Vital Nutrients | Healthy eaters who consume diets rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, legumes, and low-fat dairy understand that these types of foods contain the nutrients needed to keep their bodies strong and feeling great on a regular basis.
If you’re an individual who generally stays physically active, nutrition is even more important because it can help your muscles recover and also drives weight loss.
Although many of us may strive to maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, sometimes it can be difficult to get all the nutrients we need. For example, those who are unable to buy or obtain fresh, wild-caught fish may lack in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for maintaining good heart health.
Here are eight vital nutrients your body will need on a daily basis to stay healthy and strong, especially if you’re engaging in regular physical activity.
1. Fiber
Fiber promotes healthy digestion, helps regulate your blood sugar levels, and drives energy — the latter of which can significantly boost your workout performance. Consume fruits and vegetables throughout the day that are high in fiber to stay energetic and prevent bloating.
2. Calcium
Calcium strengthens your bones, which can help prevent fractures during your workouts and lower your risk for osteoporosis. Calcium will also help strengthen your blood vessels and maintain muscle contraction and performance — both of which are factors that are highly beneficial to your workout routine.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C contains a host of antioxidants that boost immune system function, which can aid in your body’s recovery following intense workouts. Vitamin C also encourages the production of collagen, which aids in supporting joints and repairing broken-down tissue, the latter of which will often happen during exercise.
