How many essential nutrients do we need?

Now being the wellness coach and advocate that I want to be, it's my duty of care to share information as I come across it. This blog is all about what nutrition is and what are the essential nutrients our bodies need. I’ve gathered the information from one of my textbooks ‘Laugh with Health the complete guide to health, diet, nutrition and natural foods’ Manfred Urs Koch

Nutrition is the supply of the essential nutrients from foods and a variety of the 13 main food groups will supply all the essential nutrients. What are the food groups? Grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts, fish, seafood, meat, poultry, eggs and dairy. Did you know that all of these food groups are all natural foods. What are the essential nutrients? Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats and Oils, Minerals, Vitamins and Water.

I found this chart really interesting. It shows the average supply of the food groups that give us the essential nutrients. The chart reveals that a variety of food groups are required in order to obtain a complete supply of nutrients.

The chart shows that there are numerous food groups that are a poor source of some essential nutrient groups. Also, many processed and refined foods that line supermarket shelves, even though some contain ‘added nutrients’ most are often deficient in the essential nutrients. A prolonged deficiency of individual nutrients can lead to illness.

Humans need 48 individual essential nutrients. A varied diet including all natural food groups is the best way to ensure the supply of every nutrient. Cooking also depletes the heat sensitive nutrients. It is vital to obtain fresh produce with the diet. Various trace minerals and many vitamins are not available from processed and cooked foods. Each of the essential nutrients performs specific functions. Physical exercise is also required to keep the body active and strong. Balance your life with natural foods and regular daily exercise. A regular intake of water is also essential.

Only natural foods can provide the correct balance for complete human nutrition. Every day the body needs nutrients and over a period of a week, all nutrients are required for optimum health.

Extract from: Laugh with Health, Manfred Urs Koch