Eating Healthy and Vitamin Absorption

We all strive to eat foods that are high in vitamins and minerals but did you know that if you combine your foods in a certain way your body will absorb significantly more of these nutrients?
We’ve compiled a list of easy ways to make sure that all the time, money and thought your put into eating healthy pays off.

Vitamin C and Iron absorption:
Vitamin C is a fantastic way to make sure that your body is getting the most out of the iron you’re eating, whether it’s in the form of supplements or food.  This can mean squeezing a bit of lemon on your kale, throwing some strawberries on your spinach salad, taking your iron supplement with a glass of orange juice or eating an iron rich meal and washing it down with a glass of OJ.  With that being said, it’s best to avoid caffeinated beverages (ie: black tea and coffee) and dairy when getting your daily dose of iron because this hinders absorption.

Vitamin D aka sunshine and Calcium absorption:

Getting your daily dose of vitamin D via 15 minutes in the sun will help your body absorb calcium.  On those warmer days take your lunch outside, roll up your sleeves and feel the goodness of vitamin D and calcium. 

Unsaturated Fats helps Vitamin A, D, K and E absorption:

Remember that it’s not the early 90s any more and the fat free craze is over (there is such a thing as GOOD FATS).  Fat Soluble vitamins such as A, D, K and E need fat to absorb into the body.  So instead of using fat free dressing, make your own by combining 3 parts olive oil and flax seed oil 1 part balsamic vinegar, a dollop of Dijon and a tiny scoop of jam and salt and pepper to taste and VOILA, you have a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Avocado's are another great source of unsaturated fat!

Good Digestion

Good digestion is also important when it comes to getting the most out of your food so remember to CHEW your food, get some probiotics everyday (in the form of yogurt, kombucha, pickles, etc.) and don’t over eat.

Following the simple steps above will help you get the most out of the food you’re eating, the vitamins you’re taking and of course, just give you a little PEAS OF MIND about your health!