..

..... I think many of us rarely tune in and give thanks for the amazing job our body does for us on a cellular level every minute of every day. While we spend most of our time focused on our exterior appearance, just below the surface of our thick skin nothing is static. New blood cells are constantly being manufactured, enzymes direct traffic, new bone is being laid down, joints and tissues are maintained and lubricated, our immune system protects us from intruders and more. None of this is possible without the help of our daily nutrients. ... rule it is best to eat less of the saturated fats found in meat and eat more unsaturated fats from the plant kingdom. Fish oils are also highly beneficial.
Vitamins and Minerals are considered micronutrients. While they don’t make up the bulk of our diets, this by no means suggests they are less important. Even though a nutrient may only be needed in trace amounts, deficiencies can still lead to some serious health problems.
..... Vitamins are divided into two groups. Fat soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K and may be
..... There are six major groups of nutrients essential to building a strong body and maintaining optimal health. A lack of any one nutrient can create a deficiency that is not without consequence. Symptoms of a deficiency like dehydration may appear to be benign as a dry mouth or serious enough to cause death. Water is often overlooked as a nutrient, but considering our bodies are made up of about 65 - 70% water, I feel this is enough to warrant it top billing. We can survive many weeks without food yet would be lucky to see our second week without water.
..... The macronutrients, carbohydrates, protein and fat make up the bulk of our
stored in the fatty tissues of the body and liver for up to 6 months. They are then supplied as needed. Because they are stored in the body, toxicity can result if taken in high doses over a period of time. It is best not to exceed the RDA recommendations of these vitamins unless under the care of a qualified health professional.
..... Water soluble vitamins include the B Complex and Vitamin C. These travel through the bloodstream and need to be topped up each day. There is little danger of toxicity from water soluble vitamins as any extra will be dumped through urination but it is always best to be moderate in our approach to
diet. Simple carbohydrates like all forms of sugar or complex carbohydrates such as those found in beans, grains, vegetable and starches supply energy to our muscles and brains. Fiber, also a carbohydrate, does not necessarily supply us with energy but helps keep our digestive tract moving and healthy.
..... Proteins mainly serve as building blocks and are needed for many of our biological functions, such as enzyme and hormone activity. It also provides energy though not as efficiently as carbohydrates. Animal proteins found in meat,dairy, poultry and fish contain all the essential amino acids and are considered complete, whereas plant proteins are missing some of the amino acids and need to be combined to make complete proteins.
..... Fats are highly concentrated forms of energy and while they have a bad rap when it comes to weight management, they are extremely important to our health when eaten in moderation. Fats are needed for growth, cell maintenance, hormonal regulation, vitamin absorption and more. As a 		... supplementation and remember that more is not always better. Water soluble vitamins may be washed away or destroyed by food preparation or long periods of sitting in storage. Shop locally and eat a percentage of raw fruits and vegetables in the diet to ensure optimal nutrition.
..... Minerals found in our water and soil are as important as vitamins in our diet. They are catalysts for enzyme function, play a role in controlling body fluids, muscle contractions, nerve formation and are involved in pretty much everything that goes on to maintain our health. Soil depletion has lead many to believe a trace mineral supplement is good health insurance. I try to look for whole food supplements such as green powders or sea vegetables to enhance my diet.
It is awe inspiring when you really start to understand the miracle of life and all our body asks in return is that we be happy, feed it nutritious food, water it and walk it daily. It is really that simple!
..... Blessings and Good Health to You!