Did you know that you can eat a healthy diet and still be nutrient deficient? Being deficient in certain nutrients actually can prevent your body from receiving the fuel it needs to function at an optimum level.
In honor of National Nutrition Month, we will look at 5 nutrients your body needs for better health.
1. Water
Water is the most important nutrient out there.
After all, you can survive for weeks without food, but only a few days without water.
So why is water important?
Firstly, water regulates you body’s most important functions, and it circulates and delivers nutrients to your cells. Secondly, water helps remove waste products from your body through urine and sweat.
So, grab a bottle and stay hydrated! Also, choose to eat more foods that contain water.
2. Iron
A significant percentage of iron is found in your red blood cells and muscle cells.
The iron in your blood is critical for the transportation of oxygen from your lungs to your tissues and carbon dioxide from your tissues to your lungs, while the iron in your muscles enables the absorption, storage, transportation, and release of oxygen.
Iron also plays an important role in energy production, respiration, and immune function.Sources of iron include fortified cereals, lentils, lean beef, and turkey.
3. Folic Acid
Folic acid is a B vitamin (B9) that is found in plant foods such as spinach, whole-grain cereals, legumes, peas, broccoli, and pasta.
This nutrient plays an important role in cell production and maintenance, as well as in stabilizing your DNA and RNA in order to minimize the chance of reproductive issues and cancer.
Folic acid is also crucial for pregnancy (women trying to get pregnant and women who are in their first trimester) as it helps minimize birth defects.
4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that prevents enzyme degradation caused by oxygen, as well as enhancing iron absorption.
This nutrient is also known to boost immunity, quicken healing from wounds, prevent sickness, treat sickness, maintain skin elasticity, improve bone strength, and promote muscle tautness.You can consume Vitamin C through oranges, broccoli, strawberries, bell peppers, potatoes, and cabbage, among other fruits and veggies.
5. Protein
Last but not least is protein, which is an energy source made up of amino acids (the building blocks of all cells).
Proteins make up around 17% of our body mass, and assists in enzyme production, antibody production, and hormone production, as well as in tissue repair. Lean meat, seafood, poultry, beans, nuts, legumes, eggs, soy products, and seeds are all excellent sources of protein.
Include these nutrients into your daily diet and enjoy the benefits of improved health.
and supplement the health benefits you are getting from your new diet.