Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Let's Move!
A fitness plan should be about things YOU enjoy doing! An activity that moves your body, gets your heart rate up, and one you look forward to doing is the ultimate goal. Social media has played a significant role in promoting dance as a popular activity. Consider dancing your way to better health; enjoy the rhythm and movement to boost your energy and well-being!
What are micronutrients?
Micronutrient deficiencies are not necessarily
prevalent in the US, but micronutrient inadequacies -- which occur when someone is getting enough of the nutrient to be outside of the "deficient" category but not enough to meet the estimated average requirement for their
needs -- are surprisingly common.
Nutrients are substances that provide "nourishment essential for growth and the maintenance of life." They are necessary for survival.
But where do you get them? Well, that depends on the type. There are two major types of nutrients: macronutrients and micronutrients.
Macronutrients provide structural material and energy. They also make up the bulk of what most people eat each day. Your body needs macronutrients in large amounts in order to keep working correctly. Protein, carbohydrates, and fats are all macronutrients.
Micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts and include vitamins and minerals. Micronutrients don’t drive the calories in your diet, but they do have a significant impact on your health, which is why we've launched this new series.
Commonly heard of micronutrients include calcium, copper, folate, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, sodium, thiamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, and zinc.
Now that we've learned about the need for micronutrients and what exactly micronutrients are, it's time to take a closer look at our first micronutrient... Vitamin A.
What Is It? Vitamin A is "the name of a group of fat-soluble retinoids, including retinol, retinal, and retinyl esters" (NIH.gov).
What Does It Do? Vitamin A promotes healthy vision and strengthens the immune system. Your body also relies on it for proper cell growth and differentiation.
How Much Do I Need? Most adults need between 700 and 900 retinol activity equivalents (RAE) per day.
What Foods Are Rich in this Micronutrient? There are actually two different types of vitamin A.
The first, preformed vitamin A, is common in dairy products, fish, and meat.
The second type of vitamin A, provitamin A carotenoids (like beta carotene), can be found in leafy green vegetables, and both fruits and vegetables that are orange or yellow. Think carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, and cantaloupe.
And that's an introduction to the amazing micronutrient, vitamin A. Here's a printable handout that you can download today!
LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE...
and let medicine be thy food... We all know this famous and insightful Hippocrates quote that has stood the test of time yet seems to have fallen on deaf ears. As I first heard quoted by Oprah, "when you know better, you do better", lets see how we can make "doing better" easier. How about focusing on what foods you should add into your diet rather than what foods to take away? A great first step is eating with intent and purposefully adding ingredients that deliver nutritional value.