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Which is Better: Raw Food or Dietary Supplements

Many people wonder whether they should take a dietary supplement or rely on raw food supplements for the nutrients that they need. Multivitamins are available in almost every combination for virtually every type of reason. Raw foods are readily available in the United States and are a very good source of the nutrients the human body needs.

Benefits of Choosing Raw Foods

It is widely accepted that the body takes vitamins and minerals from food much more efficiently than it does from dietary supplements. Nature simply intended that the body absorb nutrients from raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds more readily through the natural digestion process than the nutrients in multivitamins.

In addition to vitamins, raw foods also contain dietary fiber, something which supplements lack, unless of course it's a fiber supplement. Fiber supplement are definitely necessary when someone relies only on multivitamins to the exclusion of raw fruits and vegetables. Dietary fiber rids solid waste quickly and efficiently before it has a chance to decay within the intestines. Dietary fiber can also help prevent certain diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Antioxidants are also plentiful in raw foods. Antioxidants slow the natural aging process and help protect the cells and tissues from the oxidizing free radicals in processed foods.

Eating plenty of raw foods can save the added expense of taking a dietary supplement, making it more economical to get your vitamins from your food. Eating well costs about the same as eating poorly, but you don't have to spend money each month on vitamins.

Reasons to Choose a Multivitamin

Nutritionists agree that eating 8 to 10 servings of raw fruits and vegetables per day is ideal. This is very difficult for most people to do because of lifestyle and not from the unavailability of food. If you are sure you are not getting the proper nutrients from your diet, it is time to invest in a multivitamin.

Many people cannot obtain a full daily dose of needed nutrients from raw foods. There may be problems in their digestive system that react to some foods. Some of these problems are food allergies, chronic diarrhea, ulcers, liver disease and food intolerances. There's no doubt nutrients are indeed absorbed from food, but just not as efficiently. A multivitamin is indicated.

People who eat few raw vegetables, whole grains, fruits, seeds and nuts probably need a nutritional supplement. Other people who need to take a supplements are:

• People that eat less than 1600 calories a day
• Vegetarians
• Women with heavy bleeding during menstruating
• Postmenopausal women
• Pregnant women
• People who have undergone digestive surgery

Once you have chosen your multivitamin, make sure to store it properly in a cool, dry place. Keep multivitamins locked up and away from children. Adult doses of some minerals and vitamins, such as iron, can be lethal to children.

While getting vitamins and minerals from raw foods is preferable, sometimes it is just not possible to do it this way. Due to time constraints or special dietary needs, a multivitamin may be necessary for many people. Under many circumstances, a daily multivitamin is a completely acceptable way to make sure you stay healthy and happy.

If you are unsure, a physician can help you find the right supplement for your particular dietary needs. It is surprising how great you can feel when your body has the right combination of vitamins and minerals.

The previous article is on Powder Protein.

Other wiki resources:  herbal supplements; amino acid; raw food supplements; prenatal vitamins