Essential nutrients are necessary for optimal human health. We rely on them to survive. These critical compounds most often cannot be made by the body in significant enough amounts and are best sourced from fresh, whole foods:
Carbohydrates
Protein
Fats
Vitamins
Minerals
Water
Macronutrients or “macros” are the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates we rely on for fuel. Micronutrients are the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to maintain optimal health. With these, a little goes a long way — except water, of which we need a whole lot.
Carbohydrates
When choosing carbs, don’t just go for white bread, potatoes, and pastries. Fuel up on vitamin-rich carbs like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains like steel-cut oats and brown rice.
Protein
Don’t just stick to meat as a protein source of your healthy diet — fish, nuts, dairy, soy-based foods, beans, seeds, eggs, and vegetables are valuable sources of protein, too. Strive for diversity in your diet to get a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Fats
There is no RDA for fat intake, but healthy fats remain essential to keep your body going. You’ve heard about “good” and “bad” fats.
Good fats include the unsaturated varieties:
monounsaturated
polyunsaturated
Less healthy fats include:
saturated
trans fats
Trans fats are so unhealthy that food manufacturers are practically prohibited from using them.
Focus on unsaturated fats; these are found in oily fish like salmon, as well as oils made from plants (such as olive and walnut oil). Other significant sources of unsaturated fats to fuel up on include nuts, like almonds and pistachios, and seeds, like flax and pumpkin seeds. Avocados are also a healthy source of unsaturated fats.
Fats help you absorb important nutrients that are necessary to support overall health.
Vitamins
Vitamins fortify our bodies. They support our immune system while optimizing our overall health.
“Each vitamin and mineral supports a variety of functions in the body. They are absorbed and metabolized in different ways,” says Giancoli. “Vitamins often work synergistically.” She adds, “For vitamin D to be absorbed and utilized, you also need vitamin K.”
While the vast majority of vitamins are water-soluble, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble and are found in the oils and fats in foods. These important vitamins are best absorbed when they are in the presence of dietary fat. So get your fat-soluble vitamins from high-fat foods like seeds, nuts, avocado, and coconut.
Minerals
Important minerals that play a role in our bodies include:
Calcium – Found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, as well as leafy greens.
Chromium – Found in broccoli and liver.
Copper – Found in oysters, nuts, and shiitake mushrooms.
Iron – Found in red meats, poultry, and spinach.
Magnesium – Found in dark chocolate and avocados.
Manganese – Found in beans and legumes, oatmeal, and brown rice.
Molybdenum – Found in legumes, whole grains, and dairy products.
Potassium – Found in bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, spinach, and broccoli.
Sodium – Found in the salt we season our food with. Just don’t overdo it!
Zinc – Found in meats, shellfish, legumes, seeds, nuts, and eggs.
These minerals help perform essential functions such as supporting circulation, immune function, and bone health.
Water
Water is arguably our most vital nutrient. We won’t survive long without it. Not only does water help transport nutrients throughout the body, but it also helps us regulate body temperature, and serves as a lubricant for our joints and internal organs.
Having adequate fluid within the tissues of the body is essential for optimal body function. Insufficient fluid intake or excessive fluid loss can contribute to dehydration. Your daily water needs depend on how much you eat and drink as well as your physical activity.
Did you know that Probiotics are live microbes that have certain health benefits. They may help restore healthy gut microbes, which can benefit many aspects of your health. Probiotics aid digestion and improve nutrient absorption. Read more: https://www.proweightlossprogram.store/post/benefits-of-probiotics-in-reproductive-health You should also have a copy of PN Guide that will help you learn what healthy food to eat and portion your meals based on your diet and preference. You will be needing a set of Healthy Recipes so that you won't have to worry for your meals. Plan your meals ahead... Join Proweightloss Program NOW! We offer one-on-one lifetime coaching session for FREE!
Message us!