it doesn’t react as readily with other ingredients. It is converted into the active form of thiamine in the body.
3. Benfotiamine: This is a fat-soluble form of thiamine, which allows it to be stored in the body for longer periods. It’s particularly effective in managing blood sugar levels and protecting against diabetic complications because it’s more easily absorbed by the body’s tissues.
4. Sulbutiamine: Developed in Japan, this is a synthetic derivative of thiamine. It is fat-soluble and crosses the blood-brain barrier more effectively than other forms, which can enhance its effects on brain function and energy levels.
5. Allithiamine and other thiamine disulfides: These naturally occurring thiamine compounds are found in garlic and onions. They are fat-soluble and have been studied for their potential benefits in neurological conditions.

Each form of thiamine serves different purposes, with choices often depending on the specific health needs or deficiencies being addressed.

It’s always better to get Thiamine through food since it’s much better absorbable than any supplement but it’s too scarce in today’s diet also the fact that we almost everyone consume sugar or alcohol which is even worse (is the destroyed of the thiamine) then it’s probably a good idea to eventually consume it as a supplement. Me personally always take Allithiamine derived naturally from garlic after every alcohol session when I do have one, on birthdays, events whatever. Good luck and stay healthy!