Vitamins & Minerals
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Vitamin D Deficiency and Fall
Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin,” plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions. From maintaining strong bones and teeth to supporting immune function and muscle health, this essential nutrient is a cornerstone of overall well-being. However, as the days grow shorter and the sun’s rays become less intense, many Canadians find themselves at risk of not getting enough of this vital vitamin. The relationship between the fall season and vitamin D deficiency in Canada is complex and multifaceted. It involves an interplay of geographical, environmental, and lifestyle factors that are unique to the Canadian context. To fully understand this relationship, we must first delve into the…
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Magnesium’s Powerful Health Benefits
In order to achieve optimal health, the body needs minerals. One of the most important minerals that you can give the body is a macro-mineral known as magnesium. Unlike trace minerals (such as iron and zinc) which are only required in smaller amounts, macro-minerals like magnesium are required in larger doses. Unfortunately, more than 60% of individuals get less than the required daily dose of magnesium. While much of the minerals that our bodies need can be obtained from the foods we eat, there are also instances where you may need to take a mineral supplement – especially if you are mineral-deficient. Below is a more in-depth look at magnesium,…
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Sources of Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients our bodies need in order to develop and function at its fullest potential. Without these important nutrients, it’s possible to experience a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, including fatigue and weakness and/or light-headedness, hair loss, pale skin, constipation, and even trouble breathing – and while there are supplements you can take to ensure you’re getting some of the essential nutrients that your body requires, the best sources of vitamins and minerals often come straight from the foods we eat. When it comes to vitamins, these are separated into two different categories: Water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble means that the body will expel what it doesn’t…
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The Role of Essential Vitamins
Every functioning human body operates akin to a sophisticated machine, relying on a complex interplay of various nutrients to perform at peak capacity. Among these nutrients, 13 essential vitamins hold significant roles in maintaining optimal health and wellness. These vitamins are classified into two main types: fat-soluble vitamins, namely A, D, E, and K, and water-soluble vitamins which include Vitamin C and the B vitamin complex—thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12). Fat-soluble vitamins are stored within the body’s fatty tissues and are therefore not as readily excreted as their water-soluble counterparts. This results in these vitamins being retained…
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Benefits of Vitamin E
Vitamin E is considered a fat-soluble vitamin. It acts as an antioxidant and protects cells from damage that is caused by free radicals, which are compounds that form when our bodies convert what we eat into energy. One of the most common uses for Vitamin E is to prevent or treat certain diseases and illnesses, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer (including lung cancer, oral cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer), as well as fight inflammation, balance hormones, and reduce PMS symptoms (such as cramping, cravings, and even anxiety.) Some people also use Vitamin E for diseases of the brain and…