Minerals

I was reading an article the other day about different minerals and vitamins.  So I wanted to find out more details about some of them, like magnesium for example.  I've heard of this mineral of course, but not much of its specifics.
It's a mineral we need for our muscles, nerves, bones and our immune system.  Magnesium helps keep a steady heart rhythm, normal blood sugar levels and blood pressure.  It also plays a role in making energy and protein for the body.


Magnesium is found in foods such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains, beans and peas as well as in nuts and seeds.  You can also get some amounts of magnesium by eating fortified cereals, milk, yogurt and other milk products.

We are all told about the importance of maintaining our overall well being by eating healthy foods, and keep ourselves physically active in our busy life.  To do that, we have to educate ourselves first to better understand the facts and the benefits of the food we consume everyday.  It's not necessarily about what to eliminate from your diet sometimes, but what you add in your diet too- makes a difference.

Other nutrients such as potassium, fiber, folate and vitamins A and C are worth learning about too.  

Vegetables like kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, peas, lentils, chick peas and artichokes are good sources of Fiber (regulates the body’s use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check).

Black eyed peas, great northern beans, cooked spinach and asparagus provide Folate (folic acid and folate is especially important for growth in infancy and pregnancy. Adults and children require folic acid to produce healthy red blood cells).

From carrot juice, prune juice, sweet potatoes, lima beans, beet greens, tomato puree you can get Potassium (helps to build muscle and maintain normal body growth).

Pumpkin, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, winter squash, red peppers, sweet potatoes are great source of Vitamin A (helps with immune function, important for vision).

Cauliflower, broccoli, red and green peppers,cabbage, kiwi, pineapple, mangoes, strawberries, papaya, oranges, tomato juice, Brussels sprouts and kale are great to get our good friend Vitamin C (produces collagen, a protein that is essential for our bones, teeth and skin).