Unit 4 Vitamins Herbs and Nutritional Supplements Why

Unit 4 Vitamins, Herbs, and Nutritional Supplements

Why are Vitamins Important • Vitamins are essential to the human body • Necessary for cell reproduction, healthy skin, and living a long healthy life. • Vitamins have numerous roles in our bodies and essential to keeping us healthy.

Micronutrients • Micronutrients are another term for vitamins. Crucial for fighting disease. • Common diseases for lack of micronutrients are: • Scurvy – Can cause bleeding gums, often due to lack of vitamin C • Blindness – Can be caused by not getting enough vitamin A • Rickets – Can cause weak bones due to not getting enough Vitamin D. Mostly found in older people.

Herbs and Weight loss • Be aware of “all-natural weight loss supplements. • Can contain hidden prescription drugs or other compounds. • Don’t be tricked by terms such as “quick and effective” when it comes to natural weigh loss supplements. • Weight loss supplements that are advertised as “all-natural”, sound great, but proper healthy weight loss takes time.

Nutritional Supplements • Energy drinks, aside form multivitamins are the most commonly used supplement. • They are marketed as supplements that increase energy, focus, and enhanced mental cognitivity. However, these benefits can come with serious side affects. • Energy drinks are loaded with caffeine and large amounts of sugar that can lead to heart problems and weight gain.

Energy Drinks Continued • Studies have also showed that when people drink energy drinks with alcoholic drinks, they are more likely to binge drink. • Zero calorie energy drinks are marketed as a healthier alternative however, they have been under much scrutiny with studies saying energy drinks with synthetic sugar can increase chances of type 2 diabetes.

References • Help Guide. (2019). Vitamins and Minerals. Retrieved from: https: //www. helpguide. org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals. htm • NIH. (2018). 7 tips: Know the Facts About Supplements and Weight Loss. Retrieved from: https: //nccih. nih. gov/health/tips/weightloss • NIH. (2018) Energy Drinks. Retrieved from: https: //nccih. nih. gov/health/energy-drinks