Wholemeal cereals, especially cereal germs, are full of “Thiamin”, well-known as vitamin B1. This vitamin is mainly found in the germs and in the outer covers of the grain, which are often removed for further preparation, for example for the production of white flour. That is why refined products have significantly lower contents of vitamins.

Vitamin B1 participates in metabolic processes, but it is most important for the unobstructed decomposition of carbohydrates. It is also involved in the formation of “Acetylcholine”, which is an important transmitter in our nervous system. Vitamin B1 contributes significantly in the transmission of impulses from the nerves to the muscles and the regeneration of the nervous system after great strain. Because of its nerve-protecting function, vitamin B1 is very useful for the treatment of all kinds of nerve damage and nerve pain (neuralgia), whether caused by alcohol or diabetes (which are the most common causes of neural damages).

At our latitudes, vitamin B1 deficiencies don’t occur anymore, but they may happen as a result of excessive alcohol abuse. That may lead to disturbances in brain capacity, such as forgetfulness, lack of concentration, sleeplessness and neuritis, even paralysis.

Excellent sources for vitamin B1 are yeast, legumes and peanuts. Also fish, vegetables, meat and mushrooms contribute to a focused covering of the needs. For burning sugar and white flour a lot of vitamin B1 is needed, but these foods do not provide us with any in return. Therefore, sugar and white flour are known as vitamin B1 killers.
In case of a balanced and varied nutrition with daily wholemeal products, your vitamin B1 supply is easily guaranteed.

Source: Dr. Volker Schmiedel, “Fit und gesund mit Vitalstoffen“ (Fit and Healthy with Essential Nutritional Substances), by Gräfe und Unzer, Munich