Adequate nutrients are necessary for people to maintain immune and digestive health during the change of season and winter.
Zoe Dent, health scientist, holistic wellness coach and Amazonia Ambassador, points out and provides some information on five vital nutrients required for winter.
Vitamin D, ‘the sunshine vitamin’, is made by the skin from sunlight exposure. Less sun in winter makes vitamin D supplementation imperative to avoid a deficiency.
The vitamin helps reduce the instance of cell growth and division in relation to cancer. There are promising results from studies that show a decreased rate in colon and breast cancers when vitamin D levels are sufficient in the body. Not only does it protect cells but it’s also helpful for protecting against hypertension and heart disease.
Vitamin C is good for so many things from colds and flu to sinus infections – a vitamin that boosts and bolsters the immune system.
Vitamin C cannot be synthesised by the body so it must be consumed through diet or supplementation. It is crucial for protein metabolism, which is involved in making antibodies to protect against sickness, Vitamin C also stimulates the production of collagen to build connective tissues and works as an antioxidant while regenerating other antioxidants in the body.
Iron is a powerful building block in the body and essential for DNA synthesis and oxygen transport throughout the body. Required for many cellular functions, iron is a tricky mineral since it’s recycled, which means that once it’s absorbed, it’s transported, stored, and used as needed. It’s important not to get too much iron because iron toxicity is poisonous to the body.
Zinc is a powerful immune booster that acts as an antioxidant in the body.
Consuming mood-boosting nutrients like vitamin B12 can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
