Are vegetables good for you? It’s a silly question, right? There’s not much controversy surrounding the health benefits of a tomato. Well . . . unless you choose to eat that tomato on top of a fast-food patty every day.
Today, we wanted to touch on some of the beneficial nutrients that are found in everyday foods that will allow you to get the vitamins you need to maintain good health. The right diet isn’t just tasty, but it will provide you with the energy, bone density, blood flow and general health-related super powers that will allow you to live a more active life.
So here we go! Here are the nutrients that will best build your body.
Calcium. This is a real key for strong bones and as a safeguard against osteoporosis. You’ll find this super-hero nutrient in milk, yogurt, cheese and other dairy products.
Iron. This is one of those behind-the-scenes minerals that nonetheless provides a critical function in red blood cells to prevent anemia. On the food front, iron can be found in fish, nuts, lean meats and leafy vegetables.
Potassium. First of all, it counters the effects of too much salt. It also lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. Best known in bananas, potassium is also found in raisins, milk, oranges and leafy greens.
Beta-carotene. We often think of it as a secret weapon for our eyes, since it helps vision. But beta-carotene, found in carrots, sweet potatoes and green peppers, is an antioxidant that also aids the immune system and helps maintain good skin.
Vitamin E. Besides protecting the immune system, this key antioxidant plays a role in protecting cells from free radicals while slowing macular degeneration. Vitamin E can be found in sunflower seeds, peanuts, eggs and several fruits and leafy vegetables.
These vitamins and minerals have been known to prevent certain cancers and reduce the risk of heart disease. No matter the vehicle, they are essential to every diet. Happy eating!
