7 Amazing Health Benefits of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5 is an important B-complex vitamin required by the body for the basic processes of life. It converts carbohydrates, proteins, and fat from the food we eat into energy sources.
It also plays an important role in the production of hormones and in building a strong immune system. Deficiency of pantothenic acid is linked to body weakness, tiredness, high blood pressure and increased oxidative stress. For a healthy body, it is essential to get your daily dose of pantothenic acid from pantothenic acid-rich foods.
Health Benefits of Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
Here are 7 excellent reasons to include pantothenic acid-rich sources in your daily diet:
Anti-Acne Effect of Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic acid or vitamin B5 is a promising water-soluble B-complex vitamin that helps in reducing facial acne lesions. It protects the outer layer of the skin against damage caused by environmental toxins.
Pantothenic acid restores hydration and makes the skin soft and supple. Evidence-based studies have found that treatment with pantothenic acid supplements for more than 12 weeks decreased 67% of facial lesions.
Such an effect of pantothenic acid is attributed to its anti-bacterial potential. Bacteria causes acne, leading to skin breakouts and redness of the skin. It reduces acne by suppressing the action of inflammatory compounds and by inhibiting the progression of inflammatory reactions.
Getting an adequate supply of pantothenic via diet and supplements can help in the treatment of acne. (1)
Improves Lipid Profile
Pantothenic acid is safe and effective for individuals with high level of total and LDL cholesterol and high triglyceride level. High level of LDL and VLDL ‘bad’ cholesterol in the blood increases the risk of heart diseases and stroke.
This vitamin inhibits the enzyme that enhances the production of cholesterol in the body. Beneficial micro-organisms present in the gut help in lowering high cholesterol level in the body. It has been reported that pantothenic acid promotes the growth and survival of these bacteria.
Furthermore, pantothenic acid enhances the breakdown of fat in the body, promotes its use for the purpose of energy and reduces the storage of fat in the body. Individuals with altered lipid profile must also focus on the regular intake of pantothenic acid-rich foods in addition to the low-fat diet. (2)
Beneficial For Heart Health
Pantothenic acid plays an important role in keeping the heart in normal working condition. It is very well-known that high level of cholesterol in the body increases the risk of heart health. Pantothenic acid protects the heart by maintaining the cholesterol level within normal range.
This B-complex vitamin further lowers high blood pressure. It widens the arteries and ensures smooth blood flow throughout the body. This reduces stress and workload on the heart and prevents weakening of the heart.
It further maintains healthy heart health by counteracting the build-up of harmful plaque in the arteries. Hence, pantothenic acid is essential for individuals with poor heart health. (3)
Builds Stamina:
Deficiency of vitamin B5 is associated with generalized malaise, a feeling of weakness, discomfort and lack of energy to perform daily activities. The pantothenic acid produces an enzyme that converts the nutrients from the food you eat into energy for the body to use. It increases muscle strength and decreases body fatigue and tiredness. It helps in re-building the tissues and keeps the metabolism functioning at optimal levels. Eating foods rich in pantothenic acid can re-energize your body and keep you active. (4)
Enhances Hair Growth
Pantothenic acid is an amazing vitamin for hair. It boosts proper hair growth and improves the texture of hair by moisturizing it. Besides this, pantothenic acid prevents premature graying of hair and helps in restoring natural hair color.
It further accelerates production of melanin, which provides the hair with its natural color. Pantothenic acid regulates the functioning of sebum glands that keep the hair healthy, shiny and moisturized.
It also fights inflammation and inactivates the action of inflammatory compounds that otherwise damage the hair and affect its texture. Thus, consuming food sources loaded with pantothenic acid can benefit the hair. (5)
Reduces High Blood Pressure:
A deficiency of pantothenic acid is associated with a rise in the blood pressure. Therefore, it is essential to nourish your body with adequate amount of pantothenic acid to maintain blood pressure within normal range.
It acts as a vasodilator which widens the arteries and makes sure that the blood flows smoothly all throughout the body. Such an action of pantothenic acid reduces stress or strain on the inner walls of the arteries.
Furthermore, pantothenic acid is vital for maintaining the optimum function of the adrenal glands. An increase in the blood pressure is observed if adrenal glands do not work properly. Hence, along with low-sodium diets, hypertensives must pay special attention towards the pantothenic acid intake. (6)
Also Read: Ayurvedic Medicine for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Protects Against Inflammation
Inflammation is thought to be the culprit behind various diseases. Pantothenic acid blocks the inflammatory processes and helps in the treatment and management of various diseases and disorders. This vitamin further plays an important role in reducing the concentration of inflammatory compounds.
Pantothenic acid has an antioxidant effect in the inflammatory process. During chronic inflammation, free radicals become more active and cause damage to the body. Pantothenic acid deactivates the free radicals, protects the body and promotes good health. (7)