We all know how important it is to eat our fruits and veggies to get the nutrients we need. We also take supplements from brands like Thorne Research at Supplement First to stay healthy.
But do you know why you need vitamins and minerals? More importantly, do you know what they are and how the effects they do for us? Read on to learn what you must know about the nutrients you take in, whether from your food or supplements like Vital Nutrients at Supplement First!
What are Vitamins?
Vitamins are organic substances classified into two kinds:
- Fat-soluble vitamins dissolve in fat, accumulating in the body.
- Water-soluble dissolves in water before being absorbed by the body, so they can’t be stored. When vitamins are unused, they are excreted through urine.
Since vitamins are organic substances, they are created by plants and animals.
What are Minerals?
Minerals are inorganic elements from soil and water, which plants absorb and animals consume. There are known minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium, but there are more to learn about. There are also trace minerals such as copper, iodine, and zinc, which are bodies actually require in very small amounts.
What Do Vitamins and Minerals Do?
Now that you know what vitamins and minerals are, what do they do?
The real question is: What can they NOT do? These are nutrients that help boost our immune system, support healthy growth and development, help our cells and organs function well, and many more.
For example, vitamin K helps our blood clot, which helps our wounds stop bleeding quickly. This vitamin is found in green leafy vegetables and soybeans. Another example is calcium, which aids in strengthening bones and can be found in dairy products.
How to Get Enough Vitamins and Minerals
The best way to get enough vitamins and minerals is to eat healthily since our bodies require various vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and grow well.
It all boils down to eating a variety of healthy foods to get the nutrients you need daily, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and the like. Avoid processed food and sugar, which may do more harm than good.
When deciding what to eat, read food labels and opt for food high in vitamins and minerals. For instance, when you’re choosing a beverage, compare milk and soda. Milk is a great source of vitamin D, potassium, and calcium. But soda, it’s pure sugar without any nutrients.
This doesn’t mean having to sacrifice all the “unhealthy” food. You can still enjoy your favorite “junk” when dining out, such as opting for vegetarian pizzas, sandwiches with lean cuts of meat, salads, and other similar healthier options.
You may also need to take supplements in case you are deficient in certain nutrients. You can check with your doctor regarding what you must take.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know what vitamins and minerals really are, take the steps to get enough of them daily!