| Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that help the | | | | like A, D and K and could be stored in the body in |
| body to stay healthy and perform various functions. | | | | the form of fat. Some vitamins like B Complex are |
| These need to be consumed regularly to ensure one | | | | water soluble and hence cannot be stored in the |
| stays healthy. Certain vitamins and minerals are | | | | body. Since the body constantly loses them through |
| required in greater quantities than others depending | | | | urine, they need to be consumed regularly. Milk, eggs, |
| on how the body needs them. Vitamins are organic | | | | cereals, beans and fish are a good source for these |
| substances generated by animals and plants, whereas | | | | vitamins. Vitamins are essential to prevent problems |
| minerals are inorganic substances available on earth | | | | with the eyes, gums, teeth, skin etc. Vitamin content |
| and are available through the soil and water. | | | | in the diet helps retain good eyesight, keep the |
| Vitamins and minerals help the body stay stronger | | | | muscles relaxed and strong and nerve cells in |
| and fitter and the individual cells to perform their job | | | | performing normal brain functions. |
| better. The immunity levels of the body from various | | | | Some of the electrolyte minerals like potassium and |
| diseases also largely depend on the amount of intake | | | | sodium also help in preventing dehydration by |
| of vitamins and minerals. Calcium is one of the most | | | | maintaining the fluid balance in the body. The disposal |
| important minerals that assists in strong bones and | | | | of waste products and extra water is also regulated |
| teeth, prevents blood clotting, reduce cholesterol | | | | by them. Vitamins help in building connective tissue in |
| content and keeps a check on the blood pressure | | | | the body, cellular growth and replacing damaged cells |
| Magnesium which is obtained through bananas and | | | | in the body. Fruit juices, sweet potatoes, oranges, |
| vegetables helps in the process of releasing energy | | | | mangoes and other fruits helps supply the body with |
| from food. Phosphorus is another important mineral | | | | different vitamins and minerals it requires. Malnutrition |
| that is required by the body to perform important | | | | could often happen when an individual doesn't take a |
| functions. Protein and dairy foods are sufficient to | | | | healthy diet and eats the same kind of food for a |
| provide for the body's phosphorus requirements. | | | | long time. Since each of these vitamins and minerals |
| Vitamins and minerals need to be a part of the diet | | | | has its own sources one needs to be conscious of |
| to keep the body intact. Vitamins could be fat soluble | | | | their diet. |