subject: What are the advantages of consuming supplements? [print this page] What are the advantages of consuming supplements?
It is now widely believed amongst doctors that nutritional supplements are an important part of a healthy living programme. It has become increasingly difficult to obtain sufficient levels of nutrients from food intake alone, especially vitamins and minerals. This is partly due to an increased demand by our bodies for these nutrients and also as a consequence of depletion of nutrients in the food that we consume.
antioxidants and Minerals
The role of vitamins in the body is to assist with a healthy immune system and to neutralise harmful free radicals. Free radicals are created as a waste product from chemical reactions within the body (particularly respiration and digestion) and are very unstable molecules, which attack human cells. Over extended periods of time, constant bombardment of our cells by free radicals can lead to the development of degenerative diseases and conditions. Therefore, an advanced intake of antioxidants and minerals can help to reduce free radical damage and help in the fight against degenerative disease.
Minerals also have many inportant funtions in our bodies, acting on cells, tissues and organs. All of our bodily processes depend on minerals to initiate the enzymes, which perform those bodily functions.
Our demand for antioxidants and minerals is now larger than ever due to the excessively toxic environment that we live in. Environmental pollution, toxins in the water supply and greater levels of radiation from the sun contribute to our increased requirements for anti-oxidants. Also, stress, lack of sleep and poor food choices will boost free radical activity. The food choices that we make today are regularly devoid of the important vitamins and minerals that we require for our bodies to function properly.
Low Glycemic Foods
Diseases such as Obesity and Diabetes are commonly caused by poor food selection. Typically, high calorific foods contribute to Obesity, but the role of high glycemic foods cannot be disregarded. High glycemic foods (high glycemic Index) are the ones that sugar rapidly once inside your body, such as sweets, cakes and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, etc). These types of foods cause sudden rises in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels return, you will experiences a drop in energy and cravings for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly succumb to your cravings, this will increase your food consumption. Over longer periods of time your body becomes less capable to adjust to dramatic increases in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the onset of type 2 Diabetes.
If you have weight loss goals or concerns about diabetes, then low glycemic, nutritionally balanced meal replacements and healthy snacks can offer you assistance.
