Sometimes it can be difficult to tell what vitamins and minerals are the most important to maintain a balanced diet. Although there are many “superfoods” like broccoli, you need to make sure that you’re taking in a variety of different vitamins daily. Read on for some great tips to make that happen!
If you are lacking a particular vitamin, it is probably best for you to add that to your diet instead of taking a multivitamin. While there are many different vitamins and minerals in these pills, most of the time the level of particular vitamins is not as high as we need. Buying a single vitamin would be more effective.
The best source of vitamins and minerals are fresh fruit and vegetables. Making sure that you eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruit every day can help ensure you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need to be healthy. For the best results, eat them raw or very lightly cooked by steaming or poaching.
If you are planning on taking any vitamins and minerals, you should try to schedule them around mealtimes. When you eat and digest your food, stomach acid is produced. This can help break down any vitamins you are consuming, which means that they will be a lot more effective.
Vitamin C is one of the most beneficial vitamins that you can take. It promotes tissue growth, reduces cancer risks, helps with blood cell formation and quickens the healing process. Broccoli, peppers, oranges, tomatoes, and a wide variety of other foods are all rich in vitamin C. You can also take a supplement that contains vitamin C.
It is not a good idea to just buy a bottle of the cheapest vitamin/mineral supplement you can find on the shelf. Many of these supplements are made with chemical substitutes of the natural nutrient you need. Before you invest your money in any supplement, do your research so you can make a wise decision.
Make sure you get enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. For multivitamins, you should try to get 100% of the listed recommended daily allowance. By taking the maximum amount, you can make sure you get enough of the required vitamins and minerals in your diet to sustain good health.
Magnesium is necessary for over 300 chemical reactions in the body. Foods high in fiber contain magnesium, including legumes, vegetables, nuts and whole grains. This mineral is used to treat high cholesterol, ADHD, fatigue, migraines, PMS and multiple sclerosis. Magnesium can also be applied topically to speed up healing.
Always tell your doctor if you are taking vitamin or mineral supplements when you are prescribed medication. Some prescribed drugs interact with certain vitamins, which can lessen or increase the effectiveness of the drug. This can have negative consequences on your body if you do not inform your doctor of supplements you are taking beforehand.
When money is tight it is easy to save money by eating cheap, processed foods that are low in vitamins and minerals. Take vitamins regularly to ensure you are able to keep your immune system going and covert fat into energy.
Are you a woman of childbearing age? If so, you may be low in magnesium. In fact, 60 percent of women or more may be deficient in magnesium. Your best it is to talk to your doctor about having tests done to measure your levels, and if you are low, pick up a supplement.
If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to improving your vitamin intake, remember that you don’t have to do everything at once. Start slow and incorporate new things into your diet as much as you can. Before you know it, you will have a complete, balanced diet!