We all want to function at our best and it starts at the plate. How and what we eat is a very important element of our overall health. At times it seems like there is too much information to process about nutrition. It is not helped by the marketing practices of health products. This can lead to confusion and frustration. When we are frustrated we tend to throw our hands up and quit. We are not going to let you quit. To help you make sense of sea of information, we will break it down into simplified nuggets.
Today's Nutrition Nugget is about Vitamin B2.
Vitamin B2 is a micro-nutrient. This means the body needs these in very small amounts. Vitamin B2 is known as Riboflavin. Vitamin B2 is water soluble. This means Vitamin B2 is passed in urine when not immediately used by your body. Vitamin B2 is used to help regulate metabolism and supports cell growth. Your cells use it to process protein, fats, and carbohydrates into energy. Vitamin B2 is sensitive to UV light damage.
Where We Get Vitamin B2
The best source of Vitamin B2 is in your food. (Remember, your specific diet is a decision best left to you and your qualified health care provider.) Vitamin B2 is found in both meat and plant sources.
Vitamin B2 is in Diary:
Milks - Cow, Buttermilk, Soy
Cheese - Blue, Brie, Camembert, Cheddar, Colby, Edam, Feta, Monterey, Ricotta , Swiss
Yogurt
Cottage Cheese
Vitamin B2 is in Vegetables, Fruits, Nuts and Grains:
Vegetables - Spinach, White Mushrooms, Portobello Mushrooms, Crimini Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Kidney Beans
Fruits - Apples
Nuts - Almonds, Sunflower seeds, Soy nuts
Grains - Oats, Quinoa, Rice, Wheat (also in breads and pastas from grains)
Vitamin B2 is in Meats and Seafood:
Meats and Animal Products - Eggs, Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Animal Livers
Fish and Seafood- Cuttlefish, Mackerel, Squid, Clams, Mussels, Herring, Salmon, Trout
Remember, getting the best out of your food doesn't require a hefty price tag. Add variety in the sources of your nutrition. When it comes to nutrition there is little difference between fresh, frozen or canned.