Vitamins are the most essential components of good health. Collectively, a dozen different ones are imperative for the optimum functioning of our immune, digestive and nervous systems. Eyesight strength, skin condition and sexual virility are all...
The human body requires many vitamins and minerals in order to function properly. Although eating a balanced and healthy diet often provides the full amount of the necessary vitamins and minerals, deficiencies can cause symptoms or lead to the...
Recommended daily doses for vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are determined by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. These figures are used by various government agencies to help consumers stay within safe vitamin...
Vitamins are naturally provided through the foods you eat. They are required for proper growth, development and optimal health. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning your body is able to store it until it needs it. The amount of vitamin A...
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin that must be obtained from your diet daily. It serves vital roles and functions in many areas of the body. Consuming vitamin C-rich foods regularly will ensure you get adequate amounts and prevent a deficiency....
Vitamin B-12 is a chemically complex substance that plays a central role in producing red blood cells and regulating nerve cell function. Like other B vitamins, vitamin B-12 also assists with energy metabolism. Vitamin B-12 is water-soluble but,...
Vitamin K is important in making sure that everyday knocks and trips do not become serious injuries. It not only helps prevent bleeding but builds stronger bones. Unfortunately, one in four Americans do not get enough vitamin K from the foods they...
The daily dose of vitamins health officials recommend varies by life stage. These groups are defined by people's gender, age and, in the case of females, whether they are pregnant or lactating. To maintain body metabolism, everyone needs the...
Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in small amounts for the body to carry out its functions. Some vitamins can be synthesized by the body, but most must be included in the diet. The Food and Nutrition Board, which is a subgroup of the...
Multivitamins typically contain all of the vitamins and minerals for which there is a recommended dietary allowance, or RDA. Although they may also have other nutrients, multivitamins don't contain the RDA for all of them. Multivitamins usually...
Healthy diets rich in potassium can help lower blood pressure, slow bone loss and reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Adults should get 4,700 mg of potassium each day. Individuals with high blood pressure or a high risk of developing high...
Most fruits have little or no fat, and none have cholesterol. Even fruits that contain fat are good sources of essential nutrients. Healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables can help you lower your blood pressure, improve your digestion, control...
Vegetables provide important sources of many nutrients, including dietary fiber, potassium, iron and vitamins A and C. Vegetables have naturally low fat and calorie content and no cholesterol. Vegetables represent an important part of any healthy...
Fruits contain sugar, a simple carbohydrate, and dietary fiber, a complex carbohydrate. Complex carbohydrates take longer for your body to digest than simple carbohydrates, and they have a gentler effect on blood sugar levels. Fruits with more...
Along with sodium, potassium helps the body maintain a proper balance of fluids. Potassium, in fact, can help to minimize sodium's unhealthy impact on blood pressure. Diets rich in potassium-containing fruits and vegetables may also slow bone loss...
Fruits provide important nutrients including dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin C. Diabetics must pay close attention to what they eat and how much they eat, even when it comes to fruit. Choosing low-carbohydrate fruits rich in fiber allows...
The pluot, a hybrid fruit invented by Floyd Zaiger in the late 20th century, combines elements from the plum and the apricot. The pluot has a smooth, plum-like skin and a sweeter flavor than either the plum or apricot. Like most fruits, pluots are...
Many healthy foods contain naturally occurring sugars, including fruits, vegetables, grains and milk products. Processed and packaged foods often contain excessive added sugars and provide fewer essential vitamins and minerals than naturally sweet...
Like most vegetables, squash has a low calorie and fat content and provides a good source of several important nutrients. A serving of raw squash contains higher amounts of some nutrients than the same size serving of cooked squash. Add raw squash...
Like most other vegetables, potatoes are a good source of many essential nutrients. When prepared without added fat and salt, many kinds of potatoes fit well into a healthy diet. Diets rich in fruits and vegetables can reduce your risk of heart...
Like most vegetables, lettuce and tomatoes are naturally low in calories and fat, and they provide good sources of several essential nutrients, such as fiber and potassium. Lettuce and tomatoes provide a convenient, nutrient-rich addition to...
Most fruits have relatively few calories and minimal fat, and none contain cholesterol. Replacing processed snacks and high-calorie desserts with nutrient-rich fruits can help you improve your health and lose weight. Get out of a fruit rut with...
Most vegetables contain less than 5 percent of your recommended daily sodium intake, and many vegetables contain no sodium at all. If you are following a diet with strictly limited sodium intake, you may want to avoid vegetables that contain...
Like most other vegetables, potatoes have no fat or cholesterol and provide many important nutrients. Potatoes have more calories and carbohydrates than other vegetables, however. Potatoes consumed in moderate portions and without added butter or...
Eating potassium-rich foods such as bananas as part of a healthy diet may reduce your risk of developing kidney stones, according to the USDA. Bananas contain high amounts of potassium per serving, and provide good sources of several other...
A healthy diet should include a variety of protein sources including meat, fish, poultry, eggs, nuts and plant-based proteins. Many vegetables provide good sources of protein and other important nutrients, such as dietary fiber and potassium; they...
Replacing junk foods with more nutritious options not only improves your health, it also allows you to indulge in larger portions. Processed foods typically contain high amounts of sugar, fat, salt and calories in relatively small portions, while...
A medium banana has about 105 calories, making it a satisfying, ready-serve snack you can eat on the road. You don't have to worry about packaging the banana, just keep it in the peel until you're ready to eat it. Bananas are also an excellent...
Most fruits and vegetables contain no fat, and none contain cholesterol. Some fruits and vegetables contain small amounts of fat, however. Most of the fat in your diet should come from unsaturated sources, such as the monounsaturated fats found in...
