Top Ten Natural Sources of Important Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are very easy to find if you know where to look. Meats, grains, fruits and vegetables are all excellent natural sources of vitamins. As an added bonus, your body will typically absorb the vitamins found in foods more easily than those found in supplements. This article will discuss the top ten natural foods that contain important vitamins that your body needs.

Oranges
Oranges are not only jam packed with vitamin C, but they also contain potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Vitamin C is commonly know to help prevent and cure the common cold and helps aid in iron absorption but has also been tied to the prevention of heart disease. Vitamin B6 is a powerful tool that aids your metabolism as well as other vital bodily functions.

Salmon
Salmon and other oily fish such as trout, orange roughy or sardines are all rich in vitamin A, D and two important B vitamins. Vitamin A is essential for your immune and reproduction systems.

Carrots
Carrots are heavy on the Vitamin A and also have a good amount of calcium and vitamin C. However, it's important not to overcook them or all of the healthy vitamins and minerals will be cooked right out. Tossing a fresh carrot into your lunch bag is a great way to keep all those great vitamins right where they should be - in the carrot.

Spinach
Folic Acid or B9 is found abundantly in spinach. Folic acid is vital to pregnant women because it can help reduce the risk of birth defects in newborns. Spinach also has some other important nutrients such as vitamin A, C and E and should be eaten raw to get the most benefit from the nutrients it contains.

Blueberries
Blueberries are perhaps best known for their effects on memory. Studies have shown that the vitamin B compounds in blueberries help improve memory and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia. They are also a great source for vitamin C.

Almonds
Almonds are chock full of calcium and vitamin E. Vitamin E is thought to help prevent certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It's also a great source of calcium which helps build strong bones.

Broccoli
Vitamin K, A and C, calcium and fiber are all very abundant in broccoli and a good dose of broccoli once a week will help prevent cancer as well as help build strong bones.

Cauliflower
Cauliflower is hands down the best source for vitamin K, which is vital to your body's ability to make your blood clot. It is also a good source of vitamin C, fiber and some great nutrients that are believed to help prevent certain cancers like breast and prostate cancer.

Beans
Beans are a great source of folate which is great for cell formation. Iron is also found in beans which helps keep your energy up. Other important substances in beans can help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of diabetes, aid your circulatory system and help control your weight.

Apples
An apple a day may just keep the doctor away. Apples are a great source of vitamin C which will help boost your immune system. However, studies have shown that apples also contain other vital properties that help boost your immune system in ways that vitamin C supplements can't.