10 Nutrients You Maybe Be Missing pt3

Vitamin A

This crucial nutrient is key to maintaining healthy eyesight and robust immunity. It also plays a role in many other physiological functions, including tissue growth.

How much to shoot for: Adult women need 700 milligrams a day. Men need 900 milligrams. 

Where to find it: Dark green and bright colored vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, spinach, collard greens, romaine lettuce.

Bonus nutrients: Most vegetables are loaded with fiber and other vitamins, including C, another nutrient deficient in some diets.

Simple changes you can make: Have a salad with mixed greens along with dinner. Snack on carrot sticks or sliced red peppers. Make sure your daily diet includes at least four and preferably more servings of vegetables.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C may not ward off colds, as once believed, but it is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. A potent antioxidant, vitamin C may help lower the risk of cancer. It's also required for wound healing. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans reports that some diets fall short of this critical nutrient.

How much to shoot for: Women need 75 milligrams a day. Men need 90 milligrams a day.

Where to find it: Citrus fruit,guava, peaches, kiwi, cantaloupe, red peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower.

Bonus nutrients: Many fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C also contain fiber, as well as other vitamins, including A and K.

Simple changes you can make: Have a piece of fruit for breakfast. Add a serving of vegetables to your lunch or dinner menu.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is essential for normal blood clotting. It also appears to play crucial roles in bone mineralization and cell growth. Falling short may cause bruising, nosebleeds, and brittle bones, among other problems.

How much to shoot for: Women need 90 micrograms a day. Men need 120 micrograms a day.

Where to find it: Kale, collard greens, spinach, beet greens, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli.

Bonus nutrients: Dark leafy green vegetables are loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as loads of fiber.

Simple changes you can make: Experiment with ways to add a serving of dark leafy greens to home-cooked meals. Spinach makes a great topping for pizza, for instance. Broccoli is a tasty addition to stir-fries and casseroles.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant. By neutralizing unstable oxygen molecules, it may help prevent damage to cells that could lead to cancer. Severe vitamin E deficiencies can cause nerve damage. Because many Americans don't get enough nuts and unsaturated oils, they may be in danger of falling short on this crucial nutrient.

How much to shoot for: 15 milligrams a day.

Where to find it: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, sardines, avocados, sunflower oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil.

Bonus nutrients: Nuts are rich in unsaturated fats that help protect against heart disease.

Simple changes you can make:  Snack on nuts. Put sliced avocado on sandwiches. Cook with a vitamin E-rich cooking oil.

Choline

This little known nutrient is essential for building and maintaining healthy cells. It is particularly important for muscle and nerve function.

How much to shoot for: 425 milligrams for women per day ; 550 milligrams for men per day.

Where to find it: Eggs, cooked dry beans, peas.

Bonus nutrients: Beans and peas are nutritional treasure troves, rich in protein and an array of nutrients, including folate, magnesium, and potassium.

Simple changes you can make: Have a hard-boiled egg for a snack now and then. Whip up an omelet with vegetables for lunch. Add cooked dry beans to your favorite Italian tomato sauce and spaghetti recipe.

Magnesium

Magnesium is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It helps regulate blood pressure, maintains bone strength, and ensures a healthy immune system.

How much to shoot for: Women between the ages of 19 and 30 need 310 milligrams a day. After age 31, 320 milligrams. Men between the ages of 19 and 30 need 400 milligrams. Then the requirement rises to 420 milligrams.

Where to find it: Halibut, nuts, peanut butter, spinach, oatmeal, beans, lentils.

Bonus nutrients: Beans and lentils are rich in fiber and plant-based proteins. Nuts and fish are excellent sources of unsaturated fats, which help prevent heart disease.

Simple changes you can make:  Have a peanut butter sandwich on oat bran bread for lunch. Snack on nuts. Make a three-bean casserole for an easy side dish at lunch or dinner.