Micronutrients, those trace amounts of vitamins and minerals that our bodies can't produce but are required to sustain physiological functions.

They are only needed in miniscule amounts, less than 100 micrograms a day, Things such as carotene, lateen, lopocene, and flavanoids. Minerals like zinc, copper and iron and potassium and iodine.

Now, I'm not smart enough to turn this column into a science lesson but am smart enough to know these things are essential to good health. They do things like enhance muscle mass, fight cancer cells, promote bone density and lessen the ravaging of old age. In short they keep us strong.
 
So where do I find these micronutrients ? you say. Well mostly in bright colored fruits and vegetables. In fact carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, spinach, cantaloupe, and broccoli are full of vitamin A, carotene & carnite. Berries, kiwi, tomatoes will load you up and deliver plenty of vitamin C. Most people in North America are vitamin D deficient , milk, fish, eggs will help plus boost your serotonin. Virility in vitamin E can be found in avocado, nuts , and leafy greens.

So as fun as it is to write about hot dogs and pizza, as much as  I enjoy classic cocktails and beer, it is important to maintain balance. Balance, yin and yang, your inner child, feminine side and a whole host of other cliche`s is vital to a happy, healthy and productive life.

Diversity in foods, fresh wholesome choices will counter balance the OCCASIONAL stuffed sausage or fried clams. Remember there is a vast diversity in choices of food. Don't be so mundane, choose food for its color and complexity. Be daring, eat new things, try exotic products.

Take a trip to H-Mart or Haymarket Square. Good food doesn't necessarily have to taste bad. In fact dark chocolate is full of cancer fighting, heart healthy flavonoids, but you probably already know that ( my Valentine's piece way back in February).
 
Next week I'll lay some healthy yet scrumptous micronutrient recipes on you, so stay tuned.