Post : Supplements: An aid or just hype. 4 points of understanding 👐

Hello Everyone! Have a great weekend 🙋🏻

Whenever we visit a grocery store. There is always a separate counter for vitamins and minerals supplements. It feels like why do we have to take the pain of looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, instead take some of the supplements home which will fulfil our daily requirements of vitamins and minerals. But, it is not so. Right from evolution, humans are born to live and survive on food. So, it is always the food first.

It is the healthy diet which is the key to provide you with the best sources of vitamins and minerals to the body for growth and maintenance. If you are eating the best healthy form of diet and nutrient-dense food, then supplements are not necessary at all. But, sometimes, even if you are having a healthy diet, there are some deficit for which you are showing some signs and symptoms. Then, there is a requirement for supplements. So, vitamins and minerals pills are a supplement to your diet to recover the deficit but not replacement.

4points of understanding

1.Balanced diet: Moreover, a healthy balanced diet is not only a source of vitamins and minerals but also a good source of dietary fibres, protein, carbohydrate and fat which are essential for the body. Supplements do not contain any kind of dietary fibres so they are not wholesome as in a healthy diet. Again vitamins and mineral supplements do not get fully absorbed sometimes in the body like for instance, fat-soluble vitamins do not get absorbed if taken in empty stomach. Therefore, there is no substitute for a healthy nutritious diet. So, never rely on supplements for your daily requirement. Before, taking supplements, it is important to consult your Physician.

2.Heart diseases: People with risk of heart disease are usually advised to take Omega 3 fatty acids which are found in fishes like salmon, herring, tuna, at least twice a week (American Heart Association). So, omega 3 fatty acid supplements (EPA +DHA) are recommended for such people. It is always wise to discuss the diet plan with the Physician before consuming such supplements.

3.Antioxidant vitamin supplements (A, C and E): There is yet to be proved clinically that antioxidant supplements provide overall benefits. So, it is not to rely on these supplements for the daily dietary sources of antioxidants. Therefore, antioxidant food sources like veggies, fruits and whole grains are the best.

4.Harmful: Too much of any supplements which are not required for the body, taken in large quantity can be potentially damaging. Too much of iron can have the risk of chronic diseases, or too much vitamin A can cause to have birth defects. Again, the interaction of dietary supplements, along with prescription drugs, can sometimes be potentially toxic.

Thanks for reading.

Blessings and much love to all 💐