Last edited, 13 April 2020.
Nature does not have isolated vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E or calcium, omega 3, glucosamine or CoQ10. However when we consume wholesome plant foods rich in such vitamins, minerals,omega 3, glutamine or CoQ10, our body will produce its own nutrients, enzymes and glucosamine that it deem needs.
By replacing nutrients that are supposed to be secreted by the body can disrupt natural body processes, create imbalance and cause dependency.Supplements can be classified into Synthetic, Medicinal and Whole food.
A safe supplement must be in a whole food form. Any nutrient, vitamin or mineral that has been chemically isolated from an original food to form a supplement poses side effects when consumed on a long term basis. (The Risks of taking Vitamin/Mineral Supplement).
A safe supplement also means that it should not contain any medicinal herbs. Examples of medicinal herbs are guarana, white willow bark and ephedra. Such herbs when consumed over a period will also cause side effects.
Safe supplement uses food herbs that are thoroughly checked for heavy metals, pesticides and insecticides.
How do we identify a Whole food supplement from a Synthetic Vitamin/Mineral supplement ?
One can study the Ingredients listing / Supplement Facts on the bottle or box label. The following are some examples.
Synthetic Vitamin/Mineral supplement. Example 1.
Synthetic Vitamin/Mineral supplement. Example 2.
Synthetic Vitamin/Mineral supplement. Example 3.
Wholefood supplement. Example 1.
Wholefood supplement. Example 2.
