Are multivitamins necessaryImage Credit Source: Getty Images
Diet vs multivitamins: In today’s run -of -the -mill life, people often wonder whether all the necessary nutrients are found from the daily diet or is it more beneficial to take multivetamin supplements? On one side is homemade balanced food which contains naturally present vitamins and minerals. So on the other hand there are multivitamins found in the form of medicines which seem easy for both time and convenience. But the question is, can these supplements benefit our health as much as a nutritious diet? You can take the right decision by knowing the opinion of experts.
Diet: Natural is the best source of nutrition.If your diet is balanced and full of diversity, then most of the necessary nutrients can be found only by eating. Natural sources like fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, milk, grains and nuts contain all vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that help to strengthen the body’s immunity and protect against diseases. Apart from this, nutrients from natural food are also good in the body.
Which food is found in place of multivitamin supplements, essential nutrients?
Dr. Ajit Kumar in Medicine Department at GTB Hospital in Delhi It is said that if your diet is balanced and nutritious, then often multivitamin supplements are not required. In many common food everyday, those essential vitamins and minerals are found which are needed to keep your body healthy. Let’s know which foods are multiwitamins like:
green vegetables– Spinach, fenugreek, mustard, broccoli, cabbage are rich in vitamins A, C, K, folate, iron and fiber.
Fruits– Amla, orange, guava, banana, apple, papaya are the best sources of vitamin C, potassium, fiber and antioxidants.
Egg and Dairy Products– Eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese are rich in vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium and protein.
Pulses, beans and nuts– Rajma, chickpeas, moong, lentils, almonds, walnuts are rich in vitamin B complex, iron, zinc and magnesium.
Fish and sea food-Salmon, tuna, shrimp vitamin D, B12, omega-3 are a good source of fatty acids and zinc (for non-veg eaters).
Cereals and seeds– Oats, brown rice, chia seeds, flaxseeds include fiber, vitamin B1, B3, iron and healthy fats.
Multivitamin supplements- Need or habit?
Nowadays people start taking multiwitamins as soon as fatigue, weakness, hair loss, or skin problems. But according to experts, they are only necessary for those who have a particular nutrient- such as pregnancy, elderly people or a serious disease. Taking prolonged supplements without needs can also harm the body such as effects on liver, indigestion or other side effects.
When is the need for multivitamin?
Multivitamin supplements are necessary when there is a lack of any special nutrient in the body or is it not getting enough amount from our daily diet, what is the better option? If your diet is balanced and you follow healthy lifestyle, then there is no need to take multivitamins separately.
But if a test proves that there is a deficiency of a particular vitamin (eg vitamin D, B12 or iron), then supplement can be taken with the advice of a doctor. Multivitamin supplements are not a shortcut, but a medical need. Nutritious food, regular exercise and good sleep are most important for the real strength of the body and healthy immune system.