A cell is the basic unit of structure and function in the human body. A group of cells with similar functions form tissues, the next level of organization in the body. Then come the organs. Organs comprise two or more types of tissues working together to carry out a body function. Human Organs like the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and skin, etc. are all formed by groups of tissues working together. Several organs working together form an organ system, and the organ systems collectively form the body.

In short:

This makes it clear that cells are the basic building blocks of our bodies. And if cells are not healthy, we can’t have a healthy body.

How to keep your cells healthy?

The answer is very simple. Take a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and water. Sadly, people just care for the taste and neglect of nutrition in daily food intake. But a diet rich in vital nutrients can boost your immunity, save you from many diseases, and also keep you feeling happy and energetic. That is why eating a balanced diet is of prime importance for maintaining a healthy body.

For a diet to be nutritious, it should have sufficient quantities of the following:

13 essential vitamins Vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and the B vitamins that include thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), biotin (B7), folate (B9) and cobalamin (B12).
Vitamins are needed for the proper functioning of all organs. They help in keeping the immunity strong and maintaining the general wellbeing of the body. From healthy skin to healthy eyes, strong bones to a healthy reproductive system — vitamins play a vital role in your overall health. Acting as antioxidants, essential vitamins protect your cells from damage. Vitamins are even needed to ensure normal blood clotting.

Different food items are rich in different vitamins. So, eat food items from all 5 food groups. That is, include grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats or beans in your diet. Try to make your diet varied in color. This will help in ensuring your meals are rich in all essential vitamins.

11 essential minerals Iron, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, magnesium, manganese, iodine, molybdenum, selenium, and chromium.

Just like vitamins, a balance of minerals in the body is essential for good health. Minerals help in maintaining blood pressure, as well as the fluid & electrolyte balance. Minerals are essential for bone health, generation of new cells, delivering oxygen to cells, and helping in muscle and nerve functioning. Different food items are rich in different minerals. So the health tip here is the same as for vitamins. Eat food items from all food groups and of every color.

What amount of vitamins and minerals should you take to stay healthy?

People of different age groups and health conditions have different needs for vitamins and minerals. The following table from the Institute of Medicine suggests the recommended daily requirements for adults ages 19 or older. It doesn’t apply to pregnant or lactating women or growing children.

*Source

Do you need food supplements?

If you are healthy, it is enough for you to eat a diet naturally rich in nutrients. This would include eating plenty of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meat or beans. Try to include 5 to 9 colors of fruits and vegetables in your meals. This balanced diet would provide sufficient nutrients for most people.

However, the hectic pace of today’s life and your unhealthy eating habits might leave you deficient in vital nutrients. If this is the case, the right kind of supplement might prove helpful for you. But choose your supplement wisely and only after checking its nutrient value, allergy warnings, and reviews.

A Nutrilite daily supplement is world-renowned and recommended by many, especially for people with the following issues:

• Most importantly Adults who are concerned about pollution & immunity (frequent illness)
• Must for Adults who are health conscious and want more from their life.
• Adults who are on the move and aware of the nutritional gap in their diets due to various reasons.
• Adults who do not consume as many fruits and vegetables as required (5 servings per day).
• Adults, who smoke and/or drink (though we don’t encourage smoking and drinking).

Checkout Nutrilite Daily Worlds Best Organic supplement 

Note: Best to Consult with your Doctor Before taking any supplement

The post Why neglecting 11 minerals and 13 vitamins in your daily diet can initiate serious health issues appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

But before we can understand why organic products are healthier, we must first know how they differ from synthetic or herbal products.

Synthetic vs. Herbal vs. Organic Products

Synthetic products: 

Synthetic products are made from chemicals or artificial substances instead of natural ones. These substances are made by chemical synthesis, often to imitate a natural product. Like synthetic fiber, synthetic leather, etc.

Herbal products:

Herbal products are made from plants for their medicinal value. These include herbal cosmetics, cleaning products, medicines, etc. However, herbal does not necessarily mean free of chemicals. Chemicals might be used in growing the plants, or as preservatives, fragrances, color, etc in these products.

Organic products:

Organic products are produced and handled using organic means. No chemical is used during their production or processing. They are free of chemical preservatives too. Organic products are not necessarily herbal products. They can be animal products too. Plants or animals used to produce organic products are not treated with any chemical like pesticide, antibiotics, or growth hormones.

Now that we understand the difference between the synthetic, herbal, and organic products, let’s see why organic products are the healthiest.

11 Advantages of Organic Products

1. Free from toxic chemicals:

Organic food products are grown using natural techniques like green manure, crop rotation, etc. So, they are free of toxic chemicals like pesticides, insecticides, and preservatives. They also have lower levels of toxic metals. One study shows that compared to conventionally grown crops, organic crops have 48% lower levels of the toxic metal cadmium.

This makes organic food a safer choice. An excessive amount of chemicals in food can severely affect our health. Consumption of chemical pesticides can cause digestive dysfunctions, poor immunity, and even serious diseases like cancer, ADHD, birth defects, leading to premature death. By choosing organic food, we reduce the risk of chemical intake and make a healthy choice.

2. Organic food has more antioxidants:

Those who enjoy reading health-related articles will already know that antioxidants are good for us. Besides being beneficial for general health, they can also reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. However, the chemicals present in food can lower the beneficial effect of these antioxidants. Organic food, being free of chemicals, does not hamper the positive impact of the antioxidants. And research shows that organic food items can contain up to 40% more antioxidants than non-organic food. Organic milk has 60% more omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and CLA than non-organic milk.

Besides the antioxidants, organic food is also high in phosphorus and total polyphenols. And Organic chicken contains a higher level of omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Organic animal products are healthier for the heart:

Animals being reared for organic food production graze on pastures in free range. The naturally growing grass in these pastures is full of organic CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid). CLA is a heart-healthy fatty acid that protects cardiovascular health. Organically produced meat, therefore, is healthier for the heart.

4. Free from antibiotics:

Non-organic food sources like livestock are treated with vaccines, growth hormones, animal byproducts, and antibiotics to keep them healthy. When we consume food products from these sources, we also indirectly consume the chemicals these animals were treated with. This indirect intake of antibiotics and vaccines may affect and weaken our immune system.

The advantage of organic food is that it is free from antibiotics and other chemicals. So, it has no adverse effect on our immune system.

5. Keep your children safe:

Studies reveal that even the cord blood of new-born contains traces of 21 pesticides and about 200 other harmful chemicals. This has been linked to birth defects like autism, ADHD, childhood leukaemia, and several learning and nervous system disorders in kids. We can reduce the risk of these in our children by improving our food practices and choosing chemical-free food products.

6. Better for the environment:

Organic farming does not use any chemicals. It takes advantage of natural techniques like using manure instead of fertilizers and weeding instead of using herbicides. This reduces the water and soil pollution caused by chemicals. Thus, organic food is not just healthy to consume, it is healthier for the environment too.

7. Organic food is fresh food:

Organic food is free from preservatives. So, they are not artificially induced to have a longer shelf-life. Supply of organic food items is guided by strict standards of production, preparation, and preservation. So, when you get fresh organic food, it is actually fresh.

8. Good for local farming:

As organic food items don’t have preservatives, they have less shelf-life. So, most of the organic farming is done locally. So, an increase in the demand for organic food items is beneficial for local farmers and the economy.

9. Organic food can be cheaper:

Because most organic food is locally produced, it can be cheaper than non-organic food materials. Besides, being free of toxic chemicals and metals, it helps in better health. And what’s more precious than good health?

10. Free of genetic modification or growth hormones:

The profit motive often drives farmer to use means that deliver more yield. This involves genetic modification and the use of growth hormones on plants and animals. This helps in producing more food with less effort and cost. But it can also have adverse effects on health. It can impair the immune system and make people more sensitive to allergens.

Organic food is produced without using any such artificial means of growth. So, it has no such adverse effects.

11. Better in taste:

Organic crops are allowed more time to grow and develop naturally. Animals graze on free pastures and are not given any vaccine, antibiotic, etc. And organic food is fresher. All this enhances the taste of the food and makes the meals more delicious.

The post Synthetic, Herbal or Organic Products – What is Best for You? appeared first on WellnessHub Nourishing Your Mind, Body, and Soul.

What are food supplements?

Food supplements deliver the nutrients that one might be deficient in. These include supplements of minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, etc. Food supplements are also called dietary supplements or nutritional supplements. They come in the form of tablets, capsules, powder, liquid, etc. When taken in moderation, these can help in removing the nutrient and mineral deficiency.

The growing popularity of dietary supplements

In a recent CRN Consumer Survey on Dietary Supplements, 77 % of Americans admitted to consuming dietary supplements. As per this survey report, the majority of people aged 18+ take dietary supplements. Among the various age groups, people between the 35 to 54 age group reported the most intake of food supplements.

This is nothing surprising considering that poor dietary and lifestyle choices often leave people deficient in essential nutrients. So, taking nutritional supplements often becomes necessary. They can also help in enhancing energy levels, the strength of the body, and overall wellness.

Are food supplements necessary for all?

You might wonder, ‘Do all people need dietary supplements?’ The short and sweet answer is, ‘No.’ Healthy people taking proper exercise and balanced, nutrition-rich food do not need food supplements. They should be able to fulfill all their nutrient needs from the food they take.

However, not all people are able to fully absorb nutrients from food, even if they take a balanced diet. There are many people who do need supplements and should take them. Supplements can help to fill the nutrient gaps in your diet. They can help you fight against the adverse effects of old age and sickness and might even prevent the onslaught of certain diseases.

The problem of Bioavailability:

Bioavailability refers to how your body absorbs nutrients from the food you consume. This ability of absorption of nutrients is not equal in all people. It can vary depending upon your age, gender, food combination, and medical conditions. For example, a pregnant woman’s body absorbs a greater amount of nutrients. On the other hand, an older person’s body absorbs fewer nutrients.

The bioavailability decreases with age. It can be hampered by food combinations too. For example, if your diet has an excess of dark leafy vegetables or food with high fiber content, it can reduce the absorption of minerals.

If you are young and healthy and eat a balanced diet, your body’s bioavailability remains balanced too. But there are many causes that can disturb this balance and cause nutrient deficiency. At such a time, food supplements can help in reducing the deficiency and maintaining the nutrient balance in your body.

Who might need food supplements?

While dietary supplements are not necessary for everyone, they are recommended for people with certain life conditions. People over 50 years of age can benefit a lot from the judicious use of food supplements. A low-dose multivitamin supplement can help in reducing the adverse effects of old age and help in maintaining a healthy body. Intake of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and folate can prove very beneficial.

Supplements for Folic Acid, Vitamin D, and iron are recommended for women of childbearing age. Women need more iron during pregnancy, and breastfed infants require vitamin D. So supplements providing these nutrients and Folic acid can be beneficial for young women.

Young children (under age 5) who refuse to take proper diet may become deficient in vitamins and minerals. This can hamper their growth and overall wellbeing. Supplements of Vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D can help them remain energetic and healthy.

People can become deficient in Vitamin D if they get insufficient exposure to the sun. This, in turn, can lead to calcium deficiency and weak bones. A dietary supplement of Vitamin D can help prevent this problem.

Vegans can also become deficient in some vital nutrients. Intake of Vitamin B12, vitamin D2 can prove beneficial to them.

People dealing with certain diseases and disorders might often experience an imbalance of nutrients in their bodies. Food supplements can help a lot in regaining this balance.

Advantages of food supplements:

1. Compensate for a poor diet

A proper diet is always preferable over dietary supplements. However, if you feel your diet lacks vital nutrients, supplements can help fill the gaps and keep you healthy.

2. Help fight against nutrient deficiency:

By giving you a dose of vital minerals and vitamins, food supplements can help in reducing nutrient deficiency. A proper balance of nutrients in your body is necessary for good health.

3. Protect against disease:

Dietary supplements can strengthen your body. And a strong body is better able to fight against diseases. So, food supplements can help in maintaining good health. For example, pregnant women are advised to take folic acid. This can help protect the baby against conditions like spina bifida. Vitamin D is often recommended for strong bones and sufficient absorption of calcium.

4. Make you more energetic:

Supplements can help in enhancing your muscular strength, endurance, and physical performance. That is the reason sports persons often take food supplements to stay strong and energetic.

5. Support treatment of certain diseases:

Health practitioners often prescribe some food supplements to complement or enhance the effect of certain medicines. They can prove invaluable in the treatment of certain medical conditions too.

6. Enhance your general wellness:

Certain food supplements are recommended for people of all ages. For example, health practitioners consider Omega supplements highly beneficial. They can improve children’s learning abilities. They can help in preventing conditions like heart disease, anxiety, depression. Omega supplements can also help in reducing the effects of certain skin disorders, ADHD, and asthma in children.

Precautions:

While food supplements have many health benefits, you must be careful before taking them.

1. Be judicious. Don’t take an excessive amount of food supplements. An excess of some nutrients can reduce the absorption of some other nutrients in your body. So, keep the use of food supplements moderate.
2. If you feel an adverse effect after starting a food supplement, consult a doctor immediately.
3. Don’t blindly start a supplement just because its advertisement impresses you. Learn about it. Learn about what nutrients it delivers and in what quantities. Do you really need that much? What side-effects it may cause? Only start a supplement once you are satisfied you need it and it is safe.
4. Most importantly, consult a health practitioner before starting a food supplement. A doctor or dietician would best be able to tell you what you need to take and in what quantities.

Conclusion:

Taken judiciously and in moderation, food supplements can enhance your overall health and wellbeing. But don’t get swayed by advertisements or recommendations from your friends and families. What benefits your friend may not benefit you. So educate yourself and consult a doctor before starting any dietary supplement. If you do that, you can reap their health benefits without feeling any adverse effects.

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