Foods That Pack a Nutritious Punch: Vitamins A-K
You Are What You Eat
Some foods fuel your body’s natural disease-fighting abilities, which can reduce your risk of health problems. Other foods can deplete your energy and impair your digestive system. This post will help you learn about high-vitamin foods, which can help you get the nutrition you need.
Foods High in Vitamin A
Foods that are particularly high in vitamin A include:
• sweet potatoes
• carrots
• spinach, kale, and collard greens
• cantaloupe
• apricots
• winter squash
Some spices are also high in this nutrient, including paprika, red pepper, cayenne, and chili powder.
Foods High in Vitamin B
Vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid (B9) all assist proper nerve function, the synthesis of DNA, and the formation of red blood cells. They also help maintain brain function, prevent anemia, and are important for metabolism.
Foods particularly high in vitamins B6 and B12 include:
• meat, poultry, and fish
• seafood, including mussels and oysters
• eggs
• milk
Foods particularly high in folic acid include:
• leafy green vegetables
• poultry
• certain fruit juices, including orange and grapefruit
Foods High in Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the health of cells and improves iron absorption. It’s also important in promoting healthy teeth and gums, healing wounds, and helping the body resist infection.
Foods particularly high in vitamin C include:
• papaya
• citrus fruits
• strawberries
• bell peppers
• broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• dark leafy greens like kale, mustard greens, and chard
Foods High in Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a unique vitamin because it can also be created by the body from sunlight. It’s critical for bone health, immune system health, and calcium absorption. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), this vitamin is also associated with a possible decreased risk of colorectal cancer. However, whether it helps reduce risks of other cancers remains unclear.
Foods particularly high in vitamin D include:
• some seafood such as salmon, herring, catfish, oysters, trout
• milk
• eggs
• shiitake mushrooms
Foods High in Vitamin E
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, helps the body use vitamin K, and repairs muscle cells. Studies on vitamin E and cancer have produced mixed results. However, the American Cancer Society says that recent research shows vitamin E found in corn, soybean, and canola oils may have cancer-fighting properties.
Foods particularly high in vitamin E include:
• sunflower seeds and almonds
• spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens
• bell peppers
• asparagus
Foods High in Vitamin K
Vitamin K is critical for the formation of blood clots. Without it, you could bleed to death from a simple cut. According to the National Institutes of Health, studies suggest that this fat-soluble vitamin also helps maintain bone strength in older adults.
Foods particularly high in vitamin K include:
• kale, spinach, collard greens, Swiss chard, turnip greens, mustard greens
• Brussels sprouts, asparagus
• parsley
• romaine lettuce
• broccoli
Stock Up on Vitamins
Even if you want to eat a healthy diet, it can be a struggle to get in all the nutrients you need on a daily basis. It’s tempting to turn to supplements, but according to the American Heart Association, scientific studies aren't clear if that is the best option. Instead, it may be better to stock up on high-vitamin foods that we know pack a nutritious punch.
Put Your Healthy Eating Plan into Action
Eating a healthy diet overall ensures adequate nutrition. If you review the lists above, you may notice that most nutrients are available in vegetables, leafy greens, fruits, nuts, and seafood. If you incorporate a variety of these options into your diet on a daily basis, you’re likely to get all of the nutrients you need for optimum health and wellness.
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