Micronutrients - What Are They & Why Do We Need Them?

Think of micronutrients as the ‘spark plugs’ and ‘oil’ of your body. Without them you just won’t function the way you should or can! In a nutshell micronutrients are essential for the healthy function of all your body's systems, from bone growth to brain function.

Micronutrients are commonly referred to as "vitamins and minerals” and include the likes of fluoride, selenium, sodium, iodine, copper and zinc. They also include vitamins like C, A, D, E, K, and the B-complex vitamins. If your body doesn't get the quantities of micronutrients it needs, you simply won’t operate at your best and in some instances serious health problems can occur. Sodium, for instance, is responsible for maintaining the proper fluid balance in your body; it helps fluids pass through cell walls and helps regulate proper pH levels in your blood.

Getting enough micronutrients in your diet isn't hard. Eat plenty (I suggest 9 serves a day) of colourful non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, capsicum, broccoli, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrot & tomato. Have a few serves of citrus fruit and/or berries everyday. Other sources of valuable micronutrients include nuts & seeds, fish, eggs, dairy and poultry.

If you’ve got any questions about micronutrients or would like to talk to Paul about nutrition coaching options give him a call on 027 209 3514 or drop him an email at paul@elevate-coaching.co.nz.