So you are eating a rainbow of food. Do you know why you should have a variety of food on your plate or what all the benefits of the vitamin and minerals are? Well, continue reading to find the answers.
Potassium – this electrolyte aids in balancing the fluid in the body and controlling the electrical activity of the heart and other muscles.
Manganese – is necessary for brain and nerve function. It helps the body form connective tissue, bones, blood-clotting factors and sex hormones. It also plays a part in fat and carbohydrate metabolizing, calcium absorption and blood sugar regulation.
Folate – also called vitamin B9, it aids in DNA synthesis and repair. Folic acid is the synthetic version. It is a key compound in red blood cell development. White blood cells are also made with folate supplements.
Iron – plays a role in the production of hemoglobin and red blood cells. It also helps to metabolize proteins and eradicate different causes of fatigue.
Calcium – is needed by the body to build strong bones as well as used by heart, muscles, and nerves to function properly.
Potassium – provides relief from stroke, blood pressure, heart and kidney disorders, anxiety and stress. It also enhances muscle strength, metabolism, water balance, electrolyte function and nervous systems.
Copper – is a trace element necessary for survival. A majority of it is found in the heart, liver, brain, kidneys and nervous system. Copper helps form collagen, increases absorption of iron and plays a part in energy production.
Zinc - there are more than 300 enzymes that require zinc to function normally. It also helps with the function of the immune and digestive systems, reduction in stress, control of diabetes, energy metabolism and increased rate of healing in wounds and acne.
Selenium – is a trace element important for cognitive function, healthy immune system, and fertility for men and women. It is found in a variety of foods from Brazil nuts to seafood and organ meats.
Phosphorus – helps maintain strong bones and is important for metabolism and nutrient utilization. It balances the body’s pH levels and improves digestion. Phosphorus is needed for cognitive function and to maintain energy levels.
Biotin – also known as B7, helps to balance blood sugars, maintains healthy hair, skin and nails and cardiovascular system. B7 also supports thyroid, adrenal function, and a healthy metabolism.
Antioxidants – include some vitamins that are found in fresh fruit and vegetables, prohibit the oxidation (aging) of molecules in the body. They help to improve the health of your skin, heart, and eyesight.
Magnesium – is a multi-tasker in helping the body by increasing energy, aids digestion, prevents osteoporosis and severity of migraines, calms nervousness and anxiety, relieves muscle ache and spasms and it helps regulate levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium.
Thiamine – or B1 is an important vitamin needed by the body. It is a coenzyme that used by the body to metabolize food for energy and to maintain heart and nerve function. It also helps to strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin A – benefits include improved eye health, boosted immune system, as well as helping in the formation and maintenance of teeth, bones, soft tissue, white blood cells and mucus membranes.
Vitamin K – is a fat-soluble vitamin that is most well-known for the important role in blood clotting. It is absolutely essential for building strong bones, preventing heart disease and crucial parts in other bodily processes, like healthy brain function.
Vitamin C – is responsible for collagen, the glue that holds the body together. It is water soluble which means we can’t store it in our bodies so need it daily in our diets. It helps in the treatment of common colds, lowers hypertension and boosts the immune system.
Vitamin B6 – helps the body turn food into energy. It is mostly known for helping to maintain a healthy metabolism, nerve and liver function, skin and eye health as well as a range of skin conditions.
Vitamin B12 – is a water soluble vitamin good for overall health, like helping support adrenal and nervous systems. It helps in the production of DNA for new cells and healthy red blood cells.
Vitamin E – is a fat-soluble anti-oxidant that is most widely known for its protection against toxins such as air pollution and slowing down the aging process of cells. It also aids in the treatment of heart disease and blood pressure.
Choline – is a water soluble nutrient related to folate and the B group vitamins. It’s important for liver function, brain development, nerve function, muscle movement, and supporting energy levels and a healthy metabolism.
It is an overwhelming list of minerals and vitamins but the best thing is that the foods you eat contain multiples of these nutrients so as long as you keep eating that rainbow of food you will have a balanced diet and keep your body functioning at its best.
Here at Lakeside Chiropractic, we go beyond the spine, we help visitors get their bodies back on track to be the best they can be. We are located in Joondalup 6027, central to Perth northern suburbs like Mindarie 6030, Alkimos 6038, Eglington 6034, Woodvale 6026, Hillarys 6025 and Yanchep 6035. We are a Medibank preferred provider but we do accept other Private Health Funds.
Please call us for an appointment on 9300 0095 or visit our website lakesidechiro.com.au to book online.
