In today’s modern world, it is more important than ever to make sure that we are getting all of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need.
However, with the busy lifestyles that we lead, it can be difficult to eat a balanced diet that provides us with all of the nutrients that we need.
One of the biggest challenges that we face is that we simply do not get enough fruits and vegetables in our diets.
According to the Office for National Statistics, only about 1 in 10 people in the UK eat the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. This lack of fruits and vegetables means that we are not getting the vitamins and minerals that they contain, such as vitamins A, C, and E, as well as fiber and antioxidants.
Another challenge that we face is that even when we do eat fruits and vegetables, we may not be getting enough of the nutrients that they contain.
This is because many fruits and vegetables grow in soils that are depleted of nutrients. In addition, many fruits and vegetables are processed, which can further reduce their nutrient content.
As a result of these challenges, it is estimated that up to 90% of people in the UK are deficient in one or more vitamins or minerals.
This deficiency can lead to a number of health problems, including fatigue, weakness, poor immune function, and an increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
So, what can we do to make sure that we are getting the nutrients that our bodies need?
Here are a few tips:
- Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. The more variety you eat, the more different nutrients you will get.
- Choose organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Organic fruits and vegetables grow in soils with nutrients.
- Eat whole grains instead of refined grains. Whole grains contain more nutrients than refined grains.
- Eat lean protein sources. Lean protein sources include chicken, fish, beans, and tofu.
- Take a multivitamin supplement. A multivitamin supplement can help to ensure that you are getting the nutrients that you need.
By following these tips, you can help to ensure that you are getting the vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Eating a balanced diet and taking a multivitamin supplement can help you to stay healthy and prevent chronic diseases.
In addition to the above, here are some other reasons why we may not be able to reach our 5-a-day allowance through diet alone:
- The 5-a-day allowance is based on the assumption that we are eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, many people eat the same fruits and vegetables every day, which means that they are not getting a variety of nutrients.
- The 5-a-day allowance does not take into account the fact that some fruits and vegetables are more nutrient-dense than others. For example, a cup of spinach has more nutrients than a cup of iceberg lettuce.
- The 5-a-day allowance does not take into account the fact that some people have difficulty absorbing nutrients from food. For example, people with coeliac disease cannot absorb nutrients from gluten in wheat.
If you are concerned that you may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you to determine if you need to take a multivitamin supplement or make other changes to your diet.
