Vitamins And Minerals: Essential For Optimal Health

Your body requires vitamins and minerals to help make it work. Vitamins are organic substances made by plants and animals. Minerals are inorganic substances that come from the soil and water. They are absorbed by plants or eaten by animals.

Vitamins are divided into two categories: fat soluble and water soluble. The fat-soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, dissolve in fat and can be stored in your body. The water-soluble vitamins such as C and the B-complex need to dissolve in water before your body can absorb them. Your body cannot store these vitamins so you need a daily fresh supply of these vitamins. Dietary supplements are vitamins, minerals, herbs and other substances meant to improve your diet. They can come as pills, capsules, powders, liquids, injections, as well as absorbent patches. Some supplements play an important role in health. For instance, pregnant women take folic acid to prevent certain birth defects. Taking supplements can also be referred to as a type of complementary or alternative medicine (CAM). When taking dietary supplements, one has to be aware of dosages, labels, and the reasons for the route of administration.

Although you acquire vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat, some foods have more vitamins and minerals than others. Hemp seed oil has been described as Nature's most perfectly balanced oil because it contains the required essential fatty acids needed by the body. Hemp oil is also an excellent source of the LA derivative super-polyunsaturated Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat that helps lower cholesterol. Avocados are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure. Adequate intake of potassium helps prevent circulatory diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. Soy is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is also low in saturated fat.

Your body needs larger amounts of some minerals for growth and health maintenance. Other minerals such as copper, iron, and zinc are called trace minerals because you only need a small quantity daily. Himalayan Crystal Salt is of benefit for those who require a low sodium diet or want to improve their health with a better alternative. Himalayan salt and water (sole) will help detoxify the body and balance the body’s pH. It helps facilitate positive changes to respiratory, circulatory, and nervous system functions. Crystal salt added to your diet provides nourishment for the body. Those who endorse Himalayan Salt include cardiologists, neurologists, dieticians, and health researchers. There are over 84 minerals in the Himalayan salt. The following is a list of just a few of the important minerals found in Himalayan salt that are essential for achieving and maintaining optimal health:

Calcium is vital for building strong bones and teeth. Building strong bones during childhood and the teen years is essential. Getting enough calcium helps to fight against bone loss later in life.

Iron helps red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

Phosphorus helps form healthy bones and teeth. It also helps the body make energy. It is part of every cell membrane. Every cell in the body needs phosphorus to function normally.

Potassium helps with muscle and nervous system function. It also helps the body maintain the balance of water in the blood and body tissues.

Zinc is important for normal growth, strong immunity, and wound healing.

Eat Well Be Well

Most people should be able to get all the nutrients they need by eating a balanced diet. The key is to acquire your daily dose of vitamins and minerals naturally. If you choose to take supplements, it is important to know that taking too much or taking them for too long can cause harmful effects. An educated consumer makes for a healthy consumer.