5 essential nutrients you need for quick weight loss

A lot of people wish to lose weight for various reasons. While some of them wish to look a certain way, others have health concerns that arise because of being overweight.

Being overweight has multiple adverse effects on one’s health, both physical and mental. However, it is important to remember that losing weight does not mean compromising on health.

Any deficiencies or insufficiencies that might occur in the body as a result of ‘diet plans’ are not healthy and should not be allowed to creep in.

In addition to hindering optimum functioning of the body, cutting out certain nutrients from one’s diet can also hinder the process of weight loss, exhausting all your efforts.

Here are certain nutrients that should not be eliminated from your diet if you’re trying to lose weight because not only are they vital for the body’s proper functioning but they also help with weight loss.

Even though it is widely believed that cutting out fat from the diet helps the body stay in shape and aids weight loss, there are categories of fat that are actually healthy for the body. Omega-3 fats are one example of such fats that the body requires for proper functioning and in order to cut down on belly fat. Omega-3 is found in sea food especially in fish such as mackerel, salmon and tuna. Nuts such as walnuts, flax seeds and chia seeds are rich in omega-3 and soya bean oil and canola oil are great sources of the nutrient.

Even though most of us are familiar with the fact that proteins are essential for weight loss, it is to be noted that consuming a fair amount of proteins helps the body build muscle mass and reduce fat. The higher glycemic index of protein rich foods also allows us to stay full for longer periods of time and hence eat less. Dairy products, eggs, poultry and seafood are all rich sources of protein.

Studies have found that an increase in levels of potassium consumption has been linked to a lower BMI and a better metabolism that facilitates weight loss. Potassium is a mineral that is needed by body tissues for optimum functioning and repair. Sources of potassium include bananas, lentils, avocado, spinach, broccoli and many others.

Vitamin C is essential for maintaining a healthy immunity. In addition to strengthening immunity, Vitamin C also helps release toxins from the body and it detoxifies the body so that it can function in a better way because it is rich in antioxidants. It speeds up the weight loss process and is found in amla, citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries, sprouts etc.

Fibre helps improve digestion and metabolism, both of which are imperative for weight loss. Fibre also helps manage blood sugar levels and cholesterol. Sources of fibre include beans, whole grains, brown rice, berries and nuts.