There are thousands of nutrients that our body needs to feed on, and that is expected. From your brain to your heart, kidneys, lungs, bones, eyes, skin, cells, muscles, tissues, et cetera, the list is endless, and it is only expected that all these parts which work together to ensure that one lives healthily need to feed on one nutrient or another.
The body itself produces many of these nutrients. However, there are many that the body cannot produce; hence, it becomes reliant on what you choose to feed it to get those nutrients. This is one of the primary reasons why what we eat is very important, as our body desperately calls for many of these nutrients. Moreover, the body can and cannot store some of these nutrients, so we must continually feed our bodies with them. There is also an essential amount that our bodies must get, and in situations where food alone cannot provide enough, supplements can come in to support them.
From both foods and supplements, there are six essential nutrients that you should never starve your body of if you want to live optimally. Experts at YoursHerbs named these essential vitamins:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is responsible for the proper functioning of all body organs, from the heart to the lungs, kidneys, and even the liver. In addition, it is responsible for the overall health of the immune system, vision, and reproduction. If something goes wrong with just one of your organs, your entire body will be able to tell instantly, and we know that an organ failure is never good news. There are a lot of food items rich in Vitamin A, and they should be in your diet. They include leafy greens, dairy products, broccoli, salmon, organic meat, and mangoes.
Vitamin B
Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12 are the eight different Vitamins B, and they all work together to convert macronutrients into energy. The food items we consume are broken down into a more absorbable form by Vitamin B, which helps provide and sustain energy. This vitamin is also essential for the development and growth of cells. Foods rich in Vitamin B include meat, fish, dairy products, organ meats, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts immune health and protects cells from damage. Smokers need even more intake of this essential vitamin as it helps the body repair any cell damage caused by smoking. Foods rich in this vitamin include fruits and vegetables like oranges and citrus, green and red peppers, broccoli and tomatoes.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone health and also for the immune system. Unlike many other vitamins, food sources rich in this vitamin are limited as it is mostly obtained from sunlight absorbed by the skin. If you do not get to spend at least 15 minutes under the sunlight every day, then you should consider using supplements with this vitamin, as a deficiency can be very problematic.
Vitamin E
This vitamin also functions by protecting the immune system and preventing blood clots. To get this essential vitamin, items like avocados, peanuts, spinach, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ should be in one’s diet.
Vitamin K
This is another necessary vitamin for bone-building and blood clotting. Proteins needed for these include prothrombin and osteocalcin, both dependent on Vitamin K. One should get enough of this vitamin by eating items like lettuce, broccoli, soybeans, dairy products, and leafy greens.
Final Thoughts
It is necessary to maintain the level of minerals and vitamins in order to have good health. After incorporating the necessary items into your diet, it is also advisable to get supplements to provide your body with enough vitamins that your diet did not completely cover.
