We often eat different kinds of foods or supplements that are sources of various Vitamins or Minerals, but what exactly is the role of minerals and vitamins in our body? Each Mineral and Vitamin plays an essential role and ensures that our body functions properly. Minerals and Vitamins aid in maintaining proper health and also protect us against various diseases some as serious as Cancer or Diabetes. So here is a list of Vitamins and Minerals that aid in maintaining our health.

Vitamins

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is found in foods such as Broccoli, Potatoes, Spinach and Kale. Vitamins play an essential role in the body; it strengthens the immune system of the body, which protects against many different kinds of diseases. Vitamin A is also very effective for fighting inflammation. Vitamin A is further converted in to Retinoic Acid which aids in maintaining healthy teeth and bone health. The antioxidants present in Vitamin A also help to maintain a healthy skin by protecting it against oxidative stress.

B-Complex Vitamins

The B-complex vitamin family consists of many different Vitamins including Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential since it is required for the breaking down of Carbohydrates, which provides our body with energy. Vitamin B12 aids in ensuring healthy regulation of the nervous system, which makes one less vulnerable to stress or depression. Vitamin B2 is another important mineral which acts as an antioxidant and protects us against different diseases. Vitamin B2 also helps in preventing and treating Migraine attacks.  Vitamin B6 ensures healthy nervous functions and also ensures that the nerves can communicate with each other properly.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is arguably the most popular vitamin! Noted for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin C aids in protecting the human body against a wide range of diseases including Fever, Cold and even Cancer. Vitamin C also aids in lowering blood pressure, which reduces the occurrence of cardiac diseases and hypertension.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the body - it aids in the absorption of essential minerals such as Calcium and Phosphorus, which promote bone health and boosts the immune system. Vitamin D brings a balance of Calcium in the body, which aids in preventing Osteoporosis. Vitamin D is also helpful in treating different diseases including kidney problems.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E plays a very significant role in promoting cardiac health and aids in preventing cardiac diseases. Vitamin E is also required for healthy functioning of the respiratory system and it is also said to be beneficial for the brain.

Minerals

Calcium

 This one is a no-brainer! Calcium is responsible for maintaining healthy teeth and bone health. It also increases bone density which helps prevent Osteoporosis. What’s not so commonly known is calcium’s role in blood pressure. Calcium helps in the regulation of blood pressure levels, which aids in preventing cardiac diseases such as Stroke and Heart Attack.

Iron

Iron is another addition to the list of Vitamins and minerals which promote good health. Iron aids in the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout the body. Since Iron plays a major role in this function, it promotes healthy supply of oxygen throughout the body which promotes nervous and brain healthy.

Magnesium

Yet another addition to the list of Vitamins and minerals – magnesium. Consuming foods rich in Magnesium helps reduce the risk of suffering from cardiac diseases. Magnesium may also be beneficial for an individual who is suffering from Osteoporosis. Magnesium also helps in regulating blood pressure levels which aids in preventing cardiac diseases.

Potassium

Potassium is a very important mineral which is required for the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. Potassium may also be beneficial for an individual who is suffering from kidney stone problem. Potassium also aids in carrying oxygen to the brain, which promotes healthy brain functioning.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus can prove to be very beneficial for the digestive system; it can help treat gastrointestinal problems such as Indigestion or Bloating. Phosphorus also plays a major role in the production and regulation of the hormones. Hormones are very important for the body; some hormones ensure good reproductive health. Phosphorus is also required for healthy mental functioning.