Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in the development of the human body. It is common knowledge that calcium is important in preventing osteoporosis. However, calcium also provides structural support in the development of muscles. Deficiency in calcium could cause obesity because it triggers the release of parathyroid hormone that stimulates the production of fats in the body and inhibits its breakdown. It also reduces the blood pressure. Calcium also has the ability to fight colon cancer by binding itself with cancer cells to inhibit its growth and progression. It is also beneficial to women suffering from PMS or premenstrual syndrome such as depression, mood swings, anxiety, water retention, breast tenderness, and headaches.

Iron is vital in human nutrition as the adult human body contains 3-4 grams of iron. Haem-iron and non-haem iron are the two types of iron. Foods rich in haem-iron include meat, liver, fish, and poultry. Foods that are high in non-haem iron are those of vegetable origin, like green leafy vegetables, cereals, legumes, oilseeds, nuts, dry fruits and jiggery. Iron is vital for numerous body functions, including hemoglobin formation, brain development and function, muscle activity, regulation of body temperature and catecholamine. Deficiency of iron affects immune system, reduces the number of T-cells and production of antibodies. Iron is also necessary for binding oxygen to body cells as its main function is oxygen transport and cell respiration. It works as an anti-cancer agent. Iron increases energy level of the body, improving physical performance. It prevents insomnia.

Soy Protein traditionally was used as an emulsifier and to add texture in foods. Soy protein is derived from soybeans and has many health benefits. It is low in fat and has no cholesterol and contains 60 to 70 percent of protein found in soybean. It is the only plant based protein which has equal protein quality as available in meat and egg. Soy protein helps in reducing cholesterol level, reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, common cancers, osteoporosis and helps in improving immune system. It contains isoflavones, saponins and phytic acid which are phytochemicals found in soy protein and acts as a powerful antioxidant. Research shows that soy protein helps in reducing abdominal fat compared to dairy protein. It helps meet the protein requirement of athletes and body builders as it has high quality protein and the amino acids help in muscular development. Isoflavones may also help in inflammation and muscle soreness which occurs after exercising.

Stevia is perhaps the sweetest response to diabetes being the only natural sweetener available in the market. This South American native sweetener plant is being used for more than four hundred years in Paraguay and other countries worldwide. This plant belongs to the sunflower family and as such has no side effects. It is a great sugar replacement ideal for both diabetic as well as health conscious people. Its raw leaves are about thirty five to forty times sweeter than regular sugar, while its extract is almost three hundred times sweeter than sugar. It can be used to: Reduce blood sugar Tooth decay (it is therefore a safe alternative for sugar in tooth pastes) Reduce wrinkles if used like a face pack with rose water

Vitamin A is the second Vitamin that was discovered, after Vitamin B. It can be found in several forms, whereby the primary source is the natural retinol derived from animal food sources. Chemically related compounds are called retinoids and are used primarily in medicine and as dietary supplements beta-carotenes. While carotene forms stemming from dietary sources are not toxic, intake of synthetic and natural retinoid forms should be strictly limited. Vitamin A is found naturally in beef, pork, chicken, turkey and fish livers; in the sweet potato, carrot, broccoli leaf, butter, spinach, pumpkin, eggs, papaya, mango, peas, winter squash, apricot, cantaloupe melon and leafy vegetables. Vitamin A is necessary for normal reproductive capabilities, membranes, tissues, skin, eyes, normal tooth and bone development and much more.

Vitamin C or ascorbic acid, is also known as the antiscorbitic vitamin because it prevents the nutritional disease Scurvy. Its most active form is L-ascorbic acid and L-dehydroascorbic acid. Vitamin C is known for building up the body’s defenses against infection. However, there is more to this vitamin than just being an immunity-builder. It is essential to normal functioning of all cellular units including ribosomes and mitochondria. This is because it is a primary requirement in the formation and maintenance of the “binder” that holds cells as well as the cellular fluid inside. Furthermore, this water-soluble vitamin is necessary in the conversion of folic acid into its active form, folinic acid, necessary for the formation of red blood cells. It also speeds up wound and fracture healing, is involved in metabolism of some essential amino acids, plays a role in the production of steroid hormones for stress response and promotes the absorption of iron for the body to use. It is also an antioxidant vitamin that protects normal cells from the damage of oxidative free radicals.