Some Basics:
Carbohydrates: These are the best source of energy for your body. Generally, brightly colored vegetables, fruits, and whole grains are great sources.

Protein: Proteins and the amino acids that make them up are fundamental for the growth and repair of muscles. Proteins are found in a variety of foods, both plant and animal, including meat, fish, beans, eggs, milk, cheese, soy products and nuts.

Fat: Fat is essential for life in all humans. There are four primary roles of fat: 1) insulation for temperature regulation 2) protection of organs through cushioning 3) carries fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) which are needed by the body 4) provides energy for the body. Monounsaturated Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat, Saturated Fat, Trans Fatty Acids are each different types of fats. It's important to know they are not all created equal.

Fiber: Soluble fiber from sources such as citrus fruits, apples, oat bran and beans will help lower your cholesterol level. Insoluble fiber from wheat and most fruits and vegetables will aid with digestion and regularity.

Vitamins: Vitamins are essential to life. They contribute to good health by controlling your metabolism and support the biochemical processes that release energy from the food we eat. Vitamins are considered micronutrients because the body needs them in small amounts compared with nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water.

Minerals: Minerals are important when it comes to preventing deficiency disease and symptoms. Your body depends on minerals for nearly every bodily process and that is why it is important in getting the appropriate amount of minerals. Some minerals are needed to maintain your body’s structural integrity of bones and teeth, while others are a necessary for biological processes.

Herbs: Herbs are roots, leaves, and parts of plants for the prevention of disease and restoration of health. They can be used as medicinal agents to provide nutrients and elements to the body or as added agents, which would not otherwise be found in the body. It is important to contact your physician before taking any herb as many can interfere with current medications.

Other Supplements: Generally speaking, you can achieve all of the vitamin, mineral, protein, carbohydrate, herbal, amino acid, bioflavonoid, etc. through the food we eat. Problem is that most of us don't! With the many poor food choices, including the use of highly processed and fast foods, few of us achieve an optimal dietary intake. This is where it gets tricky, because no one supplement is a cure all and many are outright lying in their advertised benefits.

Water: The body depends on water to replenish it every day. How much? All fluids count toward your daily water requirements as well as water content found in foods. In addition to foods drinking six to eight glasses of water each day is recommended.

For further information brought to your door request contact from an HG Educator.

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