You may be a nutritional expert, but there is always more to learn. There are countless studies, all with their own set of findings and conclusions. Things get even worse when fads pop up and fade away, leaving us all in a state of confusion about what we should eat for optimal wellness. To cut through the noise, you need to understand some of the more critical nutrients. The folks at DavidPaul Doyle Naturewise present ten nutrients you shouldn’t overlook in your quest for wellness.

B Vitamins

The B Vitamins are important cofactors in numerous enzyme systems throughout your body, affecting essentially every aspect of your health, including brain function, energy metabolism, healthy skin and hair, cardiovascular health, digestion & nutrient assimilation, as well as proper mood balance.

Vitamin B1, or Thiamin, is an especially important nutrient for neurological health and brain function. It plays a major role in cellular metabolism and energy production. Vitamin B2, or Riboflavin, contributes to a wide range of healthy body functions, including detoxification & antioxidant activity, red blood cell formation, and healthy eyes. B3, or Niacin, helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body. It also aids in brain health and is essential for hormone & neurotransmitter balance.

Iron

Iron deficiencies are quite common in today’s society. While those with certain blood types may be at a higher risk for iron deficiency, it’s good to get your blood tested from time to time. In women especially, it can be difficult to maintain healthy iron levels during menstruation.

Zinc is an important mineral for maintaining strong immune system function and healthy skin, hair & nails.

Healthy Fats & Cholesterol

While many people are still getting their information on nutrition from the mainstream media, cholesterol is not the devil it’s made out to be. On the contrary, cholesterol is an essential substance for proper brain function and health, while having a low cholesterol level can increase your risk for heart issues.

Healthy fats are happening more in the nutritional world these days, but many are still in the dark when it comes to how important fats are for brain health, cellular function, and hormone balance. There are many kinds of healthy dietary fats, including monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and Omega-3 fatty acids.

While saturated fats have been long demonized in mainstream nutrition, some studies show certain saturated fats can help lower the risk for heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Healthy sources of saturated fat include organic & grass-fed meats, raw dairy products, coconut oil, palm fruit oil, and cocoa butter.

Chromium

Chromium is a trace mineral that plays an important role in blood sugar balance and healthy glucose metabolism. As we age and our metabolisms slow down, it becomes increasingly difficult for our bodies to keep up with society’s energy demands set before them. Having proper glucose control ensures your body has the necessary fuel it needs to go about its daily business while avoiding the rollercoaster ride of sugar spikes and crashes that ultimately lead to weight gain and insulin resistance.