How Cruciferous Vegetables Kick Cancer to the Curb

 

You know that consuming plenty of vegetables is vital for you’re your nutritional wellness, but which ones? Sure, plant foods are all good for your wellbeing – they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and gut-healthy fibre – but are all vegetables created equal? Or could some vegetables provide enhanced benefits as compared to others? In truth, the answer is…not really. All veggies are great but, if you are literally forcing yourself to eat more vegetables, new research suggests that cruciferous ones are the way to go.

 

Cruciferous vegetables belong to the cabbage family, and include broccoli, collard greens, Watercress, arugula, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, Kale, bok choy and wasabi, to name just a few. All of these veggies are absolutely packed with vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. If you want to get specific, all cruciferous vegetables have a high content of beta carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein from the Carotenoids group, along with being rich in folate and Vitamins C, E and K. With the addition of gut-friendly fibre that these veggies provide, it’s no wonder that they can help make up a healthy diet.

 

However, considering the fact that a lot of other vegetables have these healthy components, we need to explore the things that set cruciferous vegetables apart from all the others; glucosinolates and myrosinase. When your body digests cruciferous vegetables, the myrosinase to come into contact with glucosinolates, initiating a chemical reaction that has a vital effect on your wellness: protecting you against cancer. Powerful anti-cancer compounds release active compounds like nitriles, indoles, isothiocyanates and thiocyanates as a result of this chemical reaction, and this prevents cancer in four key ways:

 

1. Protecting against DNA damage

2. Having a holistic antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral effect within the cells

3. Making potential carcinogens inactive

4. Helping to negate oxidative stress and fight against oxygen free radicals produced by the body. Reducing these helps cut down the risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer.

 

In fact, research recommends you add about two to three servings of cruciferous vegetables to your diet, but this can be daunting if you’re not particularly fond of veggies. The down side to cruciferous vegetables is that they contain sulphur based chemicals (the very same beneficial glucosinolates) which gives these vegetables a slightly bitter taste. That said, once you take a look at the wellness numbers, you will agree that cruciferous vegetables are no doubt better for you as compared to other vegetables!

 

• Research found that 28 servings of vegetables per week decreased prostate cancer risk by 33%, but just three servings of cruciferous vegetables per week decreased prostate cancer risk by 41%.


• Just one more servings of cabbage per week can reduce your risk of pancreatic cancer by 38%.


• One serving per day of cruciferous vegetables can lower your risk of breast cancer by over 50%.

 

Cruciferous vegetables are very beneficial when it comes to preventing hormone based cancers – like breast cancer and ovarian cancer – in particular. This is due to the fact that compounds like indole-3-carbinol (abundant in broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage), can help your body excrete oestrogen and other hormones. New research has reveals that these ITCs blunt the growth-promoting effects of oestrogen on breast and cervical cancer cells. Chinese researchers recently found that women who regularly ate one serving of cruciferous vegetables per day had a 50% reduced risk of breast cancer. Moreover, a European study revealed that consuming cruciferous vegetables at least once a week led to a 17% decrease in breast cancer risk. Plus, breast cancer survivors who eat cruciferous vegetables regularly have lower risk of cancer recurrence – the more cruciferous vegetables they ate, the lower their risk.

 

Categories: cancer prevention, Cruciferous Vegetables, vitamins

The Fantastic Low Cost High Protein Foods You Should Try

Any expert in diet and nutrition will tell you that protein is essential for your wellness and wellbeing. The problem with protein, is that it tends to have a considerable price tag associated with it.

 

Protein is important because it helps to aid muscle repair and recovery after a bout of exercise. A high protein diet tends to be more expensive than a high carb diet, however, but there are ways around this. If you are a savvy shopper, you can make some sensible choices to help bring down the cost of the protein on your weekly menu.

 

Liver, for example, is a very out of fashion type of food, but it is cheap and is packed with protein. Ox liver is one of the cheapest sources of protein that you could possibly buy and, like other offal, it is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. Due to the fact that the liver is used for detoxification, it can also harbour certain toxins, so you need to steer clear of livers from older or bigger animals, especially non-organic ones. Chicken or lambs liver is your best bet, and be sure to buy organic if you can. Liver is packed with vitamins, including A, iron, B12 and the full range of B vitamins, as well as that all-important protein.

 

Mussels are also protein rich. They are a little more expensive, but still great value, and contain lots of minerals such as selenium, iron, zinc and vitamins C and B12. They’re also very delicious, especially when cooked with garlic, wine and chilli.

 

Quark is another excellent source of protein, and very cheap at 34p per 100g. This is a rich, creamy cheese that is very high in protein as well as being a great source of B vitamins and calcium. You can use it to thicken sauces (even that garlic and wine sauce for the mussels to double-dose on your protein if you want!)

Categories: Cost, high, high protein, Liver, low, nbsp, Protein, vitamins

Sexy Nutrition: Another Reason You Need Your Five-A-Day!

We’ve been celebrating the erotic power of food for centuries; while Greek and Roman cultures enjoyed a parade of ripe fruits and exotic dishes before engaging in sensual pleasures, today we upload “food porn” photos on Instagram. Nutrition has a weird but great role in sexual health. The quality of your diet has a direct impact on your overall wellbeing – including sexual wellness. Here are our top tips for sexy sustenance:

 

1. Feast on fruits: Many fresh fruits are bursting with fibre, antioxidants and aphrodisiac properties, making them as sensual as they are nutritious. Erotic literature throughout the world celebrates fruits such as apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, coconut, dates, figs, grapes, mangoes, papayas, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranates, quince, raspberries and strawberries – yet another reason to make sure you get your five-a-day.

 

2. Vamp with Vegetables: Veggies are often, ahem, phallic-shaped, which is why produce such as asparagus, carrots, celery, corn, cucumbers, carrots and aubergine have long been prized for their aphrodisiac effects. Moreover, these veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals that invigorate your body and get it ready for a night of passion. Then you have vegetables like the tomato (ok, we know it’s technically a fruit, but, come on.) Also known as the “love apple,” tomatoes are a potent source of the powerhouse antioxidant, lycopene, which was once a highly sought-after libido enhancer. For optimal sexual health, you should also load up on beans, garlic, leeks, onions, parsley, peppers, soybeans, spinach, truffles, turnips and watercress.

 

3. Savour Seafood: You can fuel your body, brain and sex drive with shellfish – including abalone, oysters, clams, scallops, shrimp and lobster – and deep, cold-water fish like cod and halibut. Oysters are a particularly well-known aphrodisiac as they are rich in iodine and zinc, the latter of which is an essential sexual nutrient as it aids testosterone production in men and women.

 

4. Love (a Little) Lean Meat: You need protein to make your body perform at its peak, but Elson Haas, MD, author of Staying Healthy With Nutrition, warns that meats such as chicken and turkey are only healthful in moderation. ‘Good protein intake is important, but excessive amounts can interfere with sexuality,’ he points out. To avoid hormones, antibiotics and other additives that make meat a little bit dodgy, choose organic products where possible and go for non-animal sources of protein like nuts, seeds and beans. Pine nuts and pumpkin seeds are particularly known for being sexual adjuvants.

 

5. Get a Little Extra on the Side: The best way to enhance your sexual wellness is through a healthy, balanced diet. Still, while your diet should provide most of the necessary nourishment, you can get a little bit of extra health insurance from a multivitamin/mineral supplement. Make sure your multivitamin includes vitamins A, C, E and the B group of vitamins. This is important because these vitamins are essential for healthy sexual functioning. B vitamins, such as niacin and B5, for example, can help improve your sexual stamina as well as your ability to reach orgasm. Then you have vitamin E, which supplies your sex organs with sufficient oxygen. However, you should not neglect minerals from your supplement regime, as these nutrients – particularly selenium, manganese and of course, zinc – are also vital in regulating your hormones and revving up your sex drive. To ensure the correct dosages, it’s better to take a multivitamin/mineral rather than taking each mineral and vitamin individually. To find out the best and safest brands, and to make sure it’s ok for you to take a multivitamin, speak with your doctor for more information.

Categories: better sex, Fruits, fruits and vegetables, multivitamin, multivitamin mineral, nbsp, Sex Drive, sexual, sexual health, Sexual Wellness, Supplements, vitamins

IV Vitamin Therapy: Is It Really Necessary For Our Health?

In the world of health and fitness, there seems to be a new craze every other day. But how many of them do we really need, and are they doing our health any good? The latest to join the ranks is IV Vitamin Therapy in which vitamins and nutrients are quite literally fed through to the body via an IV drip. The practice itself isn’t anything new – it was developed around 50 years ago by a Baltimore Doctor naked John Myers for treating fatigue and depression. But in modern day medicine, the popularity has increased and seen a resurgence of late in people creating their own cocktail of nutrients to drip feed into their bodies. Wellness enthusiasts claim that the procedure delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream and supercharges your energy levels and immune system. Whatever ails you can supposedly be treated with this practice, from digestive complaints or sleep problems, with everything from vitamin D and folic acid flooding your veins to injectable vitamin C. But one of the main reasons why it has become so popular of late is the rumour that it could be a fantastic anti-ageing weapon.

 

There have even been reports by some people that, in place of Western medicines, this works as a way of improving the success rate in couples conceiving. In fact, IV drips are so ubiquitous in Los Angeles that you can get one along with your facial. But is this simply a holistic fad that joins the pile with crazy diets and anti-ageing remedies we now balk at? It seems that this is something altogether different from such magazine fodder.

The process is incredibly high tech, using equipment that measures bone density and takes ultrasounds. Your initial visit will require a look at the body as a collection of parts rather than one machine, making the treatments tailored to your specific needs. Most doctors will need to get a comprehensive look at your body and ailments before going straight in with the needle. Everything from your family history to your sex life will be included so that the physician can get a thorough look at your health as it currently stands. Including the initial consultation and then regular weekly injections, this isn’t a cheap service, heading well into the hundreds for this health-boosting therapy. From the first go, you may feel slightly groggy which your physician will warn you of, rather than the bolt of energy you may be expecting. But that will change – after a couple of hours, when you begin to exercise, work or go about your daily tasks, you’ll notice that you have far more energy than you usually do.

You’re able to go that extra mile without feeling drained because of it. And as you get more of this vitamin-rich therapy, the benefits improve all the while. Your fatigue levels will drop, you’ll have boundless energy and you’ll notice your skin becomes more plump and glowing. This isn’t vitamin popping in the same way that you do when you purchase a pot of multivitamins in the supermarket. These are pure grade vitamins which really make a difference. You’ll be more alert, your concentration levels will go through the roof and your appearance will really benefit. If the reviews are to be believed, then you’ll find that IV Vitamin Therapy becomes more popular by far – time will tell if it catches on in other parts of the world, following the example of top LA medical centres.

Categories: anti ageing, energy, health, holistic, iv vitamin, ll notice, New Treatment, nutrients, therapy, vitamin, vitamin therapy, vitamins

Would You Use Beauty Products Made with Donkey’s Milk?

We have a different opinion on the use of certain animals compared to our friends across the channel. While we recently cried out against the hidden content of horse meat in our burgers and ready meals, the French have been eating horse for years. In a similar vein, a popular anti-ageing ingredient in French cosmetics may surprise you, but it has been a skincare staple in Europe and the Mediterranean region since the days of Cleopatra. Keep an open mind…it’s donkey’s milk. However, are we Brits ready it?

 

According to Catherine Baron dit Faveron, founder of the French natural cosmetics brand Calinesse, she came across the amazing properties of donkey’s milk quite by chance. She recalls, ‘I was on vacation in the South of France in 2005 and staying at a small bed and breakfast, where the owners had put out soaps made with donkey’s milk by an artisanal soap maker in Marseilles for guests to use.’ While we Brits may shirk the idea of donkey’s milk-soap altogether, Baron used the soap without really thinking about it, and noticed some very visible changes in her skin. ‘My face was very soft and felt very clean and not at all dry,’ she details. ‘The soap was wonderfully rich and creamy and after using it just a couple of times, I felt such a significant difference in my skin.’

 

This is why donkey’s milk has been coveted by kings and queens throughout the ages, as well as the ordinary folk who wanted a boost to their beauty and wellbeing. The legend goes that Cleopatra believed in the wellness properties of donkey’s milk so much so that she bathed in it, while the Greeks and the Romans believed it was a powerful elixir for health and strength, and the fashionable “Elegantes” of 19th Century France dabbed it on their cheeks to soften and whiten their skin. Today, Calinesse offers a range of donkey milk soaps, creams and lotions for both women and babies, all of which have become popular in various countries across the globe.

 

However, behind Calinesse’s great products is artisan soap maker Pierluigi Orunesu, founder of Swiss company Eurolactis, which is the only company in the world with a vertically integrated supply chain focused exclusively on the production of donkey’s milk. Orunesu, whose company produces close to 60,000 litres of donkey milk per year, believes the donkey milk renaissance is only just beginning, as well as the profile of the animal itself. ‘I’m originally from Sardinia where there are tons of donkeys,’ he notes. ‘Donkeys are a part of tradition, but when we are small, we don’t understand the importance of the animal and all that we can do with it.’

 

Orunesu, however, has learnt a great deal about the benefits of donkey’s milk, noting that it is ideal for people with allergies to traditional dairy and soy milks. Donkey’s milk also has a low ratio of omega-6 to omega-3, meaning that it’s an anti-inflammatory that can help you fight the disease-causing damage of free radicals. You’ll also find a large amount of the anti-bacterial enzyme Lysozyme in donkey’s milk, as well as a high amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are excellent for maintaining your skin’s moisture barrier. Orunesu adds, ‘The milk also contains many vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A for the cellular membrane, Vitamin B2, which is excellent for immunity and the biological processes of the skin, and Vitamin E, which stops the ageing process. This milk really hydrates the epidermis, nourishes and regenerates the skin tissue.’ So, are you ready to try it?

Categories: donkey, donkey milk, Donkey's Milk, milk, omega 3s, orunesu, skin, soap, soap maker, vitamins

Sex God: Could These Vitamins Amp Up Your Sex Life?

There are three wellness concerns men tend to have when trying to achieve the pinnacle of sexual health and wellbeing: an enthusiastic libido, a similarly enthusiastic erection and – depending on your procreative goals – super-sperm. However, if you have plans for an intimate evening, factors like antidepressant use, ageing and more can get in your way. While there isn’t always something you can do to ensure you have great sex every night, you can get your sex life in better shape with a better diet. Not only does eating plenty of healthy food mean you’ll look better when the clothes come off; it also holds sway over what’s underneath them. So which vitamins can boost your sex life, and where can you find them?

 

1. Vitamin C: While this vitamin is best known for boosting immunity and fighting off scurvy, it also enhances your blood flow. For guys, this is important for getting an erection, as the vitamin C found in lemons, oranges, peppers, potatoes and strawberries helps get the blood where it needs to be, and enables your penis to somehow accommodate it. Moreover, vitamin C can help you get rid of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Just make sure you don’t consume more than 2,000 milligrams – 90 is optimal – as I think you’ll agree that nothing ruins the mood quite like diarrhoea.

 

2. Folate: This vitamin is also known as vitamin B9, but you may have also heard it referred to as folic acid. This isn’t just a synonym because scientists can’t decide on a name; rather, folate is the natural vitamin you’ll find in foods, while folic acid is the man-made version that is found in supplements. If you and your partner are trying to conceive, it’s also important for her to get plenty of this B vitamin, as consuming folate or folic acid as early as possible during the pregnancy will greatly decrease your baby’s chances of serious birth defects, such as spina bifida. For men, some studies have shown a connection between folate/folic acid and a reduction in abnormal sperm, while others have even found that, when combined with zinc, vitamin B9 can help increase your sperm count. Sources of this vital vitamin include peas, asparagus, avocado, bananas, papaya, cantaloupe and tomato juice.

 

3. Vitamin E: This vitamin has shown in some studies to improve sperm activity, and it also has other benefits you’ll love. Vitamin E is an antioxidant – which helps prevent diseases – and it also strengthens your immune system and prevents dangerous blood clotting. The easiest way to get vitamin E into your diet is to snack on it with yummy and healthy munchers like almonds, peanuts and sunflower seeds.

 

4. Vitamin B12: Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 takes care of your nerves and blood cells, as well as keeping you from experiencing anaemia. Anaemia is a condition in which you feel incredibly tired and weak and gives you a lovely ghostly pallor – so there’ll be no tumble between the sheets for you tonight! You can only get vitamin B12 from animal foods – such as lamb, liver, sardines, clams, beef, eggs and some cheeses – which means you’re at risk for B12 deficiency if you’re a vegan. While there isn’t enough scientific evidence yet to determine whether B12 supplements can fight male infertility, studies are being done on the use of vitamin B12 supplements in men with fertility issues.

 

5. Vitamin B3: Vitamin B3, or niacin, helps make sex hormones and improves your circulation. It also regulates things like sleep patterns and erectile dysfunction, which means it’s time to stock up on beetroot, red meat and milk.

Categories: b12 supplements, better sex, Blood, folic acid, men, nbsp, sex life, vitamin, vitamin B12, vitamin b3, vitamin b9, vitamins

Vitamins And Herbs That Can Help You Sexually

If you are like most people then it is likely true that your sex life is very important to you – after all, sex is one of the most pleasurable experiences that we can have as humans, so it not a big surprise that we are such big fans. And the chances are that if you’re reading this article you’re looking for one of two things. Either you want to make the good sex you are having even better, or alternatively you may be struggling with your love life and want some help in making it better. So here are the top eight vitamins and herbs to help you with your sex life.

 

One – Ginseng

Ginseng is a great herb to improve your sexual experience. Ginseng is well known for its ability to improve blood flow and the fact is that improved blood flow. Blood flowing to the genitals is one of the key aspects of having sex for both men and women, so ginseng can be a real difference-maker in the bedroom.

 

Two – Maca

While it is more well-known as ‘Peruvian Ginseng’, we felt that maca still deserved a place on this list. That’s because is known to have effects that can be similar to Viagra and being able to improve levels of lust and strength of orgasm. It was also known to be used by Peruvians in battle as it was supposed to improve their strength and endurance – good qualities for sex too, we think.

 

Three – Horny Goat Weed

Now here’s something that does what it says on the tin, so to speak. Horny goat weed has long been thought to be a plant that can boost the libido. Interestingly it is also though that it may have some ability to counteract erectile dysfunction. Clearly it has its sexual uses.

 

Four – Kava

One of the most common causes for problems such as erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual satisfaction is stress and anxiety. Kava has been shown to dramatically reduce levels of stress and anxiety and that can make it much easier to get in the mood for love. While it is illegal in Canada and France, most other countries have not banned it.

 

Five – L-Arginine

This is an amino acid that is considered by some to be a kind of Viagra substitute. It increases blood flow to the sexual organs, and as we have learned from ginseng, this is a very good thing for you sexually. It is great for women as well as men, so it’s well worth using if you need a little help in the bedroom.

 

Six – Vitamin E

Get more vitamin E in your life you are looking to make more of your sexual experience. It is known as the ‘sex vitamin’ as it vital for the production of sexual hormones in the body.

 

Seven – Ginger

Ginger plays a similar role to ginseng and can produce the same results. You can use it in the foods that you eat regularly and it will do a great job. Try introducing more ginger into your diet and see if you get the right results.

 

Eight – DHEA

While DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands, it is actually a natural herb or vitamin, but we still think that it deserves a place on this list thanks to all the good it can do for women sexually. Remember that you should talk to your doctor before you consider using but it could still be something that can be very useful in improving your sex life.

Categories: bedroom nbsp, blood flow, erectile dysfunction, genitals, ginseng, goat weed, horny goat, nbsp, sex life, sexual experience, vitamins

The Essential Vitamins and Where to Find Them in Food

You probably already know that you need vitamins for your wellness to thrive. In a perfect world, everyone would get their vitamin needs sorted through their diet, bolstering their wellbeing with a mixture of healthy fruits, vegetables and low-fat meats. However, in the real world, you know that isn’t the case; most people don’t get the vitamins they need through their diet. We’ve compiled a list of the necessary nutrients and where to find them, although you may want to look at supplements to fill any nutritional gaps you might have. However, before you take on any of our suggestions, you should talk things through with your healthcare provider.

 

First we need to establish the difference between a water-soluble vitamin and a fat-soluble vitamin, although you can probably discern much from their apt names. With water-soluble vitamins – such as vitamin C and B vitamins – it’s easy for your body to eliminate whatever it doesn’t use, as this excess nutrition can be cleared out almost instantly through your bowel movements. Fat-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are more difficult to get rid of. Fat-soluble vitamins – including vitamin A, D, E, and K – can build up in your lipids and, when built to excess, can cause many different illnesses. So, proceed with caution with fat-soluble vitamins. Now, where can you find all these necessary nutrients?

 

Vitamin B1: Starting with the water-soluble vitamins, thiamin helps your body convert blood sugar into energy, and is found in brown rice, asparagus, cauliflower, oranges, whole grain flour, potatoes, pork, eggs, yeast and fortified cereals.

 

Vitamin B2: Also known as riboflavin, this B vitamin works with others to convert sugar into energy. You can get your B2 from dairy products like milk and cheese, broccoli, spinach and asparagus.

 

Vitamin B3: Niacin – which is found in tuna, green beans, broccoli, mushrooms and fortified breakfast cereals – helps convert sugar into energy and keeps your skin healthy.

 

Vitamin B6: Found in watermelon, bananas, spinach, tomatoes and broccoli, vitamin B6 contributes to red blood cell formation and converts fat and protein into energy.

 

Vitamin B9: You probably are more aware of this vitamin by its other name; folic acid. As well as being an essential component of any pregnant woman’s diet, folic acid helps your body create new cells and ward of heart disease. Get your vitamin B9 from broccoli, green beans, tomatoes, beans, asparagus and fortified breakfast foods.

 

Vitamin B12: This vitamin – appearing in meat, fish, milk, cheese, eggs and poultry – helps your body to produce new cells.

 

Vitamin C: Though vitamin C is among the most well-known of vitamins, you often make the mistake of thinking orange is the best and only source. In fact, vitamin C – which protects your body’s cells from damage and may help with heart disease and preventing cancer – can be found in other citrus fruits such as limes and lemons, as well as strawberries, kiwi, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, peppers and spinach.

 

Vitamin A: Moving on to the fat-soluble vitamins, vitamin A is beneficial for your skin and eyesight, and you’ll find it in liver (from both beef and pork,) fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna) milk, butter, eggs and carrots.

 

Vitamin D: Essential for maintaining healthy bones, you can get vitamin D from milk, egg yolks, liver, and butter, as well as through sunlight on your skin.

 

Vitamin E: This vitamin is found in sunflower seeds, spinach, various nuts, and peanut butter. It’s vital for heart health, preventing pollution damage in your lungs and may protect you against cancer.

 

Vitamin K: Found in eggs, various meats, spinach, lettuce, cabbage and milk, vitamin K helps your body’s blood clotting process.

Categories: convert sugar, Fat-soluble, folic acid, fortified breakfast, green beans, nbsp vitamin, soluble vitamin, soluble vitamins, vitamin b9, vitamins, water-soluble

Necessary Nutrients: How to Eat Your Vitamins and Minerals

Although pills seem like the easy fix for your wellbeing, the truth is there’s no substitute for diet and nutrition wellness. Sure, you need vitamins and minerals to keep your body functioning at its best – after all, these nutrients are essential in building strong bones; improving brainpower, mood, and memory; and possibly helping the immune system ward off ailments both large and small. Still, according to Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, director of the antioxidant research lab at Tufts University, ‘Vitamins should be used only as supplements to the diet, not substitutes for healthy food.’ So let’s take a look at the vitamins you need, and how you can incorporate them into your diet.

 

1. Calcium: You need this mineral for bone health, which is vital as you age. Therefore, you want 1000mg every day before you turn 50, and at least 1200 thereafter. You want to spread your calcium consumption out throughout the day, as your body can’t absorb more than 500 milligrams of calcium at a time. The best daily menu is an eight-ounce glass of skimmed milk, one cup of yoghurt, one cup of cooked spinach, and one fig.

 

2. Vitamin D: Not only do you need this vitamin to absorb calcium, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, certain cancers, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Before the age of 50, you should be getting 200IUs every day, and 400-600IUs after that. Your body produces this vitamin when your skin is exposed to sunlight, so you only need to get out in the sun (without sun cream) for 10-15 minutes three times a week. Otherwise, you can get 200IUs from a 3½ ounce serving of salmon, or two cups of fortified milk.

 

3. Vitamins B6 and B12: These vitamins are vital for the functioning of your blood, nerves, and the immune system, and not getting enough could increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. You need 1.3 milligrams (mg) of B6 and 2.4 micrograms of B12 every day, which you can get from a cup of plain yoghurt and a banana, one ounce of sunflower seeds, and three ounces of roast beef.

 

4. Folic Acid (Folate): If you’ve ever had a baby, you’ll know how important folate is to your baby’s wellbeing. This B vitamin helps to prevent neural-tube birth defects, such as spina bifida, and deficiencies can increase your risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke. You need 400 micrograms every day, which you can get from a ¾ cup serving of fortified breakfast cereal, or a combination of a cup of peas, a cup of cooked spinach, and about five spears of asparagus.

 

5. Vitamin C: As you know, vitamin C is good for you immune system, but it also boosts you “good” HDL cholesterol. You need 75-200mg every day, which you can almost get from just one orange. Other food sources include strawberries, red and green peppers, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach and kale.

 

6. Vitamin E: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is an amazing nutrient, especially with regards to your eye health and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease. You generally need about 22.5IUs a day, but anything up to 150IUs won’t hurt. You can get all you need from a cup of raw broccoli coupled with two ounces of either almonds or sunflower seeds.

 

7. Iron: Iron-deficiency anaemia is common in women, as you lose a lot of the mineral during your periods, especially if you have heavy ones. To prevent this, you need about 18mg a day, which is best attained through a large spinach salad, a cup of lentil soup, and a small (three-ounce) serving of red meat.

Categories: calcium, cooked spinach, heart disease, iron, nbsp, ounce, ounce serving, sunflower seeds, vitamin, vitamin c, vitamin e, vitamins

What Vitamins and Supplements Should You Take in Pregnancy?

When you are pregnant, you will do anything to keep yourself and your baby health, be that through attending your mainstream appointments and scans or by looking into what complementary methods there are for improving your wellness.

 

One of the best things that you can do for the wellbeing of your unborn baby is to eat a healthy and varied diet, packed full of vitamins and minerals. These will help your baby to grow and develop as normal, and will help to give you enough energy as you carry out the difficult task of growing (and carrying around!) a little human. Fortifying your body will also help to prepare you for labour, and for the tiring months ahead when you have a newborn on your hands.

 

The best way of getting these all-important minerals and vitamins is by eating the aforementioned healthy diet, but it is also important to realise that even if your diet is perfect, there are some that you do not get enough of through diet alone.

 

Folic acid is particularly important – this is vital for protecting your baby as it grows, and you should aim to take around 400 micrograms of folic acid every day from before you are pregnant until around the 13^th week of pregnancy (although some like to continue with it longer, and there is no harm in this). This protects against neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

 

Vitamin D is also now recommended for those who are pregnant, and you need around 10 micrograms of this per day.

 

One to avoid is vitamin A (or anything containing vitamin A) as this can damage your baby’s eyes when they are still developing.

Categories: Baby, diet, folic acid, nbsp, pregnancy, Pregnant, Supplements, vitamins

How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion

You may want to look younger, but having spots like a greasy teenager probably wasn’t what you had in mind. Acne is a common problem, especially if you have oily skin, but there are ways in which your diet can help.

 

1. Pick up more protein: Your skin cells react and recover faster from infections with a high intake of protein, as these prevent the secretion of oil onto your skin. This hampers the main cause of acne, as well as causing your skin to replace old cells quickly and become more light and soft.

 

2. Choose the right kind of fats: You might think fats aggravate your skin problems, but in fact you need a 1:3 ratio of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help your brain work properly and also fight acne. For omega-3, turn to olive oil, flax seed oil, fresh salmon, etc., while you can get omega 6-fatty acids from beef, red chicken, all nuts and peanut butter.

 

3. Find your favourite fruits: No food is better than fruits for skin wellness. Try apples to gradually reduce acne, or apricots for the vitamin A, vitamin B complex and fibre you need to control and fight spots. Bananas are a known boost to anti-ageing wellness, as their high content of potassium acts against acne-causing bacteria, while cherries help to cleanse your blood, which is vital in suppressing spots and pimples. For vitamin A and C try cantaloupe melons, or else pick papaya and other citrus fruits.

 

4. Eat vital vegetables: A strong way to clean up acne is by eating raw vegetables, especially the key players. Carrot is beneficial as it contains vitamin A, carotene and magnesium, while the nutrients in cucumber (notably vitamin A and vitamin C) control your acne and enrich your skin tone. Spinach is a skin superstar, providing you with iron, vitamins A and K and antioxidants, and finally garlic can control your skin’s oil balance, so you might want to add it to dishes or even directly apply garlic juice to the spots themselves.

 

5. Choose acne-treating carbs: Carbohydrates have a huge impact on your body’s inflammation and the balance of your blood sugar. This means that the carbs you eat have to be suitable for acne; low-glycaemic carbohydrates. These carbs don’t exacerbate inflammation, so try to get your carbohydrate fix from beans, legumes, oats, barley and quinoa, and eat them along with protein to effectively treat your acne.

 

6. Make sure you get all your vitamins and minerals: We’ve touched on this with the fruits and vegetables sections, but vitamins and minerals are so vital to your skin health that it bears repeating. The essential vitamins for preventing acne are vitamins A, C, D and K, while your non-miss-able minerals include magnesium, potassium and zinc. The reason why these nutrients are so important is that they have the properties you need to fight against harmful bacteria, exfoliate your skin of any dry and nasty bits, act on those persistent pimples and eliminate the inflammation on any skin rashes you might have. You’ll probably get all the vitamins and minerals you need if you eat a decent amount of fruit and veg – especially those listed above – but if not, talk to your doctor about deficiencies and the possibility of vitamin and mineral supplements.

 

7. Limit your consumption of dairy and processed foods: Milk products antagonize your affected skin, because they are high in saturates animal fats. This means that they promote the growth of bacteria, and so you’ll never protect your wellbeing against acne. Processed foods likewise promote the growth of acne and skin problems, as these contain skin-harming preservatives.

Categories: acne, fatty acids, nbsp, processed foods, Protein, skin, skin problems, vitamin, vitamins, vitamins and minerals

Have You Been Taken in By the Five Supplement Myths?

While we’re big on vitamin and mineral supplements these days, we don’t actually know a hell of a lot about them. In fact, there are plenty of myths floating around out there about vitamins, and how they benefit your wellness, but you may be putting your wellbeing at risk by taking them in large quantities. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, it’s best to get the vitamins you need from your diet, rather than pills, but still you find yourself swaying towards supplement aisle for a quick fix. Let’s take a look at the common misconceptions about vitamins:

 

1. Getting more than your recommended dietary intake means you’ll be doing even more good for your wellness.

Just because small amounts of vitamins are good for you, it doesn’t follow that large amounts are even better. Less is more when it comes to vitamins, especially fat-soluble ones like vitamins A, D, E and K. These vitamins can be stored in your body, which means taking high doses over a long period of time can lead to harmful levels. Even the water-soluble ones can be damaging in high doses, as large amounts of vitamin B6, for example, has been linked with nerve damage.

 

2. Taking supplements is essential to prevent deficiencies and illness.

Your body can store vitamins, even if they’re only water-soluble ones, albeit for a shorter period of time. It will take months before a vitamin deficiency will affect your wellbeing, so it doesn’t matter if your healthy, balanced diet takes a dive here and there. As long as you usually eat a wide variety of fresh foods, an occasional lapse in good eating will not harm you. For some people, supplements do have a role to place. You may need certain supplements if you’re pregnant, on a long-term restrictive weight loss diet, or someone who suffers from malabsorption problems such as diarrhoea, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis or pancreatitis. If this is you, consult your doctor for more information – you should never start supplementing without your doctor’s advice.

 

3. Vitamin C can help to prevent colds.

Though the research into this subject has been exhaustive, there is still no strong evidence to suggest that vitamin C helps prevent the common cold. While studies have shown that taking more than 1,000mg of the vitamin every day can ease some of the symptoms and duration of a cold (making it about half a day shorter), even this does not prevent you catching a cold and can cause more damage than it lessens. Large doses of vitamin C can cause nausea, abdominal cramps, headaches, fatigue, kidney stones and diarrhoea, as well as messing with medical tests and your body’s ability to process other nutrients. You only need 45mg of vitamin C per day.

 

4. Vitamin E will stave off heart disease.

As vitamin E is widely recognised as a beneficial antioxidant, may people believe that it can help to prevent heart disease. Not only is there no evidence to support this theory, but studies have categorically proven that vitamin E doesn’t protect your heart. Moreover, taking supplements of the vitamin may even increase your risk of death from all causes!

 

5. Supplements can protect you against cancer.

It would be nice if a few pills could prevent cancer, but unfortunately it’s not that easy. If you take large quantities of vitamin A, not only will it not cure cancer but it will also be toxic to your body. A small amount of evidence indicates that vitamin E can protect you against certain cancers, but there is an equal chance that this vitamin will cause other types of cancer – pick your poison!

Categories: colds, Deficiencies, heart disease, high doses, large amounts, large quantities, prevent, Supplements, vitamin, vitamin c, vitamins, water-soluble

Top Foods for Strong and Silky Hair

Strong, lustrous locks are the desire of every woman, and you only need to see the expense of shampoos, conditioners and serums to see the extent they’ll go to to achieve it. After a while though, shampoos can only go so far. Your diet is the best way to create stronger and more beautiful hair, by providing it with the nutrients it needs to grow stronger from within. A well balanced diet can provide these vitamins and minerals to develop luscious, enviable hair. Supplements can sometimes backfire as they don’t really give you everything that you need. The following foods could be just the ticket though, as well as providing the rest of your body with a boost as well.

 

Green vegetables

Green, leafy vegetables are fantastic sources of vitamins A and C, which helps your body to produce sebum for shiny and healthy hair. They also provide the body with iron and calcium, which are beneficial to the body. You can include broccoli, spinach, cabbage and lettuce for your daily dose of these nutrients. Spinach, in particular, is great for your hair. It’s nutritional profile includes vitamins E and B6, carotene and folates. The iron in this vegetable can help the body to carry oxygen around the body, and to the hair, and works especially well when consumed with vitamin C.

Beans

Legumes are the way forward if you’re trying to improve the condition of your hair. All varieties of beans are good for you, providing fibre, vitamins and iron. Biotin can also be found in them and this is perfect for people who have brittle hair. They can be eaten on their own, in soups and stews, or mashed as a tasty alternative to regular potato mash.

Dairy products

Dairy produce such as milk, cheese and yoghurt provide calcium which is vital for your hair health. However, in order to be good for your health they need to be low in fat. Dairy also offers casein which is high in protein, to build your strength. Try eating a yoghurt or some cottage cheese as a snack instead of some crisps for a healthier choice, both for your wellbeing in general and your hair.

Salmon

Any food item which contains omega-3 fatty acids can be considered a great move for your health and your hair. Salmon is one such ingredient which is considered the holy grail in the beauty world – these essential oils are great for your health, keep your skin supple and boost your hair’s lustre. This delicious food also includes iron and vitamin B12 which supports the health of your hair and scalp. If you’re vegetarian or simply don’t eat fish, you can substitute this for a few tablespoons of flax seeds over your salad or as a snack for your dose of omega oils.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in protein and as such as brilliant for your hair. The proteins in eggs are easily digested by the body, so you’ll get the benefit early on – they also have vitamin B12, B2, iron and folates in them for even more benefits to your health. Try substituting your cereal a few times a week for a filling egg breakfast. Try to avoid fatty fried eggs though, as this will outweigh the benefits of the eggs themselves.

Poultry

Turkey and chicken are lean meats, so you can benefit from the high quantities of protein without worrying about the fat. They also provide iron which has a high degree of bio-availability, meaning that you body will get the rewards of these ingredients immediately.

Categories: body, diet, Eggs, hair, hair salmon, health, iron, vitamin B12, vitamins

How to Take the Right Supplements to Help Keep You Healthy

If you take vitamins, minerals and supplements, the chances are that you are trying to be healthier and to improve your wellness and wellbeing. There are so many dietary supplements on the market, however, that it can be tough to work out which ones actually have the health benefits that they claim, and which are just pointless additions to your diet.

 

Dietary supplements often contain a variety of ingredients, including vitamins amino acids, herbs, minerals and other botanicals. Some of the health benefits of these ingredients have been confirmed by research but others have not. It’s always worth reading up a bit before you choose to take any kind of ingredient.

 

When taking a dietary supplement, you should always read the label and follow the instructions. Be very cautious of the word ‘natural’ as this does not automatically mean that a product is safe. A herbal supplement, for example, may contain many different compounds and all the ingredients of what you are taking may not be known.

 

It’s also worth bearing in mind that some dietary supplements can interact with other medications or pose risk to you if you have specific health conditions or if you are undergoing surgery. It’s also the case that most dietary supplements have not been tested on children, pregnant women or nursing mothers, so their safety cannot be verified.

 

In America, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the dietary supplement market, but the regulations are far less strict than those that are imposed on over-the-counter medications.

 

It is important, therefore, that you tell your healthcare provider about any complementary health care that you are undergoing and any supplements that you take, to ensure a coordinated approach to your wellbeing.

 

Dietary supplements are intended to do just that – to supplement the diet – and should never be seen as an alternative to a healthy and varied diet.

Categories: dietary, dietary supplement, dietary supplements, health, Health Benefits, minerals, nbsp, nbsp dietary, supplement, Supplements, vitamins

How to Use Supplements Safely

The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, or DSHEA, labels a dietary supplement as something which supplements your food, contains one or more dietary ingredient such as vitamins or minerals, and comes in a pill form. Naturally, there are various forms of such a supplement which makes it difficult to know where to begin in sourcing one which suits you. Depending on the area of your body that you want to improve, there is a supplement to aid it. Herbal and botanical supplements are used for medicinal purposes, and usually target a certain area, such as the skin or liver. Vitamins and minerals are micro-nutrients which benefit the body in specific ways, such as vitamin A supporting the growth of bones and maintaining good eyesight. Vitamin E, on the other hand, strengthens the immune system, maintains great skin structure and protect against ageing, and helps to repair the DNA. If you’re deficient in a vitamin or mineral, it can stop the body from fighting off illnesses and inhibiting the natural repair stage – when deficient over a long period of time, it can even lead to more serious health problems. Of course, supplements are no match for the real deal when used instead of a well balanced diet, but they can support its growth and fill in the gaps.

 

Herbal supplements differ from vitamin and mineral supplements because they’re considered to have a medicinal purpose. They’re also valued as one of the world’s oldest health care tools, being the basis of many modern medicines. In fact, it’s thought by the World Health Organisation that as many as 80 percent of the world’s population uses traditional therapies to heal ailments, many of which are plant derivatives. Though they may seem natural and good for you as a result, they are still potent and should be taken with caution, particularly if you’re taking other medications. It is best to check with your GP before taking any supplements. Many people may well benefit from a daily multivitamin as a way of providing a consistent source of your vital nutrients – vitamin D is the most commonly needed nutrient as it is notoriously difficult to source from our diets. In such areas, where we struggle to get enough nutrients from our diets alone, supplements are useful and can help us feel in better heath overall.

Your first step towards protecting your health should always be a good diet – there is no comparison for fruit and vegetables, protein and dairy in its purest form. However, our increasingly poor diets have meant that dangerous gaps have shown up in our daily meals – in order to fill in these holes, supplements do the work our diets fail to do. Some people are more in need of supplements than others – for example, women of childbearing age, pregnant or lactating women, kids or teens with irregular eating habits, seniors, people with eating disorders, vegetarians or vegans, or people with an incredibly poor diet. The word supplements encapsulates the very role these pills play – they are an addition to your diet, not the whole thing. In other words, you’re ‘adding’ to your daily intake of food, or to the prescription medication you’re taking. Before taking any supplements, you should consult your GP first to make sure that it is safe. There may be an underlying issue that supplements hide rather than solve, so you should be sure that you’re merely boosting your health rather than hiding important issues. However, in everyday life, supplements can be great for helping you maintain a health balance and improved well-being.

Categories: diet, dietary supplement, health, people, Supplements, vitamin, vitamins

Nutrition: The Missing Link in Your Anti-Ageing Regime

When it comes to anti-ageing wellness, there seems to be a moisturiser for every body part and more “miracle pills” than you can shake a stick at, but still something is missing. Surely, there’s a more natural way to live for longer and look good while you’re doing it.

 

The answer? Nutrition.

 

Think about it: are you getting the minimum level of nutrition your body needs from your diet? Of course not. Not only does this make you age prematurely, but it opens up your wellbeing to a whole host of health concerns, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. The reason why you’re at risk to these problems is all the processed foods you eat. The commercial industry needs 16 nutrients to grow a whole lot of plants, but your body needs 26 nutrients to thrive. This means that artificial fertilizers are created using the 16 necessary for plant growth, and so you miss out on the remaining 10.

 

Plus, there are all those pesticides to consider. According to a study published by the National Research Council, the major source of exposure to pesticides for infants and children is through diet. Pesticides have an impact on the nutrients in food; namely, vitamin C, B vitamins and beta-carotene. Your body needs these nutrients to fight an onslaught of toxins. This means that – for your wellness as well as your children’s – you need to choose organic foods which haven’t been genetically modified. The evidence to prove the nutritional superiority of organic foods over conventionally-grown foods remains to be seen, but you can’t deny the the amount of pesticide residue each category contains.

 

If you want to get the wide range of vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals your body needs to maintain good energy levels and wellness – and to live for longer – you need five servings of organic fruits and vegetables a day in a variety of colours:

 

• Blue/purple: Purple cabbage, blackcurrants, raisins, plums, purple grapes


• Green: Spinach, beans, peas, green pepper, celery, broccoli


• White/tan/brown: Banana, dates, garlic, ginger, radish, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions


• Yellow/orange: Pumpkin, lemon, papaya, peach, melon, pineapple, sweet corn, mangoes, oranges, yellow pepper


• Red: Apples, tomatoes, berries, pomegranate, red pepper, beetroot, cherries.

Categories: anti ageing, body, Colour, foods, nbsp, nutrients, nutrition, Organic, organic foods, Pesticides, vitamins

What Every Pregnant Women Needs To Know About Supplements

In order to give yourself the best chance of maintaining your wellness and wellbeing, and that of your unborn child, throughout pregnancy, there are certain vitamins, minerals and supplements that you should take.

 

Eating a varied diet is the best way to achieve this, but there are also some supplements that you are unable to get from food that you must take extra doses off to ensure you stay healthy.

 

Health professionals now recommend that you take at least 10 micrograms of vitamin D every day for the duration of your pregnancy, and longer if you breastfeed. They also recommend that you should take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, and should start this before you become pregnant and continue until you are around 12 weeks pregnant, or even longer if you prefer.

 

On the other hand, you should avoid vitamin A or anything that contains vitamin A as too much of this can do damage to your baby. .

 

Supplements of vitamin D and folic acid can be obtained from most pharmacies and supermarkets and your GP may be able to prescribe them in some circumstances. If you decide to take a multivitamin to cover all bases, make sure that it is a pregnancy-specific one, as many standard multivitamin pills contain too much vitamin A and not enough folic acid.

 

Folic acid is particularly important as it can help guard against certain types of birth defects known as ‘neural tube defects’ which cause problems such as spina bifida. Taking this supplement can help to guard against these even before birth, and you should also aim to eat lots of foods that contain folate, such as brown rice, some breakfast cereals, bread and vegetables. If you have not been taking folic acid but are already pregnant, you should start as soon as possible.

Categories: acid, folic, folic acid, nbsp, Pregnant, Supplements, vitamin, vitamins

Can Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements Help You Live Longer?

Most people, if questioned, would say that they want to live longer. There are all kinds of methods that people use to attempt longevity, but one that they should pay closer attention to is using vitamins, minerals and supplements.

 

Living for a long time has foundations in wellness and wellbeing; if you focus on keeping yourself healthy, you are likely to avoid the diseases that could shorten your life. More nutrients should be linked to more years on your life, as your body will be in the best possible condition. But are vitamins in the form of pills just as beneficial as vitamins that you can get from your diet?

 

As you get older, the nutrients that you need in order to keep your body healthy change, and that is when the vitamins and supplements market comes into its own. Pills can be targeted at specific age groups, be that sportsmen, teen girls or menopausal women, in order to make sure that they get the exact nutrients that they require.

 

Nevertheless, research continues to turn up mixed results about whether dietary supplements are beneficial, harmful to your body or are simply of no benefit or harm whatsoever.

 

There are some things, however, that are associated with longevity, and which could be tried if you are hoping to extend your life. Beta carotene, for example, is associated with lowering your risk of cancer, but this only works in dietary form, not when taken as a supplement. Calcium has also been shown to increase mortality, and can be taken in pill form. There are risks to taking regular calcium, however, so this should only be done so with the support of your doctor. Vitamin D also tends to work in collaboration with calcium to help keep your bones healthy and to protect you against certain cancers. Taking vitamin D supplements is widely believed to be safe.

Categories: live, live longer, longer, minerals, Mortality, nbsp, Supplements, vitamins, vitamins minerals

The Famous Five: Vital Vitamins and Where to Find Them

You need a range of vitamins and minerals in your diet in order to maintain your well-being, but there are so many different foods that contain so many different nutrients, where do you find the best sources? We’ve rounded up the best, wellness-boosting wonders that will get your diet overflowing with the good stuff.

 

Vitamin A – This vitamin is especially important to your immune system, reproduction and vision. While beef liver, spinach, fish, milk, eggs, and carrots are good sources of vitamin A, you can’t go wrong with a sweet potato, as a medium-sized spud with give you 561% of your recommended daily value (DV).

 

B Vitamins – For vitamin B6, get your hands on chickpeas, fish, beef liver, and poultry, while animal products and oily fish are your best bet for vitamin B12. These vitamins metabolise foods, help form haemoglobin, stabilise your blood sugar, make antibodies that fight disease, improve your nerve function and ward of anaemia. If you’re pregnant, another B vitamin you’ll need is folate, which is found in dark leafy green vegetables, fruit, nuts, and dairy products.

 

Vitamin C – While you may think you’ve got this one covered with that orange juice sitting in the fridge, the Mac-Daddy of vitamin C content is the sweet red pepper. Aside from that, kiwi fruit, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cantaloupe can give you the vitamin C you need to metabolise protein and synthesis your neurotransmitters.

 

Vitamin D – Your body generates its own vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, but as you don’t get much sunshine in this country, you might want to stock up on fatty fishes – such as salmon and mackerel – or vitamin D-fortified foods such as milk, breakfast cereals, yogurt, and orange juice. This vitamin is vital for calcium absorption and bone growth, cell growth, immunity, and the reduction of inflammation.

 

Vitamin E – You need this powerful antioxidant in order to protect your cells from the harmful molecules known as free radicals. Vitamin E is important in immunity, healthy blood vessel function and clotting, so amp up your intake of wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds or almonds.

Categories: beef liver, Benefits, Food Sources, nbsp, nbsp vitamin, orange juice, vitamin, vitamins

What Does a Multi-Vitamin Really Contain?

There is a strong debate surrounding how effective multivitamins really are, alongside the ever present discussion on whether we really need supplements. Should we simply be getting our nutrients from our diet, or are supplements an effective way of ensuring that we get all the nutrients we need to stay healthy?

Experts agree that we should eat our way through the nutrient list, rather than relying on supplements and tablets to do the hard work for us. But an article from Natural News, published in May, states that the growing concern surrounding supplements may be true – those bought at the supermarket or pharmacies are composed of isolated, inorganic and synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals. This is a problem for a number of reasons – firstly, the human body isn’t familiar with these forms of vitamins and minerals, so absorbing them can become a problem. This means they aren’t as effective as they need to be. Secondly, they often also include synthetic chemicals to bind the ingredients together, which are toxic to your body and actually have more of a detrimental effect on your health rather than helping it. It’s important to remember that we take vitamin supplements as a way of shortening the gaps that our diet causes – if they’re causing more harm than good, these gaps become wider and multivitamins become less useful to us. Where certain nutrients are concerns, such as iron and calcium, the minerals found in multivitamins have been likened more to rocks than nutrients – they’re not good for our health and could actually cause us damage internally. It’s safer to opt for a healthy diet in order to get the nutrients you need, so that you can be sure the vitamins and minerals are exactly as state, rather than synthetic versions.

 

Categories: minerals, nutrients, Supplements, synthetic, vitamins