We are bombarded on a daily basis with confusing and sometimes apparent conflicting advice about which macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) are best for weight loss and optimum health.
Low fat? Carb Free? High protein?
What we rarely read about are the importance of Micronutrients. These are vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids and are essential for metabolism.
There are thousands of metabolic pathways in our bodies which keep us alive. These pathways require enzymes and 22% of all enzymes require micronutrients. So what are these micronutrients and where are they found?
- MAGNESIUM
- Magnesium is essential for over 300 enzymes in the body. In fact, our bodies cannot make energy without this mineral.
- 40% of the population in the UK don’t meet the daily recommended requirement of 310-420mg.
- Enzymes that repair DNA damage require Magnesium hence lack of it can be a cause of premature ageing.
- Magnesium is required for making connections between neurones... essential for our memory and the prevention of dementia.
- When the daily intake is less than 250mg the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes doubles.
- Magnesium is found in all green vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, spring greens and green salad leaves. It is found in the centre of the chlorophyll molecule which gives plants their green colour.
- 2 cups of cooked spinach contain 312mg of Magnesium.
Other micronutrients found in vegetables include:
- VITAMIN K (important in blood clotting)
- FOLATE (important for DNA synthesis)
- LUTEIN and ZEAXANTHIN (protect our eyes and reduce the risk of macula degeneration)
- VITAMIN A
- VITAMIN B5
- VITAMIN B6
- VITAMIN C
- CALCIUMIRON
- MANGANESE
- COPPER PHOSPHORUS
- ALPHA -LINOLENIC ACID
- VITAMIN K
- VITAMIN E
- Vegetables also contain FIBRE which is good for our gut microbiome.
We understand exactly what you need for a healthy diet to assist you in getting the weight off and keeping it off for life. Find out more.
