Studies show that many people aren't getting enough of the nutrients their bodies need to function properly. This is mainly because of the poor quality diets we eat and the fact that due to processing, poor handling and other problems, some of the foods just don't have the nutrition we expect.
However, many of these deficiencies can be easily remedied with the use of quality vitamin and mineral nutritional supplements. Let's take a look at some of the nutrients your body needs the most but may not be getting.
Everyone needs a full range of vitamins in order to be healthy, but especially vitamins A, B12, and C because due to the diet we eat on a regular basis, we may not be getting the high quality vitamins necessary for proper function. Minerals are also important, especially calcium, magnesium and zinc, which work together to keep the body strong and running smoothly.
There are also other types of supplements such as herbal extracts and essential fatty acids(EFAs) that some argue are even more important than simple vitamin and mineral blends. EFAs such as DHA and EPA help keep brain and nerve cells functioning properly and herbs such as turmeric and cayenne pepper keep the cardiovascular system running at top level.
Coenzymes and amino acids are also important, as they are the "assistants" that help start up the important processes of the body, such as digestion. For example, CoQ10 helps cells produce the energy needed for growth and development.
Women, especially women of childbearing age, need folic acid, because of its ability to help decrease the risk of heart disease, the number one killer of women. Vitamin A is also vital to good health because it stimulates immunity and assists in the production of hormones, which keep the reproductive system healthy and on track.
Vitamin C is one of the most important for women as it greatly improves the absorption rate of iron and calcium, both of which are vital to women's health. Iron deficiency is very common in women, especially those still having their menstrual periods. Women with iron deficiencies are constantly tired and will often attempt to gain strength by eating more, which can cause weight problems.
Pregnant and nursing women have an increased need for many vitamins, and especially need iron to help support their system as well as their unborn child.. Again, Vitamin C is important here because it helps with iron absorption. Supplementing the diet with folic acid is also important for pregnant women, as it helps decrease the likelihood of babies developing with neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
Vitamin E protects against cell damage and helps in building red blood cells while zinc assists with immune system processes and hormone production. Important supplements for teenage girls closely match those of pregnant women due to the fact that their bodies are growing and changing at a similar rate.
Menopausal and post menopausal women who often complain of hot flashes, irritability and forgetfulness can find help by taking Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), which can be taken as a supplement pill or consumed in the diet by eating fish and flax seeds. Vitamin C makes another appearance, this time using bioflavonoids to assist in the reduction of hot flashes. Vitamin E's antioxidant properties guard against heart disease while Vitamin B5 works with it to help control cholesterol. Magnesium is also very important for women who suffer mood swings or irritability, as it has a natural calming property and the added bonus of keeping your colon clean and healthy.
Men don't have quite the range of changing needs as women, but the supplements recommended to maintain their health are just as important. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to a healthy man's diet, as studies have shown that they may have a profound effect on decreasing the risk of heart disease. Folic acid is important for men too, thanks to its ability to lower homocysteine, which has been linked to the progression of heart disease. Lycopene, also found in the skin of tomatoes, is another antioxidant which is thought to significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer, a major killer of mature men. Magnesium supplementation is also vital to colon health with men, keeping it free of debris and waste products that can irritate the bowels. Finally, zinc is important for processes of the immune system in the body, and it also assists in testosterone and sperm production to keep your reproductive system healthy.
Older people need supplementation to combat the natural decline in production of some of these nutrients that happens as aging occurs. EFAs provide a wealth of benefits and protection against heart disease as well as assisting with memory and cognitive function. Lycopene and other antioxidants are vital to reducing the presence of free radicals in the body, while lutein helps keep eyes and visual function healthy. Calcium is important to keep bones and joints healthy, since the decline of hormones in the body can sometimes lead to loss of bone density, and B vitamins keep homocysteine levels down and can lower the risk of heart disease.
No matter who you are, you can see that it is important for everyone to make sure they are getting their full complement of nutrients in order to stay healthy. A good quality supplement will have all the nutrients you need working together to make sure you get the best benefits possible. Keep in mind, however, that every person's needs are a little different and that investing a little time in some research is a good idea before taking any supplements.
Remember, your health is the top priority!
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