USANA

Is proper diet not enough?

A healthy diet helps protect our bodies from these free radicals. Food, particularly fruits and vegetables, supplies many types of antioxidants, which "donate" their extra electrons to neutralize free radicals. Eating a variety of healthy food also gives our body the nutrients it needs to repair and regenerate damaged cells. But maintaining a healthy diet is difficult. Researchers believe that supplementary antioxidants are necessary for combating free radicals in addition to the body's normal defense systems.

To receive optimal amounts of vitamins and minerals daily, for example, 400IU of Vitamin E, you need to eat about 33lbs of spinach, 1.2lbs of sunflower seeds, 5.2lbs of wheat germ, 2.2lbs of almonds, or 1quart of safflower oil. These exaggerated amounts of food to obtain the optimal amount of Vitamin E is near impossible and have to be done daily.

Should we take vitamins and supplements?

Taking vitamins and nutritional supplements do not have to replace a healthy diet. But proper supplementation can bridge the gap between what our body needs in optimal nutrition, and what most of us actually get from food.

Research has shown that many people simply may not follow recommended guidelines for healthy eating. Fast-food and convenience-food consumption, snacking, and soft-drink use have all increased, and it has been shown that many people may not meet even the basic RDA's (Recommended Dietary Allowances) for key nutrition.

Likewise, many children do not get the nutrition they need, and their poor nutrition can lead to health problems later in life. Poor nutrition during the developmental years can retard growth and delay sexual maturation, while proper nutrition at this age helps to give adolescents the foundation for good health for the rest of their lives.

To provide their bodies with adequate amounts of all the essential nutrients, parents and their children should follow a well-balanced, proactive nutritional plan that includes high-quality vitamin and mineral supplementation.