Why A Good Diet Is Important

If you want to be healthy, improving your diet is the way to do it. [Natural] Foods contain everything that your body needs to function at its finest. Here are the things that your body extracts from the foods you eat.

ANTIOXIDANTS: An “antioxidant” is something that prevents “oxidation.” They help to prevent the signs of aging. They are also, therefore, good for boosting your immune system. Foods which are high in antioxidants, like Vitamin A, C (ascorbic acid), E, zinc, selenium, and coenzyme Q include:

• Root vegetables like carrots, onion, sweet potato, and beets
• Leafy greens like spinach, mustard greens, and kale
• Stem vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli
• Various fruits like apricots, prunes, grapefruit, peppers, and mangoes

Each antioxidant can help with specific functions of the body.

• Vitamin A: can help to strengthen eyesight
• Vitamin E: can help prevent molecular damage

WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS: The B vitamins are a group of water-soluble vitamins that are important to metabolism. You can find them in various proteins, grains, some vegetables and legumes. This includes (along with Vitamin C):

• B1 (Thiamine) helps metabolize carbs and sugars
• B2 (Riboflavin) helps improve circulation (reduce inflammation)
• B3 (Niacinamide) increases energy, essential for DNA repair
• B6 (Pyridoxine) improves neurotransmitter function
• Pantothenic Acid speeds wound healing
• B9 (Folic Acid) lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and birth defects; helps prevent colon cancer
• B12 (Cyanocobalamin) helps improve memory
• Biotin helps improve blood sugar control
• Choline helps maintain and improve brain and memory function
• Inositol helps combat depression and anxiety

FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS: Along with Vitamin A and E the fat-soluble vitamins help to improve structural integrity in the body. They are found in various natural oils as well as leafy green vegetables, dairy products, and fruits.

• Vitamin D: promotes strong bones and teeth. Improves the absorption rate of Calcium
• Vitamin K: Helps blood to clot

MINERALS: Minerals, like vitamins, are naturally occurring compounds that you need but cannot make, and thus must extract from the food you eat.

• Calcium: helps build strong bones and teeth. Found in dairy and leafy green vegetables
• Iron: is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which helps transport oxygen from the lungs through the red blood cells to the rest of the body (improves circulation). Found in red meat and fish as well as various fruits, vegetables, and grains
• Potassium: improves muscle and nervous system integrity. Helps with proper water retention. Found in bananas, potatoes, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes.
• Zinc: improves immune function and promotes cell growth. Found in various animal proteins and legumes.

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To your food heaven

Dominic