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.
Not really feeling potatoes this year? Dice up a butternut squash and roast it as a starchy side instead! Or instead of the sweet potatoes smothered with marshmallows try butternut squash. Butternut squash is low Read More
Mashed potatoes are a standard of most holiday dinners. A scoop of potatoes, a bad of butter and smothered in gravy- what better side for your holiday meal? Over 97% of people having Thanksgiving Turkey Read More
This soup is a colorful dish that comes together by combining veggies with a wide variety of flavors, including cumin, coriander, coconut milk and ginger powder. Ingredients 1 head of cauliflower (or 2 cups chopped) Read More
Cranberries is a native fruit to North America. Cranberries were widely found in Massachusetts, as documented by the Pilgrims who settled there. But Wisconsin has become the largest producer of cranberries- nearly 60% of the Read More
Whether you’re cooking up a quick weeknight meal or planning for your Thanksgiving menu, Brussels sprouts can become a classic side dish will cover all your bases. Brussels sprouts are nutrient powerhouses, providing a range Read More
Pumpkins could be the holiday solution to an overall healthy heart and boost your body’s immune system. When you think about pumpkins, what comes to mind? Jack-o’-lanterns? Pumpkin pie? Charlie Brown? Spice lattes? Well, there’s Read More
There is a lack of knowledge of what goes into the food that you eat and what nutrients certain foods do or don’t contain. Processed and packaged food seems great in theory, what with having Read More
If you favor fish in your diet for its health-boosting omega-3’s, you need to take a hard look at where your fillets come from before you choose them. New research from the Wake Forest University Read More
Whether you’re a single gal in the city or a suburban mom with several mouths to feed, keeping the pantry stocked with inexpensive, truly healthy foods can be a challenge and it’s one that most Read More
Walnuts could be the new natural treatment for cardiovascular disease. More severe heart problems must be fixed or aided with medication or surgery, but cardiovascular problems can be aided or worsened by what goes into 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.
