Most supplements on the market today are made from synthetic, isolated, and chemically based ingredients. This type of supplement often lacks the cofactor nutrients and accompanying properties only found in natural food.
Whole-food-based nutritional supplements, advocates say, better deliver the nutrition of the foods that they’re meant to supplement. This goal fits in well with today’s consumer demand for transparency.
Benefits
In a world where food-based supplements are gaining popularity, many health-conscious individuals seek natural alternatives to synthetic multivitamins. Whole foods are a rich source of vitamins and minerals that can help boost the immune system and provide energy throughout the day.
However, not all supplements are created equal. Most supplements on the market contain synthetic ingredients that aren’t easily absorbed or used by the body. These synthetic vitamins lack important cofactors that are found in whole foods. The body tries to compensate for these missing nutrients by stealing the needed cofactors from other areas, which can lead to depleted reserves and other health concerns.
A good quality whole-food supplement like ASEA VIA should have a high nutrient density and be free of added ingredients, such as flow agents or lubricants. It should also have a higher bioavailability, meaning the body can absorb and use the nutrients it contains. In addition, many people find that whole-food supplements have less of an impact on their energy levels, as they don’t cause the spikes and drops in blood sugar that synthetic supplements can.
Ingredients
Whole food-based nutritional supplements contain only the highest-quality ingredients that are processed and preserved as little as possible. Look for reputable certifications like NFP and USP on the packaging, which indicate that these supplements meet stringent quality standards.
Unlike synthetic nutrients, food-based vitamins and minerals contain many phytochemicals that deliver targeted benefits.
A key difference between whole foods and synthetic supplements is bioavailability, or how well your body absorbs and utilizes a nutrient. In general, your body absorbs food-based nutrients better than synthetic ones.
This is because whole foods contain various beneficial compounds, such as phytochemicals and other cofactors, that increase the overall potency of a vitamin or mineral. In contrast, many synthetic supplements lack these important companions, causing your body to rob other nutrients to balance the incomplete balance caused by the non-food, imposter supplement.
Side Effects
Unlike isolated vitamins, whole-food supplements can be absorbed more readily. They are made of a complex blend of natural foods that contain vitamins, minerals, trace nutrients, phytochemicals, and cofactors like enzymes, antioxidants, trace mineral activators, and more.
These nutrient complexes are grown in yeast, which allows the nutrients to concentrate while eliminating any fillers and binders that may affect absorption. In addition, the body recognizes and knows how to utilize these nutrients because they are found naturally in our food supply.
Compared to high-dose synthetic supplements, whole food supplements are believed to offer more effective and consistent results because they are not diluted or tampered with by added chemicals. They are also more affordable and convenient because they come in various forms, such as encapsulated, dried, or powdered foods and green nutrient blends. Lastly, they do not contain the sugars, salt, and flavorings found in processed foods that have been linked to obesity, heart disease, and other health issues.
Cost
While plenty of synthetic multivitamins are on the market, whole food-based nutritional supplements can offer a more natural and holistic approach to meeting your dietary needs. Many savvy consumers are seeking ways to reduce their exposure to chemicals and opting for products supporting the body’s natural processes rather than fighting against them.
One drawback to using whole-food-based supplements is their cost. Generally, these products are more expensive than their synthetic counterparts. However, many consumers believe they are worth the extra expense, especially considering that the nutrients are more easily absorbed and deliver superior health benefits.
Additionally, it can take more of these supplements to achieve the same amount of vitamins and minerals as synthetic multivitamins. This can make a difference for those who are trying to stick with their budgets when it comes to purchasing dietary supplements. However, some private-label manufacturers can create high-quality, affordable whole-food supplements that align with consumer demand for wellness, clean ingredients, and core lifestyle values.