Essential Nutrition

We all know by now that essential vitamins and minerals are
needed in order to promote good health. Let's explain a little
about both.

There are two types of vitamins: fat-soluble and water soluble
vitamins. The fat soluble vitamins are found in fatty foods
such as animal fats, vegetable oils, dairy foods, liver and
oily fish, while the water soluble vitamins are found in fruit,
vegetables, and grains. The difference between the two is that a
fat soluble can be dissipated by heat or exposure to air. They
can, as you know, lose most of their nutrients when cooked. Fat
soluble vitamins consist of: A, D, E, and K. Water soluble
vitamins include: B6, B12, C, biotin, folic acid, niacin,
riboflavin, thiamin and antithetic acid.

Essential minerals, on the other hand, help the body perform
many important bodily functions. Calcium and magnesium both
help build strong bones and teeth. Iron is needed to produce
red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Other
minerals are needed to assist with the production of hormones,
proteins and amino acids. The hair, fingernails, nerves, skin,
muscles and all the major organs count on these essential
minerals to help them do their jobs.

Unlike vitamins, in which many are water soluble, are easily
and regularly eliminated from the body via the urine or sweat.
Minerals are generally stored in the body until use. Those
individuals who regularly consume a diet that is full of
fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, lean meats, good fats, and
low-fat dairy products usually get the recommended daily
allowances of most vitamins and minerals and don't need
supplements because they have a good storehouse. However,
eating fast food, no food, restaurant food, and high-fat snack
food is the norm rather than the exception for most
individuals. These foods are mostly devoid of their vitamins
and minerals. Vegetarians who eat mainly plant-based diets may
also need to rely on supplements for their needs. By
restricting meat and sometimes dairy from their diets, their
bodies may be severely lacking in essential nutrition.

In these cases, it may make sense to take a mineral supplement.
Before doing so, take time to speak with your physician. Talk
about your typical diet, any known medical conditions and any
prescriptions you're currently taking. After that, you'll both
be able to make a more informed decision about nutritional
supplements.

Select your mineral and vitamin supplements with care. Go with
a name brand you trust or that you're familiar with. Price
shouldn't be the main consideration. It's okay to purchase
online, but research your source first. Look for a supplement
that contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Be sure to
take the mineral only as required. Taking more than indicated
will not double or triple your benefits. In fact, the opposite
may happen. Excessive amounts of some minerals can have toxic
effects. Most importantly, do not rely on vitamin or mineral
supplements to provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
Make time to get nutritional foods into your diet.

Snack on fruits rather than chips. Consume red meat and dairy
in moderation. Add a vegetable to each meal. Something as
simple as a side salad will make a huge difference. Remember
that vitamin and mineral supplements are simply that;
supplements.

About The Author: While engaged in business as an independent
representative for New Vision International
(http://www.newvision.net/efrisbee), Mich Tucker's overall goal
is to help circulate informational information about good health
and wellbeing. "Everyone deserves to live the best life they
can."

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