A survey, recently conducted, of close to 700 Americans showed that
72 percent believe that they eat healthy. However government data
proves otherwise. The USDA states that Americans get plenty of
carbohydrates and protein, but they often lack the key nutrients such as
vitamins C and E, potassium, and magnesium.
“Fifty years ago, we only recognized extreme cases of vitamin
deficiencies, like scurvy, which is caused by a lack of vitamin C,”
stated Carroll Reider, MS, RD, Nature Made vitamins Director of
Scientific Affairs and Education. “Science has advanced. We now know
that even small amounts of vitamin deficiencies hurt us much more than
people realize.”
While the majority of Americans appear well fed, the key question
is: Are you nutritionally fit? In order to assess a person’s
nutritional fitness, Reider posed the following questions:
- Do you avoid the sun? People who live in northern climate, have darker skin or wear sunscreen may not receive the recommended levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is made following sunlight exposure. It helps the body absorb calcium and it may also help promote, heart, colon, prostate, breast and ovarian health. Reider recommends 1,000 IU of vitamin D for people spend the majority of their time indoors and for those who do not synthesize it easily such as the elderly and darker-skinned individuals. Foods containing vitamin D include fatty fish and milk. It should be noted that it is hard reach the recommended dosage through food consumption alone. Vitamin D is available in supplement form.
- Do your meals lack color? Does your dinner normally consist of starch, meat and the same green vegetable? You need to add more color to your diet for optimal health. Peppers, red cabbage and carrots will add vibrant hues to your dinner plate and citrus wedges can be used to brighten the standard bed of greens. You can maximize your nutrient intake by eating a variety of vegetables and fruits. Doing this will also provide you with beneficial antioxidants which help to fight free radicals that can cause premature aging. Reider also stated that, “A multivitamin formulated for your age and gender is also a good way to compensate for dietary imbalances”.
- Do you eat fish regularly? Two servings of fish per week is the recommended by the American Heart Association. Reider suggests choosing salmon and tuna because they are higher in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids may help promote heart health according to some studies. Flaxseed and walnuts are other food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Are You Nutritionally Fit?
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