Vitamins, Minerals and a Well-Balanced Diet
The importance of nutrients!
Leading a healthy lifestyle is always important to maintain our health long term, and is even more important during pregnancy. Although, taking prenatal vitamins is important, consuming a well-balanced diet to get some of these vitamins and minerals is just as important as well. Take a look into the importance of these vitamins and minerals and where they can be found!
Vitamin A & Beta Carotene
Vitamin A & Beta Carotene helps grow your bones and teeth. It can be found in liver, milk, eggs, carrots, spinach, green and yellow vegetables, and cantaloupe.
Vitamin D
Helps your body use calcium and phosphorus which helps promote strong teeth and bones. This can be found in milk, fatty fish and by getting outside to get some sunshine!
Vitamin E
Helps the body form and use red blood cells and muscles which is essential when making a baby! You can find it in vegetable oil, wheat germ, nuts, spinach and fortified cereals.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps to protect tissues from damage and helps to absorb iron. It also builds a healthy immune system. You can find Vitamin C in citrus fruits, bell peppers, green beans, strawberries and broccoli.
Thiamin/B1
Thiamin/B1 is one of the water-soluble B vitamins. It raises energy levels and regulates the nervous system. This vitamin can be found in whole grain, wheat germ, organ meats, eggs, rice, pasta, berries, nuts and legumes.
Riboflavin/B2
Riboflavin/B2 is important because is raises energy levels and helps to regulate the nervous system. This can be found in whole grain, fortified cereals, wheat germ, organ meats, eggs, rice, pasta, berries and legumes.
Niacin/B3
Niacin/B3 helps to promote healthy skin along with nerves and digestion. This cal be found in high protein foods, for
Pyridoxine/B6
This helps form red blood cells; and can help with morning sickness which is essential during pregnancy. You can get this nutrients from chicken, fish, liver, pork, peas, spinach, broccoli, brown rice and peanuts.
Works Cited:
"Nutrients and Vitamins for pregnancy." American Pregnancy Association. N.p., 14 Dec. 2015. Web. 01 May 2017
Healthy Choices, Healthy Lifestyle
Get your vitamins and minerals!