Nutrition and Supplements
It is a fact that we get our nutrition from the foods we eat and it is also a fact that because of our busy lifestyle, most of us take supplements to make sure our bodies get needed nutrients.
I hate to say this, but many of us, yes that includes you, are guilty of eating more fast foods than choosing to get proper nutrition from healthy eating and dieting and we tend to depend on the many available supplements.
Nutrition and supplements are big words that needs to be discussed in detail, however since we are all always on the go, here are just some food health facts about nutrition and supplements that may help you become more aware of your body’s health.
The foods you eat contain big and little nutrients. Macronutrients or "big" nutrients make up the bulk of your food includes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that work as the gas needed by your body’s engine. Micronutrients or “little” nutrients are the vitamins and minerals vital for the proper processing of macronutrients; they're needed in smaller quantities.
Health Foods like fruits and vegetables are the best source of micronutrients in your nutrition and supplements are not food substitutes.
Health Foods or Whole foods have proven benefits that are important in your nutrition and supplements can only claim these. Nutrition from whole food is best because interactions between foods may offer benefits that cannot be matched by supplements. Whole foods provide dietary fiber and are rich in immune boosting nutrients that can make you flu-proof and fight other diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure.
Supplements can come in many forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, energy bars, and liquids. These products may compliment your diet for proper nutrition and supplements include products like vitamin and mineral products, "Botanical" or herbal products, Amino acid products and Enzyme supplements.
You may have other reasons besides proper nutrition and supplements are taken by you because of desired weight loss; specific vitamin deficiencies like the B vitamins, vitamins C and D and the mineral Calcium; sports nutrition; Homeopathic Remedies to Chronic Illness like sinusitis; Fish Oil Supplements.
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) recognizes that some people have a hard time getting their required nutrition and supplements are taken as compliments to their diet. These people include:
- Pregnant women
- Nursing mothers
- Strict vegetarians
- People with food allergies or intolerances
- Senior citizens
- People fighting diseases such as cancer, or kidney, cardiovascular, or bone disease
When it comes to proper nutrition and supplements it is best to talk with a health care professional. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warn that many supplements contain ingredients that have strong biological effects, and such products may not be safe in all people.
