There’s no doubt that eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly are key to a healthy lifestyle. But where does a daily vitamin fit in? Can it provide any additional health benefits?
The truth is, if you really want to maximize your nutrition, you really should be taking a daily vitamin too. Unfortunately, most of us just don’t eat as well as we should, and food just isn’t as nutritious as it used to be.
A daily vitamin will fill in the nutritional gaps in your diet and give your energy levels and overall health a general boost. In short, this one simple step can help you live a longer, healthier life.
Whether you simply want to boost your immune system or fight afternoon fatigue, taking a multivitamin each day just makes sense. Here’s a look at the health benefits of daily vitamins for the entire family.
Daily Vitamins Improve Overall Health
There are so many reasons to consider adding a multivitamin into your daily routine. Maybe you want to improve your performance, both in and out of the gym. Or, maybe you want better mental focus at work or school.
No matter what your overall health goals are, taking daily organic vitamins for all ages gives the body extra nourishment that’s likely missing from the diet. Of course, eating a well-balanced diet is essential, but most of us just don’t eat whole foods every single day to keep our nutrient levels where they need to be.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the average adult needs at least 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit and an additional 2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. Unfortunately, they also report that 87% of adults don’t eat enough veggies and 76% don’t eat enough fruit each day to meet those requirements.
Even though a daily vitamin doesn’t replace a healthy diet, the two can work together to ensure that your body has all the nutrients it needs to function optimally, whether you’re a child or an adult. A daily vitamin can also boost your energy levels and help your body manage day-to-day stress, too.
Daily Vitamins Improve Brain Health
The human brain is responsible for controlling all of our vital body functions. This amazing organ regulates everything from our breathing to our heartbeat, and much more. As you can imagine, if the brain is not functioning at its best, the rest of your organs won’t be either.
Studies show that taking a daily vitamin not only supports optimal brain function, but it also improves memory and mood health. In fact, there is a direct connection between lack of proper nutrition and mood issues like anxiety and depression.
Taking a daily vitamin is an easy way to ensure that your brain is getting all the nutrients it needs to function at its best every single day.
Daily Vitamins Support a Healthy Immune System
Taking a sick day to chill on the couch and watch Netflix is necessary once in a while, but most of us grown would rather not miss work or be unable to care for our families because we’re sick all the time. And, being sick really isn’t all that fun.
One of the best ways to keep your immune system healthy is to provide it with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. This is another area where taking a daily vitamin can benefit anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle.
A high-quality multivitamin will include antioxidants like A, C, D, and E plus trace minerals like zinc. These nutrients are key for an optimally functioning immune system.
Multivitamins Support Healthy Aging
Most of us don’t eat a lot of kale salads, green juice, and fatty fish. But our bodies still need the nutrients found in those foods to live a long, healthy life. Even if you do your best to stick to a clean diet, it’s hard to meet all of your nutritional needs through diet alone, especially as you age.
As you move into your senior years, your body becomes less efficient at absorbing and producing certain nutrients. And if you’re taking prescription medication, you may be even more prone to certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Even worse, your need for certain nutrients actually increases as you get older.
Incorporating a daily vitamin into your routine will offset any deficiencies, help your organs function optimally, and protect your skin and nervous system as you age.
Daily Vitamins Can Improve Eye Health
Taking good care of your eyes is super important and taking a daily vitamin is a great way to boost your eye health. Good nutrition reduces the risk of age-related eye problems like macular degeneration.
Multivitamins contain many nutrients that are essential for healthy eyes, including beta-carotene, minerals, and antioxidants. They also contain vitamin A to improve night vision and keep the cornea clear, as well as C and E to fight free-radical damage and protect your entire body, including your eyes, from oxidative stress.
Prevents Nutrient Deficiencies in a Plant-Based Diet
Many people are making the switch to a plant-based diet for health, ethical, and other reasons. Unfortunately, this type of diet does create some nutritional challenges. Plant-based diets can be deficient in vitamins B12 and D, minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, as well as essential omega-3 fatty acids.
For example, the most common sources of vitamin D in the diet are fortified dairy products, eggs, and fatty fish. These items are not part of a vegetarian or vegan diet. And, although spending time in the sun does boost vitamin D in the body, it’s not the best option due to the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Adding a daily vitamin into your routine fills in these nutritional gaps so you don’t develop deficiencies that could impact your overall health.
Wrapping Things Up
And the health benefits of daily vitamins don’t end there! Experts at The Journal for Nutrition report that daily vitamins and minerals could lower your risk of heart disease and cancer. They’re like an insurance policy against chronic disease.
Incorporating them into a healthy, active lifestyle provides a multitude of benefits for all ages and life stages. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before you begin taking any supplement, especially if you have health issues or take medication.