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.
Peaches are a source of thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B-6, niacin, folate, and pantothenic acid, all valuable nutrients when it comes to your cells and nerves. Another important benefit associated with peaches is dietary fiber. Love Read More
Delicious, filling salads don’t require a recipe so much as a smart template and plenty of fresh inspiration and ingredients, which is precisely how this chopped chickpea salad comes together. Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are our Read More
(Family Features) Enjoy flavorful meals straight off the grill this summer with these delicious recipes that put New Zealand grass-fed lamb at the center of your plate. These Endless Summer Grass-Fed Lamb Burgers are topped with Read More
Committing to healthier habits in the new year often starts in the kitchen. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 recommend consuming a healthy, balanced diet with protein, grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy and oils. Choose different foods from Read More
Food intolerance is defined as a reaction that some people have to different types of foods. Food intolerance should not be confused with food allergy. The two are different. The difference is that an allergy Read More
Looking for a delicious, healthy sweet treat to always have on hand? Give this easy to make Long Lasting Fruit Cocktail Salad a try! A combination of citrus fruits with the addition of grapes will Read More
Pecans have been a staple in North American cuisine for centuries, entering commercial agriculture in the 1880s. You can find them in everything from premium nut mixes to holiday pies. But are they good for Read More
A healthy diet requires that you eat fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. Brussels sprouts are not often preferred, but they should be, as they are rich in nutrients. They can be cooked Read More
If you’ve ever bought cashews, you’ve probably noticed their higher price point compared to other nuts. In fact, they’re among the most expensive varieties in the world due to a labor-intensive process required to remove Read More
If you’re in love with flavorful Mediterranean food, you have to try this incredibly healthy, vegan recipe we’ve got for you! Serve these loaded sweet potatoes as a hearty appetizer, vegetarian main dish or a fun 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.
