Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients that are essential to our body’s healthy development, functioning and general wellness. With the exception of Vitamin D, our body cannot make its own vitamins and minerals, so we rely on what we eat to give us what we need. Let’s take a closer look and learn how vitamins work to keep everything in your body functioning optimally.
What are vitamins?
Vitamins are a group of micronutrients that are needed by your body for normal cell function, growth and development. There are 13 vitamins that must be consumed in one’s diet for the body to function properly; vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K and 8 B-Complex vitamins.
Vitamins are categorized as either fat-soluble or water-soluble. Fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E and K) are more easily absorbed by your body with the presence of fat in your food. They are stored in the body’s liver, fatty tissue and muscles. With the exception of vitamin B12, water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin C and the B-Complex vitamins) are not stored in your body. They leave through the urine, so they must be consumed on a regular basis to prevent vitamin deficiencies.
Spotlight on: Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 is also known as folate or folic acid. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 and is found in many foods. Folic acid is the synthesized form of vitamin B9, and is actually better absorbed by your body than foods that naturally contain folate.
B9 is important because it plays an essential role in cell growth processes, especially in the production of genetic material and amino acids. It is also necessary for the development of red blood cells, the functioning of the nervous system and the immune system. In periods of rapid growth, such as in pregnancy, getting enough folate is critical.
Many food items are naturally rich in vitamin B9, such as dark green leafy vegetables and liver. It can also be found in pulses such as chickpeas and lentils, or in whole grain cereals.
Ensemble’s products are made mainly from whole food ingredients such as wheat and chickpeas. Thanks to the presence of chickpeas, our products contain vitamin B9, with an average of 60 micrograms of vitamin B9 per 100g of product.
Spotlight on: Vitamin E
In nature, there are 8 different forms of vitamin E components, but the only form that can be used by the human body is alpha-tocopherol.
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant by protecting the body’s cell membranes by catching free radicals and preventing them from spreading and damaging cells.
Vitamin E is found primarily in plant-based oils, oleaginous fruits (nuts, avocados or olives), whole grains and cereal germs.
Ensemble Foods’ products are made using sunflower oil. The vitamin E content of about 100g of product is 2mg of vitamin E. You can help satisfy your body’s need for vitamin E with this wonderful meat alternative.
What are Minerals?
Minerals are inorganic elements that are also needed by your body in order to function properly. Eating a wide variety of foods will provide you with the proper minerals your body needs. Minerals are present in soil and water and are absorbed by plants or eaten by animals. Minerals play an essential role in making enzymes and hormones. They keep your bones, teeth, heart, muscles and brain working properly.
Minerals are divided into two categories: macrominerals and trace minerals. You need larger amounts of macrominerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and sulfur) and only a small amount of trace minerals (iron, manganese, copper, iodine, zinc, cobalt, fluoride and selenium) in your diet.
Spotlight on: Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a mineral found in every cell of your body. Its main responsibility is the formation of bones and teeth. It also plays an important role in energy production. It is an essential component of ATP (a molecule the body uses as a primary source of energy). In addition, phosphorus is an essential component of various biological compounds such as DNA, RNA and the phospholipids in cell membranes.
In the case of a vegetarian diet, Phosphorus can be found in nuts, beans and dairy products.
Thanks to the presence of chickpeas and seeds, Ensemble Foods’ products are a source of phosphorus with an average of 160 mg of phosphorus per 100g of product.
Reference:
wikipedia.org (n.d.) Vitamin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin#:~:text=A%20vitamin%20is%20an%20organic,be%20obtained%20through%20the%20diet.
The contents of this blog are for educational purposes only. They are not intended to offer personal medical advice. Please seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
