Our body needs a lot of nutrients and vitamins to thrive, but there are some micronutrients you didn’t know you needed. Micronutrients are essentially vitamins and minerals in general, and while we obtain these from various foods, there are some that you probably don’t get as often as others. Here are a few of these micronutrients you didn’t know you needed and how you can get them.
5. Selenium
Selenium is probably one of the many micronutrients that you need but haven’t really heard of. This mineral plays a vital role in your body’s basic functions, from reproduction to fighting infections. For boosts of selenium, try adding brazil nuts, fish, shrimp, pork, and turkey to your diet.
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4. Zinc
Zinc is a great mineral that supports your immune system, metabolism, and overall growth. It’s commonly found in spinach, beef, kidney beans, pumpkin seeds, and oysters. Zinc, along with some of the other trace minerals on the list, is one of the most common deficiencies that occur in adults, so it’s important to add these items to your everyday diet.
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3. Copper
Copper might not be the most appetizing item on the list, but it’s one of the many micronutrients you didn’t know you needed. Commonly found in oysters, sunflower seeds, lobsters, and pumpkin seeds, this trace mineral is vital for connective tissue formation, as well as brain and nervous system function.
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2. Folate
Another one of the many micronutrients you didn’t know you needed is folate, which is necessary in order to make new cells every day. Folate is essential in the early days of fetal growth for the healthy development of the brain and spine. It’s important that women get enough folate during their pregnancy to reduce neural tube defects. Food like legumes, eggs, and asparagus is great for folate.
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1. Iodine
Iodine is beneficial during pregnancy and infancy, as it’s vital for infants’ health and wellness, along with their cognitive development. Unfortunately, though, iodine levels are often low. There are several brands of salt that fortify themselves with iodine to give you a boost; however, it’s most likely one of the many micronutrients you didn’t know you needed and have ignored.