Last edited, 13 April 2020.
Plant-based vitamins such as vitamin C come in wholesome forms that come with many other nutrients to nourish our body. Man-made vitamin pills on the other hand have their vitamins isolated. They are no longer nutrients but chemicals, and they may cause dangerous effects on our health.
Vitamin A.
In the past: For maintaining healthy eyes and bones.
Current research: A study by US Harvard University researchers revealed that adding vitamin A to low-fat milk is not beneficial to health. This is because vitamin A may easily lead to osteoporosis. For example, frequent vitamin A users face a 50% increase in risk of bone fractures.
Vitamin E.
In the past: High blood concentration of vitamin E is associated with lower risk of lung cancer. Vitamin E has a significant anti-cancer effect on men below 60 years of age who have been smoking for less than 40 years.
Current research: This kind of preventive effect arises from a balanced diet that includes food rich in vitamin E. At the same time, quit smoking for the best protective effect.
Vitamin C.
In the past: Consuming Vitamin C supplements has the same effect as eating foods rich in Vitamin C.
Current research: Synthetic vitamin C pills are purely chemical preparations and their effects cannot be compared to natural Vitamin C. Futhermore, one may easily overdose on Vitamin C pills. Long-term consumption of Vitamin C pills may increase oxalic acid in the body. This ups the risk of oxalate-tupe kidney stone formation.
Vitamin E, Carotene.
In the past: Vitamin E and beta-carotene (vitamin A pre-cursor) have anti-oxidant effects. They work in different ways to fight against cell damage caused by free radicals.
Current research: Researchers from Denmark’s University of Copenhagen recently discovered that taking beta-carotene produced an approximate 7% increased risk of death, Vitamin E, a 4% increase and Vitamin A, a 16% increase.
Allicin
In the past: Garlic has anti-bacterial effect; boosts immunity; regulates blood cholesterol; and has anti-tumor effect. The allicin in garlic can significantly lower blood cholesterol.
Current research: The latest research suggests that garlic supplements’ blood cholesterol lowering effect is temporary and inconsistent. The only sure fact? Garlic will definitely cause body odor and garlic breath.
To note:
- Experts from Harvard Medical School in the U.S. have found that milk fortified with vitamin A may be harmful to health and linked to osteoporosis. Excessive vitamin A intake was found to double the risk of hip fracture in women aged 28 to 74.
