Food Supplements 101
Food Supplements 101
Can a vehicle function without a source of energy, which is fuel? The answer is a strong NO! and that is definitely not arguable. Well, so does our human body. The human body needs a source of energy to function and in this case, food. Actually, it is the nutrients in the food that the body needs and not necessarily the whole meal that a person consumes. The body thrives well when it receives nutrients in sufficient amounts. Unfortunately looking for a whole meal where a person can derive all the nutrients the body needs is like looking for a needle in a haystack, and so there is the need to complement the food we consume with food supplements.
Nutritional or Food Supplements are concentrated sources of nutrients that are used to complement or “add to” the nutrients a person derives from food. The main types of food supplements include; botanicals (obtained from plants and herbs), amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Food supplements are mostly produced in the form of capsules, tablets, softgels, gelcaps, powders, and liquids.
Read more about the Importance of Vitamins and Supplements
Some Common Food Supplements – Food supplements 101
Vitamins and minerals include high vitamin D, calcium, vitamin C and multivitamins. Vitamins do not function in isolation from one another but rather work in balance. Herbs and botanical supplements include garlic, the use of cranberry pills, echinacea, and ginseng. Other supplements that are common are fiber, glucosamine sulpate, probiotics and green tea. Amino acids and proteins are also needed for the body to function well. Follow us on our blog and social media (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) to learn more about discount supplements, vitamins and other nutrients.
Most people today irrespective of social and economic background can have deficits in some of the nutrients required by the body, and would greatly benefit from taking multivitamins and other nutritional supplements.
Why You Should Take Supplements – Food supplements 101
Some supplements serve as antioxidants that can strengthen the body’s immune system. The risk factors for heart diseases are can be reduced by vitamin C intake. Supplements can reduce blood uric acid levels and aid in the prevention of gout. Taking Vitamin C can improve the absorption of iron thereby reducing the risk of iron deficiency.
Read about the benefits of Vitamin C
Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins in useful proportions as well as fiber and other minerals in plants that together play a role in disease prevention.
What You Should Not Do – Food supplements 101
Supplements are very good for the overall functioning of the body but these things should not be done:
- Combining different types of supplements and taking them together without proper medical advice
- Taking too much of some supplements such as vitamin A, vitamin D and iron without proper medical advice
- Deciding to take dietary supplements to treat a health condition that you have diagnosed yourself without consulting a qualified health care provider
- Using food or dietary supplements as replacements for taking balanced diets and living a healthy lifestyle
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References
Always consult your health practitioner before taking nutritional supplements, especially if you are taking medication or are under medical supervision. Supplements are mostly not recommended for children. You should not take supplements as a substitute for a varied balanced diet or healthy lifestyle. Store supplements in a cool dry place, out of reach of children.
