It is now widely understood in the medical world that nutritional supplements are an important addition to a healthy eating programme. It has become far more difficult to get sufficient levels of nutrients from food alone, especially vitamins and minerals. This is partly because of an increased demand by our bodies for these anti-oxidants and also as a result of depletion of nutrients in the food that we eat.
Vitamins and Minerals
The role of vitamins in the body is to assist with healthy immune functions and to neutralise harmful free radicals. Free radicals are produced as a waste product from chemical reactions within the body (specifically respiration and digestion) and are very unstable particles, which damage human cells. Over extended periods of time, constant attacking of our cells by free radicals can lead to the development of degenerative conditions and diseases. Therefore, an advanced consumption of antioxidants and minerals can help to offset free radical damage and help in the fight against degenerative disease.
Minerals also have many inportant roles in our bodies, acting on cells, tissues and organs. Most of our bodily processes rely on on minerals to activate the enzymes, which perform those bodily functions.
Our need for antioxidants and minerals is now greater than ever due to the increasingly harmful environment that we live in. Environmental pollution, toxins in the water supply and higher levels of radiation from the sun support our increased demand for vitamins. Also, stress, lack of sleep and poor food choices will increase free radical occurance. The food choices that we make today are regularly devoid of the essential vitamins and minerals that we need for our bodies to function properly.
Low Glycemic Foods
Diseases such as Obesity and Diabetes are largely caused by bad food choices. Typically, high calorific foods contribute to Obesity, but the role of high glycemic foods cannot be overlooked. High glycemic foods (high glycemic Index) are those that sugar very quickly once inside your body, such as sweets, cakes and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, etc). These types of foods cause rapid rises in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels drop, you will experiences a drop in energy and cravings for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly succumb to your cravings, this will increase your calorific consumption. Over a period of time your body becomes unable to accomodate dramatic fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the development of type II Diabetes.
If you have weight loss plans or concerns about diabetes, then low glycemic, nutritionally balanced meal replacements and healthy snacking options can offer you a solution.
To discover Usana’s range of world-leading, pharmaceutical grade multivitamins, multiminerals and healthy snacking options, please click on the product overview tab at http://www.usanainhealth.com/products
Author: Andrew Smith, creator of the blog at http://www.usanainhealth.com/
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