Eat more of these foods to replace expensive supplements

Since the emergence of wellness experts on social media, trends related to dietary supplements have emerged. More than half of all American adults take at least one dietary supplement daily. The dietary supplement industry has grown from 4,000 products in 1994 to 80,000 today, generating annual sales of approximately $40 billion. Dietary supplements can be beneficial for people who don't get the recommended nutrients from their regular diet. However, many supplements are nonessential and have no proven medical benefit.

Experts believe that individuals without underlying health conditions who eat a healthy diet may not need supplements. Furthermore, a growing body of evidence suggests that a balanced, healthy diet is superior to isolated supplements. Studies repeatedly demonstrate that nutrients from food provide better bioavailability, better absorption, and synergistic health benefits that supplements cannot provide.

Why Dietary Supplement Alternatives Are Important for Your Health

According to the FDA, dietary supplements are classified in groups under food. The dietary supplement industry is also subject to minimal regulatory oversight. Unlike prescription drugs, dietary supplements do not require FDA approval before they can be marketed. Studies reveal troubling contamination problems: dietary supplements contain heavy metals, pesticides, and unlisted ingredients that have been linked to serious health risks. Furthermore, research shows that 82% of weight-loss supplements had inaccurate labels, with 61% of packages missing ingredients. Whole foods contain complex nutrient matrices that work together to enhance absorption and utilization by the body. The combination of vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fiber creates natural compounds that supplements cannot replicate. Whole foods also offer the advantage of containing health-promoting compounds such as antioxidants, which work in combination with nutrients. For example, vitamin C, naturally occurring in citrus fruits, promotes iron absorption more effectively than synthetic vitamin C supplements.

Iron-Rich Foods