Calcium is essential for strong bones and muscles and a healthy heart and nerves. It is found in diary products (milk, yogurt, cheese, etc.), broccoli, kale, soft-boned fish such as sardines or salmon, and calcium-fortified foods and beverages. Note: The body requires Vitamin D in order to absorb calcium. Calcium deficiencies could result in low bone mass which leads to weak bones and osteoporosis. Children deficient in calcium may not reach full height. Calcium supplements or ingesting excessive amounts of calcium may pose risks such as heart attack or prostate cancer.

Magnesium is a chemical element, essential for life. It is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body, mostly in the bones, heart, muscles, and liver. Certain medications such as antibiotics, allergy medicine, and diuretics interfere with magnesium absorption. People deficient in magnesium can suffer from hypertension, osteoporosis, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, or even alcoholism.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat that the body does not produce. It can be acquired by eating fish and certain vegetables, such as brussel sprouts and green beans. It is beneficial to vision and the eyes and also help build brain cells. It can help prevent cardiovascular disease, blood clots, hardened arteries, and heart disease. Additionally, it can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.

Vitamin A (retinol) is essential for good eyesight and extremely helpful in preserving our skin, joints, eyes and internal organs. If there really was a Fountain of Youth, retinol would be one of the key ingredients and it would probably be reddish-orange due to the beta-Carotene. The body converts the red-orange pigment into Vitamin A. It also supports the immune system, bone metabolism, and development of embryos in reproduction. It is an antioxidant vitamin, which destroys free radicals in our body. Free radicals are produced by the body when we smoke, don’t eat a proper diet, or are exposed to stress or pollution. They are also suspected of contributing to cancer and cardiovascular disease. Pregnant women who are deficient in Vitamin A are more likely to have premature birth or very low birth weight. Women who have high levels of Vitamin A have a lower risk for breast cancer.

Vitamin A is made by your body when you eat carrots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables which contain beta-carotene, such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cantaloupe, papaya, peas, butternut squash, mango, and dried apricots. It is also found in spinach, kale, collard greens, broccoli, tomato juice, peppers, watercress and full fat dairy products (butter, milk, eggs, cheddar cheese). Interestingly enough, these are ready to eat raw and cooking them causes the loss of some of the vitamins. Liver, beef, chicken, turkey, and fish are also high in Vitamin A content. 

Vitamin C (absorbic acid) is found in many natural fruits and vegetables such as green leaf vegetables, broccoli, green peppers, carrots, bean sprouts, tomatoes, mango, papayas, strawberries, lemons, limes, and other citrus fruits.
 
Your body requires Vitamin C in order to produce collagen, which is found in your skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels. It also serves as a detoxifier to reduce toxic chemicals from your body. Without Vitamin C, people are susceptible to many diseases from the common cold to scurvy, which will result in death if it is not treated. Eating fruits and vegetables helps your body grow and repair and even prevents signs of aging by helping to keep skin firm. 

Vitamin K (naphthoquinoids) is produced by the body and is responsible for blood clotting. After you’ve been cut, it works to stop you from losing too much blood. Taking antibiotics can cause deficiencies in Vitamin K but you can rely on green leaf vegetables to replenish your supply.