Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diet. Show all posts

Sunday, 17 April 2016

Understanding Vitamins And Mineral's Properties And Uses ( Micronutrients )





Hello everybody!:) I hope everyone is well and are having a lovely week. Today's blog post topic is based more on general health , rather than mental health. I thought maybe some of my readers would enjoy reading about diet and nutrition. A couple of years ago I studied diet and nutrition and have a qualification in the subject , I thought it would be useful to share with my readers about the knowledge I know about " Vitamins And Mineral's Properties And Uses " and how they are needed within the human body. 






Vitamins 


Vitamins are natural compounds that help the human body function properly and are divided into two categories of vitamins. One category is " fat soluble " containing vitamins A , D , E and K which can be stored within the body. The other category is " water soluble " which includes vitamins B and C and can be dissolved in water, meaning it can not be stored within the body. 











Vitamin A 

Foods That Include Vitamin A -  Milk , Fortified Cereals , Carrots , Sweet Potatoes And Tropical Fruits.

Uses/ Needed For -  A Healthy Immune System 


Problems Associated -  Poor Vision 





Vitamin B 



Foods That Include Vitamin B -  Carrots , Sweet Potatoes , Bread , Eggs , Fish And Wheat.


Uses / Needed For -  Red Blood Cells , Nerve Cell Function And Energy. 


Problems Associated -  Confusion , Fatigue / Anaemia And Poor Concentration. 




Vitamin  C


Foods That Include Vitamin C -  Citrus Fruits , Berries , Kiwi , Spinach , Tomatoes , Peas And Papaya.


Uses / Needed For-  Wound Healing , Forms Collagen And Prevents Scurvy. 



Problems Associated-  Poor Wound Healing Tiredness.



Vitamin D


Foods That Include Vitamin D -  Egg Yolk , Salmon , Milk , Cheese , Tuna And Beef. 


Uses / Needed For -  Helps The Body Absorbs Calcium And Regulates Blood Pressure. 



Problems Associated -  Unhealthy Teeth , High Blood Pressure And Pressure. 



Vitamin E



Foods That Include Vitamin E -  Vegetable Oils, Green Leafy Vegetables , Whole Grains , Nuts And Seeds.



Uses / Needed For -  It is An Antioxidant Which Protects Against Cell Damage And Is Needed For Red Blood Cells.



Problems Associated -  Weak Muscles , Digestive Problems , Tingling In Hands And Feet. 





Vitamin K 



Foods That Include Vitamin K -  Green Leafy Vegetables And Cereals.


Uses / Needed For -  Preventing Blood Clotting , Healthy Bones And Healthy Blood Vessels.



Problems Associated -  Poor Wound Healing And Bruising Easily. 








Minerals 

Minerals are also categorised into two categories "Macro-Minerals " And " Trace Minerals." Depending on the individual's body determines which kind of mineral they will need. " Macro - Minerals " include calcium , magnesium , phosphorus and sodium which are often required to take in large quantities. " Trace Minerals" include iron , zinc and fluoride and are required to take in small amounts.









Calcium   


Foods That Include Calcium -  Milk , Cheese , Yoghurt , Salmon And Broccoli. 


Uses / Needed For -  Strong Bones , Teeth And A Healthy Immune System. 


Problems Associated-  Osteoporosis ( Brittle Bones )






Iron 



Foods That Include Iron -  Red Meat , Green Leafy Vegetables And Fortified Cereals. 



Uses/Needed For -  Healthy Blood , Oxygen Transportation In The Body And White Blood Cell Production. 


Problems Associated -  Anaemia ,Tiredness And Difficultly Concentrating. 




Magnesium 


Foods That Include Magnesium -  Whole Grain Bread , Potatoes , Banana And Chocolate. 


Uses/Needed For - Bones , Teeth And Muscles , Control Of Blood Pressure Heart Regulation. 



Problems Associated-  Muscle Spasms , High Blood Pressure And Heart Disease. 





Phosphorus



Foods That Include Phosphorus -  Dairy , Meat And Fish. 


Uses/Needed For -  Bones And Teeth Energy. 


Problems Associated -  Weak Bones And Low Energy Levels.




Zinc 



Foods That Include Zinc -  Water , Cereal And Red Meat. 



Uses/Needed For -   Healthy Immune System And Healthy Skin. 


Problems Associated-  Poor Wound Healing And Skin Problems. 





Potassium 




Foods That Include Potassium -  Bananas , Strawberries , Potatoes , Green Leafy Vegetables. 


Uses/Needed For -  Nerve Impulses And Heart Regulation. 




Problems Associated -  Muscle Weakness , Irregular Heartbeat And Water Retention.




Sodium 



Foods That Include Sodium -  Bacon , Ham , Salami , Stock Cubes And Bread. 



Uses/Needed For -  Nerve Impulses And Heart Regulation. 


Problems Associated -  Nausea , Vomiting And Muscle Cramps.











Each individual needs different kinds of vitamins and minerals in their body to survive , however the quantity differs with each individual depending on their age , gender , medical history and level of activity. For example , an individual who has anaemia will be required to take more iron in their diet than someone who does not have anaemia. Having the right amount of vitamins and minerals is essential for the human body to function properly.











( Thank you for reading :D ) 








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