:: Are Vitamins the New Food?

In today’s civilization we are constantly showered with abundance, especially when it comes to the overwhelming supply of food. However, that cornucopia of food does not necessarily correlate to the quality of food that is consumed. Nowadays we are forced to consider the environment in which are food was raised, the conditions it was treated, what it was fed, and most importantly the care and attention that it was reared. How can we be sure that what we are eating is actually good for us? Or better yet what is our food really made up of and what nutrients do we receive from what we eat? These questions pose a serious concern in relation to a healthy diet. Realizing that we truly are what we eat, it is important to make a conscious effort when choosing our foods.

At this point, some may wonder about the significance of vitamins and minerals? Simply put, without fuel a car cannot run. Supplementation of these resources is imperative when they are not being consumed in the food intake. Nutritional supplementation is necessary to instigate the biochemical pathways of our bodies. These nutrients serve as co-factors to run the entire system. Without them, the pathways necessary for our thinking processes, digestion, energy, and overall livelihood would not continue. There are individuals who state that they rarely or never take any nutritional supplementation and feel fine. Interestingly enough, they are also the people who will age quicker and encounter more problems because their bodies will be deficient in providing optimal protection in resisting illness.

Whether we choose a carnivorous or vegetarian diet, both regimens can pose a serious threat to our bodies. Modern food preparation and processing techniques have stripped our foods of their natural vitamin and mineral content. Most US cattle are injected with artificial hormones prior to slaughter, this is because the hormones stimulate growth. “Because farmers are paid based on the weight of the animals they sell for slaughter, the use of hormones has been seen as a way to boost profits.” (www.preventcancer.com). Sex hormones such as estradiol and progestin have been used to enhance cattle growth whose utilization is unregulated. Not to mention the pesticides and antibiotics from the food fed to animals. This includes milk and eggs as well.

The fruits, vegetables and grains in our diet are not in any better condition than the animal protein we consume. Most of the land that is being used to grow our food, very minimally if not at all, contains any of the necessary mineralization to nourish the food. Because of this, it is not actually possible to consume the necessary quantity to even come close to the standards of a healthy diet.

Having consumed a variable amount of contaminants in the food supply previously, the body maintains a substantial level of the toxins, hormones, and by-products despite our knowledge or lack thereof. However, we are not out of options when it comes to ridding our bodies of dangerous residuals. Ideally, in order to obtain a hormone-pesticide-antibiotic-free diet, eating organic food is most important. Although, removing the damage that has already occurred is as simple and incorporating supplements such as antioxidants to reverse the effects.

However, this still does not account for the status of our fast moving society and lack of time dedicated to eating a whole foods diet. Making healthy choices convenient has come along way throughout the years, but still requires more dedication and development to meet optimal nutrient values for today’s culture. For the most favorable conditions it is essential to consume a well balanced diet and incorporate exercise, but it is also fundamental to include an adequate intake of appropriate vitamin supplementation. It is important to mention that the use of dietary supplementation by itself is not recommended to attain the necessary constituents for a healthful life, but without it, achieving optimal vitality will be challenging to achieve. It is as simple as asking yourself, “Do I choose to merely survive, or do I choose to thrive?”

References:

1. http://www.preventcancer.com/consumers/general/hormones_meat.htm
2. http://ukulju.tripod.com/1936.htm