| Nutrition and health are popular topics these | | | | |
| days. After I reached middle age, I realized | | | | Aloe Vera: Common uses for this plant include |
| that my health is nothing to take for | | | | a first aid gel for minor cuts and bruises. |
| granted. I started looking into how better | | | | It is also widely used in cosmetics and skin |
| nutrition would benefit me.Since beginning my | | | | care. Currently, research shows that aloe |
| research into health and nutrition, I have | | | | vera contains many nutrients that may be |
| started supplementing my diet with whole food | | | | useful for assisting digestion. It may also |
| nutritional product. It is easy to swallow | | | | help build our immune systems. |
| and digested by the body. I have noticed an | | | | |
| increase in energy, I'm sleeping better, and | | | | Calcium: I learned that calcium along with |
| have greater mental clarity. | | | | magnesium and vitamin D are essential for |
| | | | strong bones and the combination is critical |
| One of the major lessons I learned, is that | | | | for proper absorption. Calcium is also |
| our soil is becoming depleted, and our whole | | | | necessary for healthy gums, supports the |
| foods do not necessarily meet our daily | | | | heart, and balances the body's PH level. |
| nutritional requirements. Whole foods are | | | | Recent research has indicated that calcium |
| edible substances that are as close to their | | | | may also aid in weight loss. |
| natural state as possible, are unaltered in | | | | |
| any way, and contain no additives of any | | | | Activated Charcoal: Charcoal has an amazing |
| kind. They are unprocessed and unrefined in | | | | ability to absorb many times its own weight |
| order to maintain their natural flavor and | | | | in heavy metals and gases. This substance is |
| nutrition.Even if you want to eat organic | | | | widely used in hospitals as the universal |
| whole foods consistently, there are still | | | | antidote for treating ingested poisons and |
| some disadvantages and they include; they | | | | overdoses. It works by absorbing toxic |
| have a short shelf life, finding them can be | | | | substances in the gastrointestinal tract. |
| difficult, they can be very pricey, and you | | | | This substance is also known as activated |
| have to eat large quantities of food to meet | | | | carbon. |
| your body's nutritional needs. Therefore, | | | | |
| it's not a complete solution. This is a major | | | | Melatonin: The body produces melatonin |
| reason why dietary supplements have become | | | | naturally. Since many of us suffer from |
| popular. | | | | restless nights, it may be beneficial to |
| | | | supplement the body's own production, with |
| In my personal opinion, supplementation is of | | | | melatonin to restore a sleeping pattern. |
| vital importance and there are several key | | | | |
| points to consider: | | | | Phytonutrients: Once it was thought that |
| | | | fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and |
| 1 The increase of childhood obesity has | | | | minerals were all the nutrients necessary for |
| brought attention to how many processed foods | | | | growth and health. Now research indicates |
| our children are consuming. The three healthy | | | | that phytonutrients, found in fruits and |
| meals a day seems to be from a bygone era | | | | vegetables are also necessary for good |
| replaced with fast foods or a frozen meal. | | | | health. These are also available as |
| | | | supplements. |
| 2 Baby boomers are becoming more interested | | | | |
| in improving their health. They are noticing | | | | Supplements have become an important part of |
| the effects that aging has on the body and | | | | my nutrition. There are many different brands |
| want to maintain their health as they grow | | | | and types of supplements available. I |
| older and live longer. | | | | recommend anyone interested in health and |
| | | | nutrition do their own research, talk to |
| I was amazed at some of the things I found | | | | their health care professional and find what |
| while learning more about nutrition and | | | | works for you and your families. |
| dietary supplements. For example: | | | | |