Saturday, December 12, 2009

Alkalinity of body

If the body is maintained so that it is alkaline, the body does not need to utilize internal sources of minerals like the calcium in the bones to maintain pH balance. If such minerals are used up it could cause renal and other complications.

The best source of micro nutrients is a well balanced diet consisting of quantities of fresh fruits and vegetables. Such a diet would eliminate the need to take any supplements.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Potassium

Potassium is a very important nutrient for the body and is essential to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in a body. A potassium intake can come from a variety of foods like orange juice, potatoes, bananas, avocados, tomatoes, broccoli, soybeans, apricots and garlic among others. Potassium is also found in most fruits and vegetables and even in meats.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Sodium

Sodium is one of the primary electrolytes in the body and is very essential for maintaining activity between cells which depends on electrolysis. While a minimum of sodium is a must for maintaining bodily processes an excess of sodium can cause heart problems. The control of salt intake is considered very vital for maintaining good health. It is almost taken for granted that any person suffering form circulatory or hear problems is advised to control his intake of salt.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Selenium

A proper dosage of selenium ensures that the person has a lesser chance of developing a colo-rectal tumor. Selenium also keeps the prostate in good health and is very often given as a supplement to elderly patients who are prone to both these problems. Selenium is an antioxidant and is suggested as a daily supplement. Dosages vary for men and women, and medical advise is best sought before taking any such supplements.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Vitamin E

You can get Vitamin E from vegetable oils, wheat germ, whole grain cereals and leafy green vegetables. The process of cooking does destroy some of these vitamins and therefore may cause deficiencies if the food is overcooked.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Important Micro Nutrients

Some important micro nutrients that the body needs in order to maintain its health and bodily processes are Vitamin E, Selenium, Sodium, Potassium. It is also necessary that the body is kept alkaline.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Organic Nutrients

Nutrients required by the body can be organic or inorganic. The organic nutrients are carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins and these are well known to most people. Inorganic nutrients are minerals, water and oxygen. Nutrients needed in large quantities are called macro nutrients and the organic nutrients would fall into this category. Micro nutrients are those required in very small quantities and would generally consist of vitamins and minerals.

Nutrients for metabolic processing

A nutrient is any chemical that a living organism needs to sustain its metabolic processes and has to be taken from the environment in which that organism lives. Human beings need to take such nutrients from the food they eat and such nutrients are vital for them to maintain good health. Nutrients help to build and repair tissues, regulate the processes in the body and give it the necessary energy and heat. The effects of any nutrient are dependent on the dosage that is taken into the body.