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.
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
Protein is often referred to as the building blocks of life, as it’s made up of amino acids, which are required for the body to function at optimal levels. When it comes to protein, bodybuilders Read More
Cooks in modern kitchens use many types of cooking oil. Each oil possesses different attributes, making them better choices for the chosen ingredients, cooking methods, or cuisines. From baking to sauteing to frying, oils remain Read More
Exercising and eating healthy foods are the two significant ways to boost metabolism, the rate at which you burn calories. These are tools that you can follow for a healthy lifestyle. If you decide to Read More
It may come as a surprise to many that the ketogenic diet was first introduced in the 1920s – and its purpose was not for weight loss. The medical community initially used the keto diet Read More
When the low-carb diet movement exploded in the late 20th century, fruit found itself in the crosshairs. Many weight-loss experts blame the sugar in it (fructose) as a factor in obesity, with many also maligning Read More
As the plant-based trend continues to bring healthy alternatives to restaurants and grocery aisles, millions of Americans are opting for a nutrition plan that centers on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes. Read More
When it comes to weight control and general body health, which strategy do you think is the most appropriate between exercise and diet? Can one of the options be really fit for one group of Read More
We all know raw nuts and seeds are good for our health when eaten in moderation—a handful every day is a good portion guide. For an alternative to your go-to nut, try roasting your pumpkin Read More
The popular Paleo diet is based on eating foods thought to be available to our ancestors during the Paleolithic era, before the advent of dairy or processed grains. Findings from a small study suggest that 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.
