There are some things people cannot live without. These necessities are found in fresh, organically-grown food. Because food produced for the mass market may not be as wholesome as that grown or raised at home, taking targeted nutrients is now recommended by many health practitioners. "What nutrients does my body need?" often refers to vitamins, minerals, and other supplements.
Research shows that food sold in American grocery stores has almost fifty percent less nutrition than the same products had fifty years ago. This is in part because agricultural land farmed by conventional methods - drenched with chemical fertilizers and tainted by pesticides and herbicides - has fewer minerals than soils did in former days. Picking vegetables and fruits before they are fully ripe also diminishes their food value, as does long periods in cold storage.
The daily diet must provide protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Water is needed for body fluids that digest, transport, and metabolize these elements. Even if the gross amount of calories is adequate, malnutrition may occur if vitamins and minerals are lacking. Remember the sailors who lived on dried beef, peas, and hard tack; many died of scurvy before the need for vitamin C was discovered.
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.
Fats are another category that many people don't understand. There are nutrients in fish oils, for example, that cannot be found in any other food. These fats are easily destroyed by processing and can contain environmental pollutants if not taken from cold-water, deep-sea fish. Careful processing and testing is needed to ensure that supplemental fats from fish oil are pure and undamaged.
Other good fats are found in organic whole milk, unprocessed coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh nuts, sardines, and grass-fed meats. Many people avoid fats in a misguided attempt to prevent weight gain. They would do better to cut out refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks.
Research shows that food sold in American grocery stores has almost fifty percent less nutrition than the same products had fifty years ago. This is in part because agricultural land farmed by conventional methods - drenched with chemical fertilizers and tainted by pesticides and herbicides - has fewer minerals than soils did in former days. Picking vegetables and fruits before they are fully ripe also diminishes their food value, as does long periods in cold storage.
The daily diet must provide protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Water is needed for body fluids that digest, transport, and metabolize these elements. Even if the gross amount of calories is adequate, malnutrition may occur if vitamins and minerals are lacking. Remember the sailors who lived on dried beef, peas, and hard tack; many died of scurvy before the need for vitamin C was discovered.
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.
Fats are another category that many people don't understand. There are nutrients in fish oils, for example, that cannot be found in any other food. These fats are easily destroyed by processing and can contain environmental pollutants if not taken from cold-water, deep-sea fish. Careful processing and testing is needed to ensure that supplemental fats from fish oil are pure and undamaged.
Other good fats are found in organic whole milk, unprocessed coconut oil, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh nuts, sardines, and grass-fed meats. Many people avoid fats in a misguided attempt to prevent weight gain. They would do better to cut out refined carbohydrates and sugary drinks.
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