Greetings! In today’s class we shall introduce B vitamins! In particular we shall focus on thiamin (B-1).

Vitamin B Complex

This is now known to consist of a group of vitamins some of which have been named thiamin (B-1), riboflavin (B-2), niacin or nicotinic acid, pyriddoxine or B-6, and pantothenic acid. Several others are being studied which may belong to this complex.

It is now understood that vitamin B complex is an important factor in metabolism, and that the need for it is in proportion to the amount of carbohydrate taken. An important source of this B complex is in the germs of the grains which are removed by the modern processing methods, including rice. The bulk of grain carbohydrate which must have the B complex in order for it to be used in the body. Thus a serious deficiency of these vitamins closes the door to the use of carbohydrates even though plenty of it is eaten. This is an example of the dependence of one element upon another, and emphasized the importance of having a balance of all the elements used by the body. One lesson easy to understand is that to use the parts of refined grains and discard the germ and bran is against the law of life. Can you think of any spiritual applications? Let us know in the comments down below.

Thiamine

“a lack of thiamin causes a marked loss of appetite, a loss of tone in the muscles of the intestines, loss in weight, impaired functioning of the nervous system, occurrence of pains and weakness in the limbs, a lowered body temperature, edema, and a slowing of the heart rate.”

Brain and Nerves

When vitamin B1 is deficient, the chief injury caused is to the nervous system and brain; nerve degeneration is the end product, and that is known as beriberi. Some workers believe that the spinal cord is affected with a paralysis in pernicious anemia because this vitamin is lacking.

When nerve vitality is lowered, then come “nerves,” neuritis, polyneuritis, irritability, impatience, fits of temper, and–last of all–a suit for divorce.

If the preacher does not know his vitamins, he may try to patch up with advice, preaching and prayers, situations which can be patched only with vitamins which have been provided by the same God to whom he prays but whose plans for maintaining good nerves have been ignored and violated. Inspiration tells us:

“There is more religion in a loaf of good bread than many think.” {2T 373}The loaf of “good bread” contains all of the elements God put into the wheat kernel and is a protection against nerve degeneracy.

Another serious consequence of deficiency of this vitamin is that the muscles of the stomach and intestines lose their power to cause the peristaltic waves which knead the food and pass it along the tract, and constipation results.

There is a wide variety of foods from which to secure this vitamin, but the whole grains are of first importance. It is not a good plan to indulge in the use of devitalized grains and then expect to make up the loss by taking vitamin concentrates. Rise polishings and wheat germ are rich in this vitamin and will help one to quickly make up his loss.

Excellent Food Sources of Thiamin:

Good Food Sources of Thiamin:

Fair Food Sources of Thiamin:

Stay tuned for next weeks lesson, bring a friend along, and let’s study riboflavin (vitamin B-2)!

*Study Adapted from the book, Abundant Health by Julius G. White