It is now commonly understood amongst doctors that nutritional products are an important part of a healthy living regimen. It has become increasingly difficult to get optimum levels of nutrients from food alone, especially vitamins and minerals. This is mainly because of a rise in demand by our bodies for these nutrients and also as a consequence of depletion of nutrients in the food that we consume.
Vitamins and Minerals
The role of anti-oxidants in the body is to support healthy immune functions and to neutralise damaging free radicals. Free radicals are generated as a waste product from chemical reactions within the body (particularly respiration and digestion) and are very volatile molecules, which attack human cells. Over prelonged periods of time, constant attacking of our cells by free radicals can cause the development of degenerative conditions and diseases. Therefore, an optimal intake of vitamins and minerals can help to offset free radical damage and help in the fight against degenerative conditions.
Minerals also have many unique funtions within our bodies, acting on cells, tissues and organs. Many of our bodily processes rely on on minerals to initiate the enzymes, which perform those bodily functions.
Our need for vitamins and minerals is now greater than ever due to the excessively toxic environment that we live in. Environmental pollution, toxic chemicals in the water supply and enhanced levels of radiation from the sun validate our increased demand for vitamins. Also, stress, lack of sleep and bad food choices will increase free radical occurrence. The food choices that we make today are regularly devoid of the important antioxidants and minerals that we need for our bodies to function optimally. Low Glycemic Foods Diseases such as Obesity and Diabetes are commonly caused by poor food selection. Typically, high calorific foods encourage Obesity, but the significance of high glycemic foods cannot be disregarded. High glycemic foods (high GI) are those that sugar very quickly once inside your body, such as sweets, cakes and refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, etc). These kinds of foods cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels. As blood sugar levels decline, you will experiences a drop in energy and desires for high glycemic foods (carbohydrate cravings). If you regularly give in to your cravings, this will increase your food intake. Over longer periods of time your body becomes less capable to regulate after dramatic rises in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to the development of type 2 Diabetes.
If you have weight loss goals or concerns about diabetes, then low glycemic, nutritionally balanced meal replacements and healthy snacks can offer you assistance.
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