Health demands certain things called 'vital nutrients'. Life cannot be sustained unless these substances are provided either in the daily diet or by supplementation. Organically-grown, fresh, whole foods provide all essential nutrients, but the full range of foods needs to be enjoyed for optimum health. This is hard to achieve in today's society, so many people use vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient-providing pills. Knowing how to answer the question 'What nutrients does my body need?'is necessary for well-being.
Researchers have reported that American mass-produced food has less than fifty percent of the nutrition that the same items provided two generations ago. Mono-cropping and the over-use of chemicals in farming have robbed the soil of vital minerals. Fruits and vegetables picked before the peak of ripeness and transported in cold storage trucks loses vitamins along with freshness.
Basically, the body needs protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as adequate water and exercise. Water is needed to provide the fluids in the body that aid in digestion of food and transportation of nutrients and wastes. Exercise helps the processes of metabolism, such as circulation of blood and lymph. Not all foods are equal in nutritional value, and a plentiful supply of calories does not constitute a good diet.
Fat is another vital nutrient, needed for energy as well as proper development and maintenance of the nervous system. Unfortunately, some important fats go rancid easily, so manufacturers remove them from shelf-stable foods. Others are harmed by heat and turn into toxic substances that harm rather than nourish. Experts advocate supplementation of important fats like Omega-3 fatty acids.
Many people are surprised to learn they don't get enough protein for optimal health. People may limit dairy products, eggs, and meats because of allergies, inclination, or to lose weight. However, getting less than forty to fifty grams of protein daily can reduce mental alertness, bone and tissue strength, and energy levels.
Carbohydrates are easy to get, since the store shelves are full of sugary foods, baked goods, candy bars, and breads. However, refined foods usually will not provide quality carbohydrates that the body can process easily and burn for sustained energy. Instead, these white flour and sugar products are hard to digest, cause undue weight gain, contribute to disorders like glucose intolerance and diabetes, and drain energy rather than producing it. Called 'empty calorie' foods, refined carbohydrates should be replaced by whole-grain products, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Long-standing dietary advice has caused general confusion about fats. Many experts have said that they are unnecessary for health and should be limited. However, some are vital to well-being, while good fats cause less weight gain than an over-indulgence of carbohydrates. There are some elements in fish oil, for instance, that cannot be found in other foods in quantities sufficient for proper development and maintenance of nervous tissue.
Whole foods grown by sustainable agricultural methods provide good fats and the vitamins and minerals needed for health and vitality. If the diet is poor because of lack of time, knowledge, or access to quality food, supplementation with dietary aids from reputable manufacturers may be the answer.
Researchers have reported that American mass-produced food has less than fifty percent of the nutrition that the same items provided two generations ago. Mono-cropping and the over-use of chemicals in farming have robbed the soil of vital minerals. Fruits and vegetables picked before the peak of ripeness and transported in cold storage trucks loses vitamins along with freshness.
Basically, the body needs protein, fat, and carbohydrates, as well as adequate water and exercise. Water is needed to provide the fluids in the body that aid in digestion of food and transportation of nutrients and wastes. Exercise helps the processes of metabolism, such as circulation of blood and lymph. Not all foods are equal in nutritional value, and a plentiful supply of calories does not constitute a good diet.
Fat is another vital nutrient, needed for energy as well as proper development and maintenance of the nervous system. Unfortunately, some important fats go rancid easily, so manufacturers remove them from shelf-stable foods. Others are harmed by heat and turn into toxic substances that harm rather than nourish. Experts advocate supplementation of important fats like Omega-3 fatty acids.
Many people are surprised to learn they don't get enough protein for optimal health. People may limit dairy products, eggs, and meats because of allergies, inclination, or to lose weight. However, getting less than forty to fifty grams of protein daily can reduce mental alertness, bone and tissue strength, and energy levels.
Carbohydrates are easy to get, since the store shelves are full of sugary foods, baked goods, candy bars, and breads. However, refined foods usually will not provide quality carbohydrates that the body can process easily and burn for sustained energy. Instead, these white flour and sugar products are hard to digest, cause undue weight gain, contribute to disorders like glucose intolerance and diabetes, and drain energy rather than producing it. Called 'empty calorie' foods, refined carbohydrates should be replaced by whole-grain products, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Long-standing dietary advice has caused general confusion about fats. Many experts have said that they are unnecessary for health and should be limited. However, some are vital to well-being, while good fats cause less weight gain than an over-indulgence of carbohydrates. There are some elements in fish oil, for instance, that cannot be found in other foods in quantities sufficient for proper development and maintenance of nervous tissue.
Whole foods grown by sustainable agricultural methods provide good fats and the vitamins and minerals needed for health and vitality. If the diet is poor because of lack of time, knowledge, or access to quality food, supplementation with dietary aids from reputable manufacturers may be the answer.
