Monday, July 5, 2010

Importance of Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are present in almost all of our food stuffs. These are essential elements to making us healthy and strong individuals. Vitamins and minerals can be supplemented by vitamin tablets and other pills but the most efficient sources of these are natural organic foods. A good combination of these organic foods can supply individuals with the right amount of vitamins and minerals needed to get through the day and maintain our health.

Vitamins are essential for the growth and health of any living organism. Without the proper amount, the body does not assimilate any of them, and can't effectively do its job.

The definition of minerals is that they are inorganic elements that our bodies need to make and repair hard and soft body tissue and other functions of our body. There are two kinds of minerals in our body, trace elements and major elements. These vitamins and minerals go together to help maintain our bodies and keep it in prime condition.

Vitamins and minerals are needed by people to enable growth and repair of our tissues and muscles.

Here I want to share some common but very helpful importance of Vitamins and Minerals for our healthy life:-

(1) Women,especially at their pre-menopausal stage, need iron supplements the most. Fortified cereals, whole grains, dried fruits, nuts and seeds are important sources of iron. Red meat is also rich in iron but it should be taken only three servings per week. Combination of these iron supplements with ingredients high in Vitamin C will help your body absorb the iron properly.

(2)Vitamin D deficiency leads to rickets in children, and osteoporosis and other diseases in Adults.Vitamin D is very necessary for Cancer prevention.One needs to supplement the body with Vitamin D rich substances like vitamin D-fortified milk and milk substitutes, fatty fish such as salmon, and vitamin D-fortified yogurt.

(3) Calcium, along with Vitamin D, is necessary for bone health. Milk, fortified soy milk, dairy products, almonds, beans, sesame seeds and broccoli are Calcium rich food.

(4) Selenium is a lesser known mineral but it is never the less important. It supports the immune system, reduces inflammation and helps protect from cancer. Sunflower seeds, fish, shellfish, red meat and one Brazil nut daily will give you enough selenium.


(5) Lithium Orotatediffers chiefly from prescription strength lithium based on the ion it is bound to. Lithium orotate has also been used with success in alleviating the pain from migraine and cluster headaches, low white blood cell counts, juvenile convulsive disease, alcoholism and liver disorders.

(6) Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that is believed to protect the brain from damage caused by Alzheimer. It helps you to tackle stress better and also protects you from common cold. A glass of Orange juice, citrus fruits, bell peppers, kiwifruit, papaya, broccoli, dark leafy greens and strawberries will provide you Vitamin C.

(7) Vitamin K plays an important role to strengthen the bones, avoid blood clotting and prevent hardening of arteries. Dark, leafy vegetables are good source of Vitamin K.

(8) Poly MVA is a water and fat soluble formulation and acts as a potent anti-oxidant. It increases the metabolism rate in the body acts as a nutritional supplement generating energy.

(9) Cancer fighting B vitamin folate reduces risk of Alzheimer. It is good for pregnant women as it reduces the risk of having babies with neural tube defects. Spinach helps you get folate. Other sources are beans, peanuts, broccoli, corn, lentils and oranges.

(10) The antioxidant Vitamin E fights free radicals and reduces risk of heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer. Daily intake of nuts and seeds such as almonds and sunflower seeds will provide you Vitamin E.

(11) Intramax is a very powerful therapeutic product and exceptional for those who are ultra hypoallergenic,100% carbon-bond organic microcomplexed liquid trace mineral supplement, plus an all-in-one multivitamin.

(12) The mineral Magnesium helps build strong bones and lower risk of diabetes by enhancing the action of insulin in your body. Beans, nuts, seeds and green vegetables such as spinach are great sources of Magnesium.

(13) Potassium helps to maintain blood pressure. It also helps reduce your risk of stroke. Beans, potatoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, dried fruits, winter squash, cantaloupe, kiwi, orange juice, prune juice and avocados are good sources of Potassium.