Vitamins Minerals Bodybuilding

5 of the Best Natural Vitamins and Mineral Sources for Bodybuilders

Bodybuilders, and general health and fitness enthusiasts too for that matter, recognise the importance of proper diet and nutrition, which is why the supplement industry is currently booming and doing better now than ever before. Muscles aren't built in the gym at all, muscles are built in the kitchen, as diet and nutrition is so, so important. Many experts in the field believe bodybuilding and the process of building muscle in general, to be a combination of around 30% training and 70% nutrition, so if you thought diet wasn't all that important, you may wish to think again. As far as supplements and diet are concerned, natural vitamins and minerals play a key, and often underrated role in the entire process of building muscle. Of course you have your proteins, your creatines, amino acids, pre-workouts, etc., but on top of that, vitamin and mineral supplements are also just as important. These supplements, however, aren't always enough and sometimes we need to get these natural vitamins and minerals into our bodies in a natural way, I.E from fresh foods and drinks. For any bodybuilders out there looking to get more nutrients into their bodies, take a look at the following 5 natural sources of vitamins and minerals.

 

Red meat - Red meat is extremely beneficial for bodybuilders for so many different reasons. To begin with, it is of course a fantastic source of protein and is rich in amino acids making it ideal for people looking to really pile on the muscle. Protein plays a vital role in the growth and repair of muscle tissue, making it ideal for bodybuilders and athletes. As well as that, however, it is also a fantastic source of natural vitamins and minerals. Red meat is packed full of B vitamins, which help to boost immunity and aid digestion. It is the mineral content that is especially impressive, however, as it is full of iron and zinc, which helps promote immunity, boosts haemoglobin formation and blood health, helps promote natural testosterone production, and much more besides. If possible, always look for grass-fed red meat and try to avoid fatty cuts.

 

Milk - Milk is surprisingly rich in protein and it is considered a slow-release, slow-digesting source that most commonly resembles casein protein. On top of its surprisingly high protein content, however, milk is especially beneficial because it is a fantastic source of calcium. Calcium is essential for skeletal bone and muscle health and function and helps strengthen bones and joints and can help prevent conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. For optimal results, most bodybuilders will consume at least one protein shake with milk, which not only bumps up the protein content, it also tastes better in the process.

 

Citrus fruits - As far as popular and essential vitamins go, vitamin C is arguably the best of the best, as it has been proven to provide a number of health and fitness benefits to the human body. Vitamin C works as a powerful antioxidant, which helps to prevent cancer and rids the body of unsavoury free radicals and toxins. Not only that, but vitamin C also helps to boost and enhance our body's immune system, which is incredibly beneficial for a number of reasons. Our immune systems are our body's natural defence against illness and disease, so obviously the stronger and more powerful our immune systems become, the healthier we become and the less likely we are to become ill. Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges are jam-packed full of vitamin C, making them absolutely perfect for anybody looking to strengthen and enhance their natural immune systems. It is worth noting that you should be wary of consuming too much fruit each day, as it still contains fructose sugars, which can interfere with blood sugar levels and contribute towards weight gain in the process.

 

Broccoli - Broccoli isn't just a healthy vegetable, it's actually considered a super-food as it is packed full of natural vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and numerous other nutrients that are incredibly beneficial for our bodies. To begin with, broccoli is a great source of vitamin B, C, D, and K, but on top of that, it's also full of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and zinc, as well as powerful antioxidants. Broccoli is considered a fantastic anti-cancer food as it is full of so much goodness and it is many bodybuilder's vegetable side dish of choice, for obvious reasons. For bodybuilders looking for a way of naturally increasing their vitamin consumption, broccoli is the perfect vegetable.

 

Carrots - Some bodybuilders tend to stay away from carrots, due to their naturally high sugar content. Whilst it's true that they do contain more natural sugars than other vegetables, this most certainly doesn't make them any less healthy. Carrots are a fantastic source of vitamins A, C, and D and contain generous amounts of beta-carotene, which is an incredibly potent compound which helps boost vision, immunity, brain health, cellular health, and much more besides. For the ultimate post-workout meal, combine carrots with your protein source of choice to help create that much-needed post-workout insulin spike.

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