VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Vitamins and minerals are compounds – substances made up of two or more chemicals – that help our bodies function at their best.

They help our eyes to see better, and they give our bodies the best chance of keeping disease and infection away. They even help our bodies to form bones, muscles, skin and organs.

There are more than 30 vitamins and minerals needed for our bodies to work properly, but some of the most important ones are:

Vitamin A – keeps the skin healthy and helps with vision. Don’t skip the carrots!

Vitamin B – helps your body to make energy from food. Wholegrains, lean meat and fish are good sources of B vitamins.

Vitamin C – helps your body heal, so be sure to grab an orange when you can.

Vitamin D – can be found in milk, and it helps your body absorb calcium for strong teeth and bones.

Before you get lost in the alphabet soup of vitamins, here are some essential minerals your body needs too:

Calcium can come from dairy as well as canned fish, tofu (a plant protein) and broccoli.

Fluoride keeps your teeth strong and helps prevent osteoporosis (weakening of the bones). Tea and some raw fruits are a good source of fluoride.

Iron helps your red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Red meat and dark-green, leafy vegetables are good sources of this mineral.

Zinc isn’t just a metal, it keeps your immune system healthy, and it’s a vital part of our ability to taste and smell properly. Animal proteins, nuts and wholegrains are good sources of zinc.

These vitamins and minerals are very important and having the correct amount comes down to eating a healthy, balanced diet.