We all know that vitamins and minerals are good for us, but how important are they when it comes to our health? Which ones do we really need to make it through the day? Just to give you a taste, there about 30 essential vitamins and minerals your body needs to operate — and they all need to be consumed as a part of your diet.
Can you think of those 30 vitamins and minerals off the top of your head? Chances are, you’re missing out on at least a couple of the nutrients your body needs to be operating at peak efficiency. Now, most of these vitamins and minerals will find their way to you through your typical diet, but there are ten crucial vitamins and minerals you need to make sure you’re getting to live a healthy life.
Vitamins and Minerals | What Are They?
Let’s get the basics out of the way: vitamins and minerals are essential to life. Without them, your body wouldn’t be able to function. They work in together, assisting your body with everyday functions.
What’s the Big Difference Between Vitamins and Minerals?
Vitamins are organic substances — they are in just about anything you eat. Both vitamins D and K are produced by your body, but you still require outside sources to reach a healthy amount.
Because of their organic nature, food preparation can change how you receive your vitamins. Something as simple as cooking or improper storage can break down the vitamins before they get to your body — so take care with your daily nutritional practices!
Unlike vitamins, minerals are inorganic substances — they are found in water and soil and are absorbed by plants, working their way down the food chain via animals. Their inorganic nature means you don’t have to worry about food preparation.
Vitamins and Minerals | What They Do to the Human Body
Discussing all aspects of what vitamins and minerals do for the human body would take quite awhile. So, to keep it simple, here are a few of the main things they assist with:
- Help to build bones
- Heal wounds
- Strengthen your immune system
- Repair cell damage
- Clot blood
- Convert food into energy
Sounds important, right? Without a steady stream of the right vitamins and minerals in your diet, you could be missing out on the various health benefits they provide. So what vitamins and minerals should you consume? Let’s take a dive into the 10 main vitamins and minerals your body needs.
10 Vitamins and Minerals Your Body Needs
Vitamin A
Supports your vision, immune system, and heart health. Not to mention, Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant — combating free radicals in your body.
B Vitamins
B6, B12, riboflavin, niacin — just to name a few. Eight B Vitamins work to maintain metabolism, fight disease, and support your nervous system.
Vitamin C
Known mainly as a deterrent to the common cold, Vitamin C is actually essential for many body functions, including the immune system and synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Vitamin D
One of the few vitamins your body naturally produces, Vitamin D is necessary for cell growth and calcium absorption.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is known for many things, but the main purpose is for blood clotting and coagulation.
Zinc
Almost a wonder drug of a mineral, Zinc plays a critical role in immune function, as well as protein formation, nervous system health, and your senses.
Iron
Iron is found mostly in the hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells). It is used to transport oxygen to various tissues.
Calcium
Found in most dairy products, this robust mineral is essential to bone growth and hormonal secretions.
Potassium
Necessary for fluid balance and the breakdown of carbohydrates, Potassium is an essential mineral for heart and overall muscle health.
Magnesium
Your body uses Magnesium for over 300 biochemical reactions! Blood regulation, bone health, and nerve functionality are all tied back to this mineral.
Get the Vitamins and Minerals You Need With Healthy for Life
As I’m sure you’ve figured out by now, all of the information about how vitamins and minerals affect your body can easily get overwhelming. There are so many small facets of one’s health that can be overlooked without even realizing it. And while you may strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle and ingest all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, we understand it can be tough to reach that balance day after day.
That’s where Healthy for Life comes in. It's our goal at Healthy for Life to provide people with the necessary information and supplements needed to get the most out of their health and life.
If you enjoyed this piece, make sure to download our eBook for additional information on safeguarding you and your loved one's health.