What Exactly Are Vitamins And Minerals?
Vitamins are organic compounds that your body needs for normal growth and health maintenance but can't make and must get from food or supplements. For example, essential vitamins include:
Vitamin A (Beta Carotene) – helps regulate the immune system. Good sources include carrots, peppers, green leafy vegetables such as spinach
Vitamin C – essential for the healing of wounds, and the repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth. Good sources include citrus fruits, tomatoes and spinach.
Vitamin D – helps maintains bone health and the absorption of calcium. Most common sources are vitamin-fortified dairy products and cereals. Fat-soluble vitamins like A and D tend to accumulate in the body and become toxic in large amounts. Water-soluble vitamins like C are flushed through the body on a daily basis.
Minerals are inorganic substances necessary for the body to function properly. For example, essential vitamins include:
Iron – helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Sources: green vegetables, beans, poultry and red meat. Best sources are supplements.
Calcium – considered one of the most important minerals for the growth, maintenance, and reproduction of the human body. Best sources are supplements.
Potassium – helps with muscle and nervous system function and helps balance water in blood and tissues. Sources: bananas, other fruits and vegetables.
Zinc – helps in the proper functioning of the immune system and plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Sources: red meat and supplements.
Magnesium – helps with muscle and nervous system functioning and the production of energy and protein. Sources: fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
A well-balanced diet will often provide the right amount and type of vitamins and minerals for the body although certain groups of people (young children, pregnant women, and older people) may benefit from additional vitamins and minerals in their diet.