Condition Spotlight
Recent research has demonstrated that diet alone may not be sufficient to supply the nutrients necessary for overall good health. While most experts agree that nutritional supplements are vital for a variety of illnesses, injuries, and age-related problems, vitamin and mineral supplements can also help to maintain optimal physical and psychological health, and promote longevity and chronic disease prevention.
Ever since the term vitamin was coined almost 100 years ago to describe the discovery of the essential life substances in foods, scientists have debated the issue of nutritional adequacy. Medical science has long held that healthy adults do not need supplementation if they consume a healthful, varied diet. Until recently, it was widely believed that supplements were only considered necessary if a person had an outright or “severe” nutrient deficiency, usually manifested by overt illness.
The term “plant-based” is thrown around a lot these days. It can refer to a range of diet choices from hardcore vegan to flexitarian. All have one thing in common: they center around foods that Read More
Tomato soup is a great addition for building immunity. Use as many fresh ingredients as possible, and a batch of this soup can stay for about a week if you want to do advance meal Read More
In the U.S., 32% of adults and 49% of children have a poor quality-diet–think processed foods, excess sugar, and unhealthy fats. But creating a healthier lifestyle is doable, and it starts with what we put Read More
This chili is warm, comforting, hearty, and nourishing. Filled with vital nutrients in the sweet potatoes (beta-carotene, potassium, and vitamin C), black beans (protein, folate, magnesium, and fiber), and whole grains (fiber), this dish is Read More
Fall is a great time for chili- it can be a great gameday meal or a warm lunch that won’t make you feel stuffed. And my favorite traditional chili is a warm and hearty chili Read More
This White Chicken Chili is absolutely amazing! It’s like…chili meets soup. You really get the best of both worlds here. The broth is so creamy, which is a perfect way to offset a little heat Read More
This incredible vegetarian chili recipe is made with super simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen and pantry. There’s no meat or dairy, making it vegan too! All you need are a Read More
This is THE BEST chili you will ever try! It’s packed with smoky, tangy & slightly spicy flavors, and the chorizo adds a kick. If you’re tired of bland, ho-hum chili that requires tons of Read More
Cornbread has definitely changed over the years and what I find to be the difference really falls on personal preference. Do people want it traditional with no sugar or do they want it much more Read More
As a health-conscious eater, nuts have been an important part of my diet for years. But no matter how inspired you get to sprinkle more nuts into your food life, note that current advice recommends Read More
Nutrition has become an important segment in the natural and holistic healthcare practices. Due to current FDA labeling regulations for nutritional supplements and herbs, health food stores and/or pharmacies are not allowed to present information regarding dosage or treatment of health conditions, regardless of scientific support.
In addition to disease control, nutritional supplements can help people cope with specific lifestyle, environmental, and emotional/psychological factors. Today, an estimated 80% of adult Americans take nutritional supplements, many on a daily basis. It is no longer just a fad, but part of a growing trend as people start to take a proactive approach to their own health. Although researchers are learning more every day about the connection between nutrition and health, there is still no definitive scientific “how-to guide” for this very complex issue, especially since each individual’s needs are different.
While it is always recommended that a person try to obtain as many nutrients as possible through the consumption of a variety of nutrient-dense foods, this can be unrealistic for many, due to the following reasons: reduced calorie intake; the dislike of certain foods; loss of nutrients in cooking; the variable quality of food supply; lack of knowledge, motivation, or time to plan and prepare balanced meals; and nutrient depletion caused by stress, lifestyle, and certain medications. This is where nutritional supplements can play an important role in filling any nutrient gaps.
