If you eat healthy, balanced meals, kudos to you. Many find it difficult to do so, but secondly, that means you are getting in a variety of nutrients that your body needs to stay at its best. If you aren’t one of those super-dedicated people, then, unfortunately, you could be lacking in these nutrients. That means your immune system might not be as strong, your bodily functions won’t work as effectively as they should, and you may not feel your absolute best. This is why it’s so important that we eat a variety of healthy foods to ensure we are not missing out on all the benefits that different nutrients can offer.
Below we will highlight five key nutrients that your body needs to be as healthy as it can be.
5 nutrients your body needs
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, but unfortunately, many of us simply don’t get enough of it. This is because vitamin D, although found in food, is better absorbed when obtained through sunlight. Therefore, not only should you be consuming vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish, but also heading outdoors more.
Magnesium
Magnesium is involved in over 300 bodily processes, with its biggest one being energy production. If you’ve been feeling tired and sluggish, it could be due to a lack of magnesium. Surveys have shown that nearly 20 percent of people are low in magnesium because they are not getting enough in their diet. Furthermore, magnesium is easily lost as we sweat. Nuts are a good source of magnesium, so if you’ve been sweating a lot, fuel yourself with some nuts to regain what you may have lost.
Calcium
Another nutrient essential for bone strength, calcium is most commonly found in dairy products and plants. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, as mentioned, along with broccoli, fortified cereal, seeds, and almonds.
Iron
Women are at a higher risk of iron deficiencies due to their menstrual cycles. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen around the body. High iron foods include red meat, dark leafy greens, organ foods, legumes, and lentils. To boost iron absorption, ensure you ingest iron-rich foods with vitamin C.
Probiotics
Probiotics can help improve digestive health by promoting good bacteria in the gut. Probiotics can be found naturally in foods such as fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut. To further promote gut health, it’s important that you also ingest prebiotics, which are found in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
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