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Micronutrients & Ayurveda: The Connection You Need to Know

Updated: Apr 10, 2023

Micronutrients are essential for maintaining good health, and they play a critical role in many bodily functions. Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical system, recognizes the importance of micronutrients in maintaining overall wellness. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of micronutrients in the context of Ayurveda and why they are so vital for maintaining good health.


What Are Micronutrients: Tiny quantities are enough!


Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals that the body needs in small quantities to function correctly. Although they are only required in tiny amounts, they play a crucial role in many bodily functions, including metabolism, digestion, and immunity. Some examples of micronutrients include vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K, as well as minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium.





The importance of Micronutrients: Keeps your body Strong & Healthy


Micronutrients are essential for maintaining good health, and they play a critical role in many bodily functions. For example, iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells, while calcium is essential for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin C is essential for boosting immunity, while vitamin A plays a critical role in vision health. In short, micronutrients are vital for overall wellness, and a deficiency in any of them can lead to a range of health problems.









Foods high in micronutrients: What Foods To Choose?


Here are some examples of foods that are high in specific micronutrients:

  • Vitamin A: sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, apricots, and liver.

  • Vitamin B12: meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products.

  • Vitamin C: citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, papaya, broccoli, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

  • Vitamin D: fatty fish, such as salmon and tuna, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products.

  • Vitamin E: nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds, spinach, avocado, and wheat germ.

  • Vitamin K: leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

  • Iron: red meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals.

  • Calcium: dairy products, such as milk and cheese, fortified soy products, and leafy greens, such as kale and collard greens.

  • Zinc: oysters, beef, pork, chicken, beans, nuts, and whole grains.

  • Magnesium: leafy greens, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes.

It is important to note that a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is essential for ensuring that the body gets all the necessary micronutrients.





Micronutrients and Ayurveda: It's nuts!


Ayurveda recognizes the importance of micronutrients in maintaining overall wellness. According to Ayurveda, a balanced diet that includes all the necessary micronutrients is essential for good health. In Ayurvedic medicine, food is considered medicine, and the right foods can help balance the three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. A balanced diet can help prevent imbalances in the doshas, which can lead to various health problems.


Ayurvedic practitioners recommend a diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds to ensure that the body gets all the necessary micronutrients.

Ayurveda also recommends cooking with specific herbs and spices, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, which are believed to have medicinal properties and can help enhance the nutritional value of food.


Conclusion


Micronutrients are essential for maintaining good health, and they play a critical role in many bodily functions. Ayurveda recognizes the importance of micronutrients in maintaining overall wellness, and a balanced diet that includes all the necessary micronutrients is essential for good health. By incorporating Ayurvedic principles into our diet, we can ensure that we are getting all the necessary micronutrients to maintain overall wellness.





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