Key Nutrients You May Not Be Getting Enough Of

Eating a balanced and diversified diet is the most important thing that you can do for your long-term health and wellbeing. This is because there are tons of macro and micronutrients that your body needs to remain properly fueled and functioning at full capacity. Even the most diverse and healthy diets can still be lacking in some important nutrients, so here are three key nutrients that you may not be getting enough of and how you can get more of them in your diet!

Protein

Protein is arguably the most important macronutrient when it comes to your physical health. Protein is made up of amino acids and serves as the building block for muscle tissue in your body. Protein is mainly found in animal tissue, such as meat and fish products, as well as in eggs and dairy products. But many people simply do not get enough protein each day, particularly if you are a vegetarian. Make sure that you are trying to consume protein with every meal, and try to include foods like beans, tofu, tempeh, and edamame if you are a vegetarian to boost protein intake.

Vitamins

Vitamins are a range of micronutrients that your body needs to function properly. Vitamins can be made by the human body, or they can be provided through diet, and most vitamins are both consumed and created by the body. There are a lot of vitamins that your body needs every day, and unless you are eating a very diverse diet daily, you may not get the right vitamins every day, especially if you have any sort of dietary restrictions. Vitamin supplements can help you get nutrients you need, especially if you don’t eat dairy. Also, try to consume a variety of different fruits and veggies which are typically high in vitamins.

Minerals

Minerals are the final key nutrient that your diet may not supply enough of. Minerals are organic materials that your body cannot produce on its own but that are necessary for proper functioning. This means that you must consume all the minerals that your body needs through diet alone. Things like zinc, iron, and magnesium all fall into this category of macronutrients. A mineral deficiency can cause any number of physical ailments, like muscle cramping, diarrhea, and irregular heartbeat. Make sure that you are taking a multivitamin that includes minerals to help get all your vitamins.

Your diet is the most important aspect of your physical health on a day-to-day basis. And yet despite knowing this, many people choose to eat diets that lack key nutrients. Make sure you understand the importance of these three key nutrients and plan to consume them in your diet.

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