According to the CDC, more than half of Americans take at least one supplement. But Michael Pollan, who teaches master classes on intentional eating, has written multiple food books, and has a food system documentary, Food, Inc. 2, released today, recommends getting your vitamins from the food you eat instead. argue that it should.
“Our bodies have evolved to get nutrients from food rather than pills, so it’s no wonder that supplements are generally ineffective unless you have a very specific deficiency,” says Pollan. said. business insider.
If you’re considering taking supplements, Pollan says to eat more vegetables instead. Specifically, Pollan recommends eating cruciferous vegetables, or cruciferous vegetables called cole crops. That’s because the plant contains plant compounds that can help lower your risk of cancer. Heart disease and other age-related illnesses. Plants rich in these vitamins and minerals include broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, collard greens, and Brussels sprouts.
These vegetables contain a group of chemicals called glucosinolates, which are sometimes appreciated for their bitter taste. That may also be why people who eat these vegetables have lower rates of certain types of cancer. But pilling the compounds formed when these chemicals break down isn’t the same as ingesting them directly in food, Pollan said.
“There are some things we don’t understand about the structure of food and the relationship between the chemicals in food that are very important,” he says. Supplements are also not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety and effectiveness.
But there is one supplement that Pollan takes every day. It’s a multivitamin.
“But that’s it,” he says.
Why take a multivitamin?
The beauty of multivitamins is that they come in one-size-fits-all tablets.
“Although individual nutritional needs vary based on age, gender, health status, and lifestyle, many multivitamin supplements are designed to help prevent deficiencies that can lead to health problems.” ” said Jamie Lee McIntyre. RD said it before luck.
McIntyre says most multivitamins contain vitamins A, D, E, K, C, B, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, selenium, manganese, and chromium.
Multivitamins can help people with dietary restrictions, such as vegetarians, replenish the vitamins and minerals they may lack through diet alone. However, they are not a panacea. A balanced diet combined with exercise is the best way to fight harmful diseases and manage weight, but adding a daily multivitamin to the mix isn’t a bad idea. Please do your own research and consult your doctor first.
“Overall, multivitamins are a useful way to support your overall health, but they should be used wisely and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and eating habits,” says McIntyre. .
