By Enid Hinton


US Department of Agriculture reports that majority of adults are not receiving sufficient nutrients to ensure healthy growth. This has resulted in major health events in their lives to the proportion of an impairment, complication or lifestyle disease. According to the research, in order to be safe you must ask the question what nutrients does my body need and where can they be found. Answering these two questions will guarantee you good health.

Calcium- the daily average requirement is 1,000 milligrams. Calcium is essential in strengthening teeth and bones. The groups that require calcium most based on their biological needs include men beyond 70 years and women beyond 50 years, children and adolescent. The report cites dark leafy vegetables like spinach, fish with bones and dairy products as excellent sources of Calcium.

Potassium- a daily intake of 4000 milligrams is sufficient to cover the potassium required by an adult. Potassium is used to neutralize the effect of salt as well as in regulating blood pressure. Adequate potassium intake will protect you from diseases like kidney stone and such conditions as bone loss. There is plenty of potassium in bananas, yogurt, tomato paste, potatoes and soybeans.

Magnesium- the minimum requirement for an adult is 380 milligrams. Magnesium is used in energy production and also supports the working of arteries, the heart and muscles. Seeds, halibut, other fish, bran and nuts are excellent sources of Magnesium.

Vitamin A- this vitamin is essential for cellular growth and maintenance. With 2,300 milligrams on daily basis, you have enough vitamin A to support embryonic growth, enhance your vision, ensure that adequate red blood cells are produced and guarantee a strong immune system. The vitamin is vital for people between the ages of 4 and 18, alcoholics, vegetarians and those who are obese. The best sources of vitamin A include orange meat, leafy, green and orange vegetables, carrots and fruits.

Vitamin C- 75 milligrams are the recommended amount for an adult on daily basis. Vitamin C is considered an oxidant that assists in fighting diseases. This means that it is vital in boosting the immune system. It also helps in formation of collagen that strengthens connective tissues. Fruits and vegetables are an incredible source of Vitamin C. In specific, it is abundantly found in red and green pepper, guavas, kiwis and citrus fruits.

Vitamin E- a person requires vitamin E to ensure that damaged cells are repaired. It helps in keeping eyes healthy. 15 milligrams every day are enough. They can be obtained from peanut butter, almond, ready-to-eat cereals and some oils. Tomato paste and spinach are also excellent sources of Vitamin E.

Fiber- over 25 grams of fiber are required every day. They can be obtained from fruits, legumes, vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. They keep away diabetes and protect you from coronary heart disease. Fiber also helps in digestion and maintaining a healthy coronary system.

Balancing the essential foods is the best way to maintain a healthy body. This is achieved by eating different foods but not necessarily turning to multivitamins. These foods offer ready nutrients for absorption by the body. A dietary supplement can only be recommended by a doctor if normal foods do not deliver what you require.




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