Eating Foods Rich In Vitamin C example essay topic
448 words
I believe that dietary supplements are not necessary to insure a healthy diet. In fact, I feel that it is quite the contrary. Only a diet based on nutritious foods can help us lead healthier lives. After doing research on the internet, over and over I kept getting this same answer. Although supplements can be good in certain situations, such as when people are unable to eat solid food, they cannot actually replace real foods. For example, I read an article about how a study done by the University of Southern California found that frequent use of vitamin C supplements can actually cause atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. However, findings showed that vitamin C from foods is an anti-oxidant that helps prevent disease. Obviously eating foods rich in vitamin C rather than taking a 500 mg supplement is far more healthy. Another article discussed a study done by the National Cancer Institute about the usefulness of beta-carotene supplements in preventing cancer. Results told the researchers that the supplement was 100% ineffective, and people should stop using them. In place of the supplements, they recommended fruits and vegetables, which are proven to reduce the risk of cancer.
I also read an article about how an extremely popular supplement, chromium picolinate, may cause cancer. A study by the University of Alabama showed that although an important mineral, the body really only needs about 500 micrograms of chromium per day. By getting an excess of this mineral from taking supplements, one can actually increase his or her risk of getting cancer. Clearly its risks outweigh its benefits. Another article discussed meal replacement drinks, and whether or not they were a viable nutrition shortcut. The study, done by the New England Journal of Medicine discovered that while good for recovering patients unable to chew, or for older people who are unable to eat three meals a day, that eating real food is much healthier.
After my research, its clear to me that supplements just arent the way to go for a healthy diet. Sure they sound quick and easy, but over and over I read the same basic idea; there is no substitute for a diet based on real, healthy foods. Reading these articles has really changed my perspectives on my diet. Next time I have a cold and my mother hands me a 500 mg tablet of vitamin C, I may think twice before I chew it down. I just hope that the other people in this country realize this before they begin to rely entirely on dietary supplements.
