A balanced diet is really important for staying healthy. It can give your body all the small nutrients it needs, like vitamins and minerals. These tiny nutrients are crucial for how our bodies work. They help with things like keeping our immune system strong, keeping our bones healthy, and giving us energy. Let’s explore why these nutrients are important and where we can find them.
Vitamins: These are natural compounds that our bodies need to function well.
Minerals: These are natural elements that support many body functions.
Nutrition experts agree that eating a balanced diet can provide all the micronutrients we need. However, a study showed that 9 out of 10 Americans aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables, which are great sources of vitamins and minerals.
A balanced diet usually includes:
Fruits and Vegetables: Try to eat at least 5 servings every day. These foods are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. For example, one medium orange gives you about 70 mg of Vitamin C, which is enough for one day’s needs for most adults.
Whole Grains: Include foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. They provide B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Lean Proteins: Good sources include beans, legumes, chicken, and fish. For example, a 3-ounce piece of cooked chicken has about 0.9 mg of B6 and 0.03 mg of B12.
Dairy or Alternatives: Foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese are great for getting calcium and Vitamin D.
Eating a balanced diet can help us get enough micronutrients. But things like food choices, where you live, and what’s available can affect how much we actually get. Research shows that about 40% of people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. That’s why it’s important to eat different kinds of foods to avoid missing out on nutrients.
Sometimes, people might need supplements if they can’t get enough nutrients from food. However, it’s always best to get these micronutrients from real foods for better health.
A balanced diet is really important for staying healthy. It can give your body all the small nutrients it needs, like vitamins and minerals. These tiny nutrients are crucial for how our bodies work. They help with things like keeping our immune system strong, keeping our bones healthy, and giving us energy. Let’s explore why these nutrients are important and where we can find them.
Vitamins: These are natural compounds that our bodies need to function well.
Minerals: These are natural elements that support many body functions.
Nutrition experts agree that eating a balanced diet can provide all the micronutrients we need. However, a study showed that 9 out of 10 Americans aren't eating enough fruits and vegetables, which are great sources of vitamins and minerals.
A balanced diet usually includes:
Fruits and Vegetables: Try to eat at least 5 servings every day. These foods are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. For example, one medium orange gives you about 70 mg of Vitamin C, which is enough for one day’s needs for most adults.
Whole Grains: Include foods like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. They provide B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Lean Proteins: Good sources include beans, legumes, chicken, and fish. For example, a 3-ounce piece of cooked chicken has about 0.9 mg of B6 and 0.03 mg of B12.
Dairy or Alternatives: Foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese are great for getting calcium and Vitamin D.
Eating a balanced diet can help us get enough micronutrients. But things like food choices, where you live, and what’s available can affect how much we actually get. Research shows that about 40% of people do not eat enough fruits and vegetables. That’s why it’s important to eat different kinds of foods to avoid missing out on nutrients.
Sometimes, people might need supplements if they can’t get enough nutrients from food. However, it’s always best to get these micronutrients from real foods for better health.