We have all been taught about the importance of feeding on balanced diets that contain carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Apart from this knowledge, some of us do not really know what comprises these elements. Well, let us first note that, these elements are contained in a variety of foods, but in different quantities. Let us take a detailed look and see what vitamins and minerals really are and how they are beneficial to our bodies.
Vitamins and minerals are commonly known as protective food, meaning that, they contain elements that help our bodies fight diseases and recover when attacked by disease-causing pathogens. They do this by boosting the immune system and helping cells and other body organs to do their job as required.
There are many types of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins come in two categories; fat soluble and water soluble. Vitamins, A, D, E and K fall in the fat soluble category, meaning that, they can dissolve in fat and be stored in the body. Vitamins C and B complex are water soluble and are not stored in the body and hence need to be taken regularly as they are passed out of the body with urine.
Minerals are inorganic elements which are obtained from the soil and water. They are absorbed by plants and when we consume the plant products, they get into our bodies. Some are required in large quantities and others in small ones, but all the same, they are all very important in helping the body function normally. They include calcium, zinc, potassium, iodine, iron and copper. It is important to make sure that vitamins and minerals are consumed in their right proportions as over or under-consumption has its own detrimental effects.