Americans are certainly on a health kick as of late. Over 64 percent of Americans take a vitamin or supplement, up from just 60 percent in 2011. But with so many options to choose from, are Americans taking the right vitamins to support their health? How do we know which are necessary and which are just a waste of time and money?
Studies show that vitamins have notable health benefits such as the ability to prevent and treat various diseases, boost metabolism and support brain development, but with names like Thiamine, Biotin and Pyridoxine, choosing the right vitamin can be difficult — not to mention confusing.
Every person is different and will need different supplements based on their own genetic makeup, diet, and lifestyle. However, there are a few that doctors have agreed are beneficial for every adult to take.
Here are the top three you should have in your vitamin cabinet!
Multivitamin
In simple terms, a multivitamin is a nutritional supplement that includes a combination of healthy vitamins and minerals. Multivitamins pack a lot of punch helping to improve physical and mental conditions, proving that great things do come in small packages after all. Many people take a multivitamin as "insurance" — so that just in case their diet is lacking in certain essential vitamins or minerals, they can be assured that they are atleast getting most of the daily recommended intake. Note: be sure to take your multi after having eaten a hearty meal. Many come with high levels of iron, which, if taken on an empty stomach, could cause nausea and vomitting.
Vitamin D
While everyone is familiar with vitamin D’s ability to promote healthy bones, what people don’t know is that vitamin D also fights against heart attacks, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Moreover, studies show that this all-star vitamin has the power to reduce people’s risk of developing pre-cancerous cells. The human body does not make vitamin D, and so one of the most common sources is sunlight. That's right, a little time in the sun could be extremely healthy for you. However, we all know that time in the sun has many negative effects, so taking vitamin D in pill form is essential.
Magnesium
Magnesium in essential to the body’s general function as it keeps blood pressure normal. There are a number of health benefits of magnesium including, body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production are more. More specifically, magnesium is known to treat diabetes, insomnia, depression, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension. Many doctors recommend taking magnesium with vitamin D to increase the latter's absorption into the body.
Its important to note that vitamins are intended to fill small nutrient gaps, not take the place of real food or a healthy balanced diet. They cannot replace all of the nutrients and benefits whole foods have to offer. Next time you go down the aisle of your local grocery or vitamin store, be sure to fill up these top vitamins; you’re body will surely thank you!