With so many food choices in the United States, it makes sense that Americans eat varied diets, but even though we have access to all kinds of food, we do not always hit the nutritional standards that our bodies require, yet this is vitally important to keep illness away. Here is a list of 7 major nutrients that Americans tend to miss out on.
Calcium - This mineral can be found in dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk, but it can also be found in kale and broccoli. Calcium is responsible for building and strengthening our bones and it play an important role in heart and nerve functions. For adults, it is recommended that we get about 1000 mgs per day, but people often fall short of this number. A lack in calcium could eventually result in osteoporosis, a condition in which bones become less dense and more easily broken.
Potassium - Readily available in leafy green vegetables, bananas, and avocados, potassium is an incredibly important mineral that serves many vital purposes in the body. It helps organs function properly and regulates nerves. It is recommended that adults get 4,700 mgs every day. That is about 10 bananas worth. We get potassium from many sources, but it is easy to see how people do not get enough.
Fiber - Fiber is found in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and nuts. Its main role is to regulate your digestive system. The recommended daily dose of fiber is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Eating a balanced diet of unprocessed foods should result in a sufficient amount of fiber, but as much as 95% of Americans do not get enough according to a recent study.
Magnesium - This mineral has many important jobs in the body. Magnesium helps maintain your immune system and supports the heart, muscles, and nerves. It is found in almonds, tofu, and even dark chocolate. The recommended daily intake of magnesium is 400 mgs.
Vitamin A - This vitamin is extremely beneficial to your vision, but it also supports the immune system and tissue growth. It can be found in high concentration in carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes. We need a fairly low amount of vitamin A at 700-900 micrograms per day, but people still have a hard time getting it since it is not found in many foods.
Vitamin C - Found mainly in citrus fruit, vitamin C keeps the body healthy in many different ways. The most well-known being its benefits to the immune system. It is also a great antioxidant and prevents damage to cells. The daily recommended dose is 75 mgs per day for women and 90 mgs per day for men. If you are not a big citrus fan, it can also be found in red peppers and broccoli.
Vitamin E - Interestingly enough, people that are focused on eating a healthy diet are often lacking in this important vitamin. The reason is that it is found in fattier foods and oils. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and it also aids immune system function. The daily recommended dose is only 15 mgs and can be found in peanut butter, almonds, and tomato sauce.
How to Get Enough - While eating a balanced diet is incredibly important and beneficial to your health, it is not always easy to get all of the nutrients we need. Adding Nature Plus You’s Super Greens Powder to your water of morning smoothie is a quick and easy way to give your diet a nutritious boost and help you reach your health goals.