Multivitamins are readily accessible as an over-the-counter purchase in your local grocery store or pharmacy store they have the power to help us make up for missed opportunities in our diet. These pills are a fantastic supplement for men and women who follow a healthy diet or those who might be on the edge of being less than perfect with their dietary habits.
People take multivitamins for a myriad of reasons which include the need to boost their energy levels, aid in weight loss activities and to help increase their immunity –but do vitamins deliver on any of these things?
Multivitamin Benefits
Did you know that our bodies require approximately 40 vitamins and minerals every day? Some experts point to research that lands on both sides of the fence as it relates to whether or not taking multivitamins are necessary to help us meet the daily recommended allowances. According to John Hopkins Medicine, there is one school of thought is that consuming multivitamins does not offer any real benefit to your health and thus, there are scientists and health professionals who are reluctant to recommend them. However, several experts are recognizing studies that show there are potential health benefits for adding a daily multivitamin to your health regimen. Some of those benefits begin in the womb by reducing the risk of congenital anomalies while others help to fight against chronic illnesses and conditions. Let’s take a closer look at multivitamin benefits.
Improves Your Nutrient Intake
As previously noted, multivitamins are a fantastic nutrient supplement –especially for those who may not always eat enough of the right foods. They help to move you closer to achieving the daily recommended allowances for vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium.
May Help to Reduce the Risk for Certain Forms of Cancer
Research demonstrates that multivitamins can help to reduce the overall incidence and mortality of some forms of cancer for those who have a poor diet. According to a United States study, women who consume multivitamins are at a lesser risk for estrogen- and progesterone-receptor-negative breast cancer or women who drink alcohol. Men are 8 percent less likely to be diagnosed with cancer according to another study.
Multivitamins for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Multivitamins may prove useful in providing essential vitamins and minerals to those who are experiencing a slow loss of vision associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Studies show that nutritional supplements combined with a healthy diet can help to prevent or slow AMD.
Multivitamins for Pregnancy
Multivitamin benefits in pregnancy are numerous. Multivitamins contain folic acid which is useful to young women of childbearing age and pregnant women. Folic acid helps to prevent neural tube defect which can lead to spina bifida in babies. Additionally, multivitamins contain iron which is another asset to young women in their childbearing years. Calcium is also essential for pregnant women because it helps to prevent the loss of bone density in the mom and provides the growing baby with a source of calcium intake as well.
Post-Menopausal Women Benefit from Taking Multivitamins
Postmenopausal women and women over the age of 50 may benefit from taking a daily multivitamin as they help to provide calcium and vitamin D that are critical for bone health and help to lower the risk for bone fractures.
Chronic Disease Impacts
Multivitamins can have a positive impact on preventing chronic conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancer –particularly for those individuals who fail to sustain an adequate intake of vital vitamins and nutrients. It is important to note that multivitamins are not intended to cure or prevent disease. They are supplements to the diet that can aid in enhancing and sustaining a higher level of health.
Natural Sources for Vitamins and Minerals
Remember that multivitamins are meant to be a supplement. You should not use them to replace a healthy diet. In addition to taking multivitamins, your goal should be to consume healthy foods that will give you access to vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your body craves to function at optimal levels.
Eat Protein
Protein is an excellent source for omega-3 fatty acids. Proteins are essential for building our muscles, skin, and bone. They are an abundant source of amino acids that our bodies do naturally produce. Omega-3 fatty acids. There is more than one way to consume protein. Your goal should be to aim for five to seven ounces of protein each day to meet the recommended daily allowances.
Sources of Protein
Don’t be afraid to mix things up throughout the week so that you do not grow bored with your meal plan. Excellent sources for protein include seafood, beef, poultry, nuts, seeds and plant-based products such as beans and peas.
Boost Your Produce Intake
Keep your kitchen stocked with fresh vegetables –preferably dark, green leafy vegetables and those that are representative of the colors of the rainbow. Spinach, kale, collards, and lettuce are fantastic sources of fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, folate, calcium, iron, and carotenoids. Rainbow vegetables such as broccoli, red bell peppers, orange bell peppers, and carrots are rich with vitamins such as vitamin A (beta carotene), vitamin C, fiber and magnesium.
In addition to vegetables, fruits are another vital resource of essential nutrients and vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, potassium, and fiber. Once or twice a week, try adding or having fruit as a side dish with a salad.
Where to Buy Multivitamins
When purchasing multivitamins, your goal will be to bring home the best. Take the time to do a bit of comparison shopping when it comes to your multivitamins. Garden of Life Multivitamin for women is an excellent product for those of you just getting started in taking multivitamins or who may be looking for another option. Also, some multivitamins are made specifically for men. GNC Mega Men Multivitamin offers men an opportunity to take vitamins that are specific to their needs.
Always read the label to ensure that you do not inadvertently purchase or consume too much of a good thing. Some vitamins or minerals, when taken in large quantities, can lead to toxicity and make you ill. Always review the percent of Daily Values for each nutrient.
In summary, multivitamins can deliver positive outcomes for those who elect to incorporate them as a supplement to their healthy diet. Some people are at a higher risk than other for vitamin deficiencies than others and would benefit most from taking a multivitamin each day. Remember that multivitamins should be used only as a supplement to your diet and not a replacement.
