Vitamins and Minerals: Resource
What you know about vitamins and minerals can health you!
"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art." ~ La Rochefoucauld ~
"The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition."
~ Thomas Edison ~
This lens is NOT promoting any type of diet. Here you will find basic information on vitamins and minerals, and their food sources.
Citrus fruits contain vitamin C
Vitamin C
WHY YOU NEED VITAMIN C:
It helps combat infection.
It's essential for wound healing.
C is required for healthy skin.
Needed for formation of bones, teeth and capillaries.
Helps the body absorb iron from plant sources.
A LACK OF VITAMIN C CAN RESULT IN:
Poor wound healing, dry skin, broken veins, scalp dryness, irritability, general weakness.
VITAMIN C IS FOUND IN:
FRUITS
Grapefruit
Black Currants
Guava
Lemons
Mangos
Orange juice
Tomatoes
Strawberries
VEGETABLES
Broccoli
Oranges
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage Peppers, sweet and hot
Collards Potatoes
Green peppers
Kale
Papayas
Rose hips
Spinach
Tangerines
Watercress
Avocados are a source of vitamin E
Vitamin E
WHY YOU NEED VITAMIN E:
Protects our cell membranes.
Keeps skin, heart and circulation, nerves, muscles and red blood cells healthy.
Protects your cells against any damaging by-products of the body's metabolism.
The damaging by-products are called "free radicals" and can cause cell damage possibly leading to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
VITAMIN E IS FOUND IN:
Almonds
Asparagus
Avocados
Brazil nuts
Broccoli
Canola oil
Corn
Corn oil/margarine
Cottonseed oil
Fortified cereals
Hazelnuts (filberts)
Peanuts/Peanut oil
Safflower nuts/oil
Soybean oil
Spinach
Sunflower seeds
Walnuts
Wheat germ
Wheat germ oil
Vitamin D: get it from sunshine
Vitamin A: get it from leafy greens & carrots
Vitamins D and A
WHY YOU NEED VITAMIN D
Maintains normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
Helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones.
Is necessary for the formation of bones.
Prevents rickets and skeletal disease.
Too little vitamin D leads to thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen bones, and weak muscles.
VITAMIN D IS FOUND IN:
Cod-liver oil
Egg substitutes
Halibut-liver oil
Herring
Mackerel
Salmon
Sardines
Sunlight
Tuna
Vitamin-D-fortified milk
and . . .
WHY YOU NEED VITAMIN A:
It combats infections by bacteria and viruses.
Its required for good vision, bone growth, reproduction, and cell growth.
It helps maintain the linings of the eyes.
It helps maintain the linings of the respiratory, urinary, and intestinal.
VITAMIN A IS FOUND IN:
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Pumpkin
Spinach
Collards
Kale
Turnip Greens
Beet Greens
Winter Squash
Cabbage
Health Tips
Kidney beans are a source of B vitamins
The B Vitamins
YOU NEED ALL THE B VITAMINS:
VITAMIN B1 (Thiamine)
Is essential for nerve signal between the brain and the spinal cord.
Too little can result in depression, poor memory, muscle weakness and stiffness, nerve tingling, burning sensation and numbness, tiredness, headache, loss of appetite and nausea.
Found in: Baked Potato, Beef kidney/liver, Brewer's yeast, flour: rye and whole grain, Garbanzo beans (chickpeas) dried, Ham, Kidney beans, dried, Navy beans, dried, Orange juice, Oranges, Oysters, Peanuts, Peas, Raisins, Rice - brown and raw, Wheat germ, Whole-grain products
VITAMIN B2 (riboflavin)
Helps prevent migraines, cataracts.
Helps the body manage carbohydrates and amino acids that make up proteins.
Found in: Bananas, Beef liver, Dairy products, Eggs, Enriched breads, Fortified cereals, Ham, Mixed vegetables, Pork, Tuna, Wheat germ.
VITAMIN B3 (niacin)
Required for normal growth and for healthy skin.
Required to proper function of many enzymes.
A necessary for the release of enegy from fats and carbohydrates.
Helps make sex hormones and other important signal chemicals.
Not enough can lead to depression.
Found in: Beef liver, Brewer's yeast, Chicken, white meat, Dried beans/peas, Fortified cereals, Halibut, Peanut butter, Peanuts, Pork/ham, Potatoes, Salmon, Soybeans, Swordfish, Tuna, Turkey.
VITAMIN B5 (pantothenic acid)
Necessary for production, transport, and release energy from fats.
Required for the processing of cholesterol.
Its needed to manufacture vitamin D and steroid hormones.
Activates the adrenal glands and may lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Found in: Avocados, Bananas, Blue cheese, Broccoli, Chicken, Collard greens, Eggs, Lentils, Liver, Lobster, Meats-all kinds, Milk, Oranges, Peanut butter, Peanuts, Peas, Soybeans, Sunflower seeds, Wheat germ, Whole-grain products.
VITAMIN B6 (pyridoxine)
Needed for heart health.
Can reduce the tendency of platelets in the blood to form clots.
Lower blood pressure to some extent.
May help PMS symptoms and asthma.
Found in: Avocados, Bananas, Beef liver, Chicken, Fortified cereals, Ground beef, Ham, Hazelnuts (filberts), Lentils, Potatoes, Salmon, Shrimp,, Soybeans, Sunflower seeds, Tuna, Wheat germ.
VITAMIN B9 (folic acid)
Reduces the chance of neural tube defects in the fetus.
Not enough may lead to premature birth or babies with low birth weight.
Found in: Asparagus, Avocados, Bananas, Beans, Beets, Brewer's yeast, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Calf liver, Cantaloupe, Citrus fruits/juices, Endive, Fortified grain products, Garbanzo beans (chickpeas), Green leafy vegetables, Lentils, Sprouts, Wheat germ.
VITAMIN B12 (energy!!)
Gives the body energy, fights fatigue.
Helps memory and concentration, and lack of concentration.
May improve male fertility.
Found in: Beef, Beef liver, Blue cheese, Clams, Dairy products, Eggs, Flounder, Herring, Liverwurst, Mackerel, Milk, Oysters, Sardines, Snapper, Swiss cheese.
Books on Vitamins & Minerals
Calcium is found in dairy products
Calcium
BONES AND TEETH NEED CALCIUM
Calcium salts make up about 70 percent of bone by weight and provides bone its strength and rigidity.
It is the chief supportive element in bones and teeth. Not enough calcium can lead to osteoporosis.
CALCIUM IS FOUND IN:
Almonds
Kelp & Kale
Milk, Cheese, Yogurt
Broccoli, Cauliflower
Pudding
Calcium-fortified Salmon, canned
Canned fish with bones
Cereal, rice, juice
Sardines, canned
Tofu
Turnip & Mustard greens
Cottage cheese
Figs, dried
Honeydew melon
Walnuts, Peanuts, Brazil nuts
Baked beans, canned
Milk Chocolate
Soybeans
Crab meat, canned
Healthy Foods Rap
Nuts and seeds contain minerals.
Minerals
YOUR BODY REQUIRES THESE ESSENTIAL MINERALS:
CHLORIDE - Fluid Balance
Keep the amount of fluid inside and outside of cells in balance.
Helps maintain proper blood volume, blood pressure, and pH of body fluids.
Found in: table salt (sodium chloride).
CHROMIUM - Weight Loss
Helps the hormone insulin work more efficientlyciency.
May also help you lose weight by holding on to muscley.
Found in: liver, American cheese, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ, many meats, fish, fruits, whole grains, and vegetables, especially carrots, potatoes, and spinach, also alfalfa, brown sugar, molasses, and animal fats.
COPPER - Tissues
Growth, development, and maintenance of bone, connective tissue, brain, heart, and many other body organs.
Involved in the formation of red blood cells.
Absorption and utilization of iron.
Synthesis and release of life-sustaining proteins and enzymes.
Stimulates the immune system to fight infections, repair injured tissues, and promote healing.
Found in: a healthy balanced diet.*
IODINE - Thyroid Function
Deficiency often occurs in people with thyroid disease or a hyperthyroid disorder or those who have developed a goiter.
Symptoms of iodine deficiency are extreme fatigue, weight gain, facial puffiness, constipation, slowing of both physical and mental processes, and lethargy.
Found in: iodized table salt and a balanced diet.*
MAGNESIUM - Multi-tasker
Vital for a healthy nervous system, muscle contraction, and for the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
Guards against cardiovascular disease and lower high blood pressure.
May be useful in preventing type II diabetes and its complications.
May reduce the symptoms of PMS.
May minimizing the severity of asthma attacks.
Found in: green vegetables like spinach, nuts, seeds, some whole grains and fruits.
MANGANESE - Healthy Joints
Necessary for the healthy development of cartilage and bone.
Found in: a well balanced diet.*
PHOSPHORUS - Calcium's Partner
Calcium requires phosphorus to build strong bones.
Junk food may contain too much phosphorus.
Processed foods may not have enough.
Found in: a well balanced diet.*
POTASSIUM - Good Blood Pressure & Healthy Heart
An essential mineral and electrolyte.
Can lower your blood pressure.
Found in: bananas, orange juice, dried dates, and apricots.
SELENIUM - Prevents Certain Diseases
Helps in the prevention of some degenerative conditions including cancer, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, aging, and infections.
Found in: animal proteins, a well balance diet.*
SODIUM - Electrical Conductivity
Necessary for the electrical systems to communicate.
Holds water in body tissues.
Found in: salt.
ZINC - Multi-tasker
Zecessary for biochemical reactions in the body.
Maintains a healthy immune system.
Needed for wound healing.
Helps maintain your sense of taste and smell.
Required for DNA synthesis.
Too much alcohol depletes the body of zinc.
Found in: a well balanced diet.*
*A balanced diet means getting the right types and amounts of foods and drinks to supply nutrition and energy for maintaining body cells, tissues, and organs, and for supporting normal growth and development.
BALANCED DIET
Healthy Recipes
from EverydayHealth.com
BROWN RICE, CHICKEN & BEAN SKILLET
INGREDIENTS:
* 1/2 cup(s) rice, brown
* 2 tablespoon oil, olive
* 1 large onion(s), 1 cup, chopped
* 2 clove(s) garlic, minced
* 8 ounce(s) chicken, breast, boneless, skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces
* 14 1/2 ounce(s) tomatoes, diced, no salt added
* 6 ounce(s) tomato paste
* 1/2 cup(s) water, or tap
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, dried
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper, red flakes
* 15 ounce(s) beans, cannellini, low sodium, about 1 3/4 cups
* 10 ounce(s) spinach, frozen chopped, thawed and squeezed dry
* 1/4 cup(s) cheese, Parmesan
PREPARATION:
1. Prepare rice according to package directions, omitting added salt and fat.
2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add onion and garlic;saute 2 to 3 minutes, or until onion is tender.
3. Add chicken and cook for 20 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink, stirring constantly. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, water, Italian seasoning and pepper flakes.
4. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer uncovered 5 minutes.
5. Drain and rinse cannellini beans. Add to skillet, along with spinach and cooked rice; heat thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving.
4 servings Calories: 408, Saturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 351mg, Dietary Fiber: 9g, Total Fat: 13g, Carbs: 50g, Cholesterol: 39mg, Protein: 26g
from EverydayHealth.com
BLUEBERRY BANANA LOAF
INGREDIENTS:
* 1 cup(s) flour, whole-wheat
* 3/4 cup(s) flour, all-purpose
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup(s) oats, rolled, quick cooking
* 3 tablespoon margarine
* 1/3 cup(s) sugar
* 1 large egg(s), or 1/4 cup egg substitute
* 1 cup(s) banana(s), mashed (about 2 bananas)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh
* 1 cup(s) blueberries, fresh or frozen
PREPARATION:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8 1/2- x 4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
2. Combine both flours, the baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Stir in the oats.
3. Cream the margarine and sugar in the large bowl of an electric mixer. Beat in the egg; add the bananas and lemon juice. Stir until blended.
4. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until moistened. Gently fold in the blueberries.
5. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for about 1 hour, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes; turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap and refrigerate several hours before cutting into 16 slices.
16 slices. Calories: 115, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 145mg, Total Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 13mg
from EverydayHealth.com
BARLEY PILAF WITH TOASTED ALMONDS
INGREDIENTS:
* 2 teaspoon oil, olive
* 1/2 cup(s) onion(s), chopped
* 2 cup(s) broth, chicken, fat-free, salt-free
* 1 cup(s) barley, quick-cooking, uncooked
* 3 tablespoon nuts, almonds, sliced, toasted
* 3 tablespoon raisins, golden
* 2 tablespoon parsley, flat-leaf, chopped
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper, black ground
PREPARATION:
Heat oil in a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth; bring to a boil. Add barley; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes. Add almonds and remaining ingredients; stir well. Cover and let stand 5 minutes.
Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1/2 cup).
Calories: 174, Saturated Fat: 0.5g, Sodium: 309mg, Dietary Fiber: 6g, Total Fat: 3.5g, Carbs: 32g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Protein: 5.5g