When it comes to feeling your best, what you eat plays a major role.
Your body relies on a variety of vitamins and minerals to function properly, supporting everything from your immune system to your mood.
Let’s explore the top 10 nutrients your body needs and where you can find them:
1. Vitamin A:
- Why You Need It: For sharp vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin.
- Get It From: Sweet potatoes, carrots, and spinach.
2. Vitamin B Complex:
- Why You Need It: To turn food into energy, keep your nerves healthy, and produce red blood cells.
- Get It From: Whole grains, poultry, and beans.
3. Vitamin C:
- Why You Need It: To fight off illness, produce collagen for healthy skin, and act as an antioxidant.
- Get It From: Citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers.
4. Vitamin D:
- Why You Need It: For strong bones, a resilient immune system, and to keep your mood up.
- Get It From: Fatty fish (like salmon and tuna), fortified dairy products, and eggs.
5. Vitamin E:
- Why You Need It: To protect your cells from damage, boost your immune system, and keep your skin healthy.
- Get It From: Nuts and seeds, spinach, and avocado.
6. Vitamin K:
- Why You Need It: For proper blood clotting and strong bones.
- Get It From: Leafy green vegetables (such as kale and spinach), broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
7. Calcium:
- Why You Need It: For strong bones and teeth, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
- Get It From: Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods (like orange juice).
8. Iron:
- Why You Need It: To transport oxygen in your blood and for energy production.
- Get It From: Red meat, poultry, beans, and lentils.
9. Magnesium:
- Why You Need It: For muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and bone health.
- Get It From: Nuts and seeds, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables.
10. Zinc:
- Why You Need It: For a strong immune system, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
- Get It From: Red meat, poultry, beans, and nuts.
By incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can ensure you’re getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs to thrive.
If you’re struggling to meet your nutrient needs through diet alone, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about the potential benefits of supplements. Your body will thank you for it!