What You Actually Get From Food

You probably know—either because you have been told or done the research yourself—that it is very important to eat healthy. While most people understand this concept, the specifics of it get lost in translation a bit because, for some reason, processed foods are still a significant part of the American diet (and are increasing among populations all over the world). Pets Eating healthy is actually very simple: don’t eat processed foods. Processed foods are nearly devoid of all natural nutrients. Anything that is listed on the box is often added later, which means they are often synthetic and therefore not nearly as powerful. When you eat natural foods, though, your body automatically seeks out the nutrients in order to extract them. These are the things that your body needs for optimum function, and nature knows this:
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidants help to prevent aging. That’s it, plain and simple. They aid in the repair of damaged cells, boost immunity function, and improve the integrity of existing cells. Antioxidants, both vitamin and mineral based, include:
• Vitamins A (can improve eyesight)
• Vitamin C (boosts immune function)
• Vitamin E (improves cell integrity)
• Coenzyme-Q10 (essential to every cell)
• Lutein (protects eyes from sun damage)
• Lycopene (protects vital and reproductive organs)
• Zinc (immune booster)
• Selenium (improved vitamin absorption)
You find antioxidants in various fruits and vegetables:
• Root vegetables (carrots, onion, sweet potato, beets)
• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower)
• Leafy green vegetables (spinach, mustard greens, kale)
• Citrus fruits (grapefruit, orange, lime, lemon, bell peppers)
• Stone fruits (apples, apricots, plums, mangoes)
WATER-SOLUBLE VITAMINS
Water-soluble vitamins are essential for energy and the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, proteins, and other nutrients. They are most often found in proteins and grains, but also in some vegetables and legumes. Water-soluble vitamins include:
• B1/Thiamine (improves carbohydrate and sugar metabolism
• B2/Riboflavin (improves circulation/reduces inflammation)
• B3/Niacinimide (boosts energy, improves DNA repair)
• B6/Pyridoxine (improves the function of neurotransmitter)
• B9/Folic Acid (decreases the risk of heart disease, stroke, birth defects, and colon cancer
• B12/Cyanocobalamin (boost memory function)
• Choline improves the integrity of the brain
• Biotin improves blood sugar regulation
FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS
Most commonly found in natural oils, leafy green vegetables, dairy products, and some fruits, fat-soluble vitamins help maintain and repair structural integrity. Fat-soluble vitamins include:
• Vitamin D (promotes strong bones and teeth and improves the absorption rate of Calcium—which is why it is often put into dairy products)
• Vitamin K (improves clotting function)