2. Are synthetic vitamins as good as all-natural vitamins?
4. With all the multi-vitamin supplements on the market today, how do I know which brand is the best?These questions are both complex and important. So let me address them one at a time.
If I eat properly, why can't I get all the vitamins and minerals my body needs from my diet alone'My Answer:
The biggest culprit is the way our foods are processed. Numerous studies conclude that the nutritional content of many food products found in our supermarkets is a small fraction of what it should be. Organic foods are much more nutritious, but also more expensive, which makes them cost-prohibitive for many people. It's becoming increasingly difficult in today's fast-paced society to get everything we need to nutritionally support our bodies from our diet alone. Therefore, taking a quality nutritional supplement is critically essential for most of us.
Are synthetic vitamins as good as all-natural vitamins'My Answer: Some claim that synthetic vitamins are just as good as all-natural vitamins made from whole-food sources. Of course, the manufacturers of synthetic vitamins want you to believe this, while distributors of natural vitamins (like myself) do not. Both sides have an agenda. If synthetic vitamins really are just as good as natural vitamins, there is no logical reason to take natural vitamins because synthetic vitamins are much cheaper.
Whether or not science has been able to fully duplicate vitamins in the lab is still open for debate. Some say yes, some say no. But there's more to the debate than that. An important consideration that many have overlooked is simply this:
When we get our vitamins from a whole food source, such as an organic fruit or vegetable, or a whole food vitamin supplement, all the necessary components are already there. The problem with synthetic vitamins is that they only contain isolated portions of the vitamins that are found naturally in organic foods. Tragically, the vast majority of vitamins on the market are synthetic.
Most of the other vitamins also need enzymes, co-enzymes, co-factors, and even minerals to obtain their full health benefits. Vitamin D has twelve different active components. Vitamin E needs the mineral Selenium to produce anti-oxidative effects.
“The standards for demonstrating a supplement is hazardous are so high that it can take the FDA years to build a case. " Nevertheless, many dangerous side effects of synthetic vitamins have been well-documented. Allow me to cite just a few.
Why Silver Foxes Don't Take Synthetic VitaminsAs early as 1940, a Scandinavian Veterinarian Journal detailed a vitamin experiment performed on Silver Foxes. The first group was fed synthetic Vitamin B while the second group was given all-natural sources of B complex. Three things happened to the first group:
2) The quality of their fur deteriorated. And
(The Scandinavian Veterinarian Journal, 1940, Volume 30.)Meanwhile, everything was normal with the second group.
( Dr. Weston A. Prince, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration.)
Your body needs everything from A to Zinc. Here are five examples:
2. The Vitamin B-Complex Group is responsible for providing energy to your body. The B Vitamins are required for the metabolism of fats and proteins, as well as the health and maintenance of the body's nervous system.
A deficiency of Vitamin C can result in acute scurvy, which is characterized by easy bruising, loose teeth, superficial bleeding, fragility of blood vessels, poor healing, compromised immunity, and mild anemia.
Zinc is an essential mineral found in almost every cell. It stimulates the activity of approximately 100 enzymes, which are substances that promote biochemical reactions in your body. Zinc supports a healthy immune system and is needed for the healing of wounds. Zinc also helps maintain your sense of taste and smell, and it is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence. How many vitamins and minerals do we need?Humans require thirteen vitamins: Vitamins A, C, D, E and K, and eight B vitamins. As for minerals, we need the following bulk minerals:
The most important trace mineral elements are:
Many other minerals have been suggested as required in human nutrition, such as Boron, Nickel, Silicon, Tungsten, and Vanadium.
Although there are many multi-vitamin supplements on the market today, we've already established essential criteria in making a wise selection.
2. Choose a vitamin and mineral supplement that has all the vitamins and minerals your body needs in one bottle. Buying a bottle of this and a bottle of that can easily become extremely cost prohibitive.
4. Make sure the minerals are chelated. Chelated minerals are easier for your body to absorb.
[DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed herein are my own, although they have been compiled over the years from my research through books and articles. My opinions should not be considered as medical advice to treat or cure any diseases or illnesses. For these matters, consult a qualified professional.]
Tom Gruber has sinced written about articles on various topics from Alternative Medicine, Diabetes Treatment and Supplements. Tom Gruber writes on a variety of subjects and is an Independent Distributor of All-Natural Whole-Food Vitamins. Visit Tom's site at:http://www.TomsVitamins.com. Tom Gruber's top article generates over 590 views. Bookmark Tom Gruber to your Favourites.
Calorie Requirements Weight Loss Which would you rather do Take a wild guess, or increase your chance for success with some simple menu planning? I think the right choice is obvious