Vitamin B1 was discovered by Eijkman in 1897. He observed that chickens that were fed polished rice developed symptoms similar to those of his patients suffering from beri beri. When they started feeding the chickens brown rice, the symptoms disappeared.
He found that something that was present in the outer layer of the rice protected the chickens from beri beri but he couldn’t isolate the compound successfully. Many years after his observation, in 1935, a person called William isolated it in crystalline form, he obtained 5 grams per ton of rice polishings and it was named Thiamine.
Now vitamin b1 is synthetically produced in laboratories at much cheaper price than the natural substance found in its pure state. Thiamine hydrochloride is a white crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water. When it is in powder form it is very stable but when it is dissolved in water it is destroyed very easily.
# Essential For Carbohydrate SynthesisVitamin B1 is an essential cofactor for converting carbohydrates from the foods we eat into energy. After being taken up by the cells, thiamine is converted into biochemically active form called thiamine pyrophosphate. It acts as a coenzyme in 3 major pathways of glucose metabolism. Thiamine also aids digestion and it also improves peristalsis so it helps prevent constipation.
# Has a Protective Effect On Our Nervous SystemThiamine helps provide energy to our nerve cells, this constant supply of energy is crucial to nerve cells to maintain their functions. Thiamine also has a protective effect on the nerve cells. Due to its antioxidative properties, it also prevents cell damage due to hyperglycemia.
# Protects Our HeartThiamine protects our heart and it can also improve pumping power of the heart for people who are experiencing heart problems. It also prevents fluid retention which is common in people who are suffering from heart problems.
# Improves Memory & MoodIt is very important for the normal functioning of our entire nervous system and helps improve memory in people who are suffering from Alzheimer’s. Its deficiency can lead to lot of neurological problems. Thiamine deficiency causes beri beri which affects our peripheral nervous system and it also causes Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome that affects the brain leading to psychosis.
# Prevents Premature AgingThiamine helps maintain normal red cell count and since it improves blood circulation, it helps helps us have a healthy skin. It prevents premature aging and deterioration of cognitive functioning associated with old age. It helps increase our stamina, prevents fatigue and improves our mental alertness too.