Do you believe that everyone can get all of the vitamins and minerals that their body needs just by simply eating a healthy diet? That is what some experts say, but are they right?
In recent years, more and more studies have proven the fact that people still need to supplement their diets with vitamins and minerals. Regardless of how healthy and nutritional your diet may be, the chances are high that you are still missing some key nutritional ingredients within your body.
This is especially true if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use medications. It is also true if you live in an area with poor air quality, such as smog. All of these things, and more, cause the body to be depleted of vitamins and other nutritional factors.
For example, consumption of alcoholic beverages rapidly depletes the body of Vitamin B1. Inhaling smog or smoke causes cellular damage, which then requires additional nutrients for the body, such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids to rebuild the cells. More antioxidants are also needed to help remove the toxins from your cells.
If you have been a smoker, when you quit, supplements can help your body rebuild itself and also reduce withdrawal symptoms.
On the other hand, there is a slight chance that the average person can get everything they need from food alone, but I have yet to meet that person. It takes quite a bit of energy, as well as finances, to do all of the food shopping and preparation that it would take to fulfill 100% of the body's nutritional needs. Life is busy, and unless you can afford to hire someone to shop for your food and prepare your meals, you are like most of us and in need of a vitamin/mineral supplement.
Most people just don't try hard enough!
On the other end of the spectrum, it is clear that most people simply do not make the attempt to get in all of their nutritional needs that they should. Take a look at the research poll below and you'll understand this point:
1. The majority of adult men do not meet the RDA for magnesium and zinc.
2. The majority of adult women do not meet the RDA for zinc, iron, vitamin B6, magnesium, vitamin E, and calcium.
3. Less than one out of five Americans eat at least five fruit and vegetable servings per day.
4. One person out of those five eats absolutely no fruits or vegetables at all.
5. Less than 20% eat dark green leafy vegetables and even those servings are on the low end.
You cannot substitute good food with just vitamins and minerals
If you are realizing your need for more nutrition and more vitamins in your daily diet, it is important for you to understand that taking vitamins and minerals in no way replaces that of good food. Remember, the term is called a �supplement� which means something that supplements your diet.
A good analogy would be to think of vitamin supplements as insurance, insurance for your body. By eating healthy and making the extra attempt to ingest fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, taking that vitamin and mineral supplement will be �insuring� your body in case there is a lack of nutrition that you may not be getting from the food you eat. |