Today, people believe they are healthy because of the different vitamins they take and popular diets they follow. Social media is filled with advice about different supplements, detox plans and strict eating rules. But just because something is popular doesn’t mean that it’s actually good for our health.
Many people spend a lot of money on vitamins and supplements like vitamin C, magnesium, collagen and multivitamins. While these vitamins can help people who have deficiencies, most healthy people can get those same nutrients from food. Whole foods are proven to be better than supplements because the body absorbs nutrients more naturally and effectively from real food. Taking too many supplements can cause many problems like vitamin toxicity, organ damage and an imbalance of nutrients. Especially with vitamins that are fat soluble, like A, D, E and K.
At the same time, extreme diets are becoming way too normalized. Some people cut out entire food groups like carbohydrates because they believe it’s cleaner. Social media spread this facade that carbs are the reason you are gaining weight, feeling tired and getting a spike in blood sugar. However, carbohydrates are extremely beneficial for being healthy, as they are your body’s main energy source, and help with muscle recovery and hormone balance.
However, removing foods without actual medical reasons can lead to nutrient gaps. A healthy body needs protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals in regular amounts. Animal based foods like meat, eggs, dairy and fish give a high quality of protein and crucial nutrients like iron, vitamin B12, zinc and omega-3 fats. These nutrients are easier for the body to absorb compared to plant sources. For example, the iron from red meat is absorbed much easier than coming from plants. Eggs and dairy also give complete proteins, meaning they contain all of the essential amino acids that the body needs.
This does not mean that someone must follow a strict or extreme animal based diet. Instead, it shows that adding in these nutrient animal foods can help support strong muscles, brain function and hormonal balance. When combined with fruits, these foods can create a simple and healthy way of eating.
In the end, good health does not usually require expensive pills and trendy diets. It mostly comes from eating real, whole foods in healthy, balanced amounts. Instead of chasing health trends, focusing on eating simple, nutrient-rich meals is the most practical and effective choice.
