Nutrition, Vitamins & Minerals

Protein is one of the most essential macronutrient for the human body. It is found in different parts of the body including skin, hair, muscles, bones and tissues. It helps in maintaining and repairing body tissues. Also helps in increasing muscle mass and strength by providing enough fuel and energy to the body. Protein helps in producing enzymes necessary to carry out the various functions of the body. Each gram of protein contains 4 calories and it makes up about 15% of a person’s body weight.

Vitamin C is also known as L-ascorbic acid. It is a water-soluble vitamin which is available in considerable amount in some of the food items. Most of the experts have rated vitamin C as the most effective and safest nutrient. Vitamin C is very crucial for a healthy and strong body. Ascorbic acid is the most common form of vitamin C.

It ensures the smooth functioning of various processes of the body like regulating muscle and nerve functions, regulating blood pressure and blood sugar levels, strengthens bones and keeps the heart healthy. It is also required for energy production, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis. Magnesium also plays a role in the active transport of calcium and potassium ions across cell membranes, a process that is important to nerve impulse conduction, muscle contraction, and normal heart rhythm. [1]

Carbohydrates are macronutrients by which the body obtains its energy. A carbohydrate is a biomolecule consisting of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon at the chemical level. Carbohydrates are sugars, starches and fibers found in fruits, grains, vegetables and milk products. Human Body requires large amounts of these nutrients as they are very essential for the proper functioning of the body. But since the body cannot produce these macronutrients, they must be obtained through a healthy diet.

Vegetables are a powerhouse of nutrients packed with vitamins, immune boosting antioxidants, minerals and fiber. Filling up your plate with them are a great way to a healthy life. The more you eat them the better you feel.

Fruits are the nutritious powerhouse essential for good health. All fruits have unique health benefits that help in providing the body with vital nutrients and also protect them from the risk of many diseases.

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorous, both the nutrients are very essential for the building of bones. Vitamin D is a nutrient that we eat and also a hormone that our bodies make. It is naturally present in few foods, and also available as a dietary supplement. It is also produced through a process of vitamin D synthesis when Ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight comes in contact with our skin.

Iron is an important mineral needed by the body to perform the function of carrying oxygen in the hemoglobin of red blood cells throughout the body so cells can produce energy. It also plays a major role in performing various other important functions like removing carbon dioxide. Pregnant women require it the most as it promotes a healthy pregnancy.

Potassium is one of the seven essential macromineral needed by the body for its various functions. It is required by all the tissues in the body. It carries a small electrical charge that activates various cell and nerve functions and that is why it is sometimes referred to as an electrolyte. Potassium is found naturally in many foods and also available as a supplement.

Dietary fiber also known as roughage is a vital nutrient that helps in the digestion of food. Fiber helps to keep hunger and blood sugar in check by regulating the body’s use of sugar.

Zinc, also known as “essential trace element” as this mineral is necessary for a healthy immune system. Although required in small traces, it is very vital for a number of functions in the human body, and it also helps stimulate the activities of a lot of different enzymes. The unique characteristic of zinc is that the human body cannot store excess of it, and hence it must be consumed daily. It is needed for the proper growth and maintenance of human body. Even though a very small amount of zinc is required by the human body its deficiency could lead to various health issues.

Vitamin E is a group of 8 fat-soluble vitamins, which have antioxidant properties. Out of its several forms, the one that is used by the human body is known as alpha-tocopherol. Its major role is to protect cell membranes and other tissues of the body against oxidative stress damage. A regular intake to maintain adequate levels of this Vitamin is very essential for a number of processes in our body.

Calcium is the most vital nutrient required by the living beings. It’s a mineral found in major quantities in the body. It is very important for bone health. Around 99% of calcium in the body is found in bones and teeth. Humans need calcium for maintaining and building of healthy and strong bones. But apart from bone health, calcium is also required for other functions of the body like muscle function, nerve transmission, vascular contraction, hormonal secretion and cardiovascular functions.

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential fats from the family of polyunsaturated fats. Human body is unable to make this fat on its own and hence it has to be consumed in the form of foods. They are very beneficial for the body and brain. They play a vital role in the smooth functioning of the cell membranes throughout the body as they are required for the cell receptors of these membranes.