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Supplements: For Better or Worse Human body is the most complex biochemical factory anyone can image, and there is no doubt that this biochemical factory requires hundreds of chemicals supplied from food to function. Every molecule in the body originated from the nutrients we eat. Foods, therefore, make an important contribution to build and to maintain health because they are necessary for the biochemical reactions basic to life. It follows that any nutrient deficiencies can be an important factor in the development of diseases. But, thanks to the wonderful creation of the human brain, wea's Homo sapiens-have discovered and developed the dietary supplements. These supplements are made of vitamins (A though Z) and minerals or amino acids that have been extracted from several food groups to full fill our daily needs.
For the past 40 years, dietary supplements have become increasingly popular. It may have caused by advertising or by friends recommendation, whatever the reason is, many of us have over nutrient ourselves. And high doses of some supplements can be harmful. Many supplements have claim themselves as the its all you need, secret formula, all natural or for good health; however, many people have over dose themselves and cause more harm than good.
As fire was discovered in the pre-historic age, most of our food have been cooked or fried. Cooking decreases the digestibility of proteins, and high temperature food preparation such as fry or deep-fry destroys nutrients. Combined with the exposure to light that causes free radicals and oxygen that oxidizes the chemicals in food, fewer nutrients has been absorbed into the human body. This is why we need to take in the supplements. Supplements help us to gain the nutrient that we have deficient of or missed everyday. And according to many studies, supplements and certain herbs may set the conditions that allowed the body to heal itself (Quest 9).
Not only that, records also show that the incidence of todays degenerative conditions was less frequent before the advent of the technology that gave us refined, shelf-stable, nutrient-poor foods (Quest 7). However, one that takes in supplement everyday could have more side effect than more repair that could be done. An example would be taking a pill of Centrum every day. Centrum is an advanced formula, high potency multi-vitamins (A-Z), multi-mineral formula, and complete antioxidant group.
Sounds great if 100 % of vitamins requirement can be met for just one pill. This could be a problem if we do not eat carefully. If a person eat large amount Vitamin A diet (such as V 8 drinks), then take a Centrum pill, sooner or later, this person is going to have a red and dry skin due to the Vitamin A toxicity because of Centrum supply 5000 IU of Vitamin A and a fresh carrots contains about 1915 IU eating one per meal (5745 IU) there would be total of 10745 IU per day. Or all the minerals supplied by the Centrum, an over dose could easily happen with few mg of Mg or Zn in our regular diet. Dietary supplements continue to grow in number and popularity, but separating fact from fiction could be difficult. Some points need to be keep in mind when taking supplements: high doses of some supplements can be harmful, and when natural does not mean safe.
Many factors are also important for building and maintaining health not just supplements, such as, eat variety of food, activity that keeps our bodies fit, life style that reduce stress, the development of the habits of care, and learning to live in harmony with people. If we are looking for a good health, we should rely on variety of foods, including plenty of grains, vegetables, fruits, and include physical activity we enjoy.
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Research essay sample on Dietary Supplements Human Body
