Vitamins & Minerals In Food
We all need certain vitamins and these should be easy to get from a healthy and balanced diet. Do you know what comes from where in order to create a balanced diet?
An essential part of a balance diet, vitamins and minerals are present in all fresh foods in some form. Whether youre eating meat, fish, fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced diet or taking nutritional supplements to compliment your diet, you can ensure you get the right amount of each type to promote good health and fitness.
Without these essential vitamins and minerals, malnutrition can occur whereby nutrients arent absorbed properly by the body. This can be due to poor diet or a medical condition such as malabsorption.
Where Can I find Vitamins?
You can find vitamins and minerals in almost all foods. Vitamins are considered to be complex organic substances that can be divided into two min categories: Fat soluble and Water soluble. Originally classified by their letters (A,B,C and so on), they are now referred to and categorised via their chemical names.
The body can produce some vitamins and minerals but for the many that it cannot, the main source is through your diet. Sunlight provides you with vitamin D (also called calciferol) and about five minutes on your face and hands provides you with 100% of your RDA and dietary or nutritional supplements can compliment your diet if you don't always eat a well balanced diet.
What Are Minerals?
Minerals can be defined as inorganic substances required for bodily processes such as the formation of bones and teeth. They make up an essential part of nerve functions and enzymes and constitute part of your body fluids and tissues. Calcium and selenium are examples of nutrients that the body requires. Sodium is another. Some are required in larger quantities than others and those needed in small amounts are known as trace minerals.
Are Free Radicals Dangerous?
Free radicals are the major dangers to the body. They are formed by the body and smoke can act as one of the catalysts. They can be combated by utilising the nutrients ingested in your diet. Antioxidants help to mop these up and effectively prevent them from doing your cells any damage. This can help to prevent some cancers from developing.
Making Sure You Get Your Vitamins!
Again, it is clear that without these vital components in our diet, we would have serious health issues. Some are necessary for the body on a daily basis such as ascorbic acid while others are stored within the body, such as retinol. Exceeding the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for any of them is unadvisable and can lead to health problems. Getting the right amounts is the key and this can help you to sustain your ideal weight through a sensible diet and exercise routine.
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