Supplement Godfather

In a perfect world, every human being would be able to consume adequate amounts and a wide variety of whole, natural foods in their everyday diets. Foods consumed in their natural form contain all of the essential enzymes and cofactors your body needs to properly process, digest, and absorb the macro- and micronutrients that foods provide.

The Problem with Whole Foods Alone
Because of the degradation of the Earth’s soil and various environmental factors, a significant percentage of the natural food that’s available today simply doesn’t provide ideal levels and quality of the nutrients our bodies require for optimal health and performance. Although many small-scale and local farmers are now employing sustainable agricultural practices, the damage to our soil and environment has already been done by large-scale commercial agricultural practices. It’s sad to say, but it’s the truth. Unfortunately, it will take time, a change in human mindset, and a conscious effort by people around the world before things start to get better. That’s not to say that all whole foods are bad or unreliable, but it is important to understand what you’re consuming.

Organic, Local, Fresh Foods Are Always Best!

I’m a firm believer that consuming primarily organic, local fresh foods is always best, not only for one’s health but also for the greater good of humanity and our planet Earth. Why? Well, first off, local foods are always fresher, and for that reason they taste better and provide more nutritional value. Local foods also have much less environmental impact than foods imported from different regions, and they’re much safer for this reason too. Think about it. The longer your food has to travel before it reaches you, the greater the opportunity for denaturing and contamination. The quicker food goes from a farm to your mouth, the better the quality and safety! On top of all this, eating primarily locally grown or raised foods supports your local economy and helps occupy and preserve more green land, which is important for the health of humans and the Earth.

Supplements Are Meant to Supplement Your Whole-Food Diet
The importance of fresh, whole foods should never be understated. However, the current state of our soil and environment doesn’t really allow us to rely solely on whole foods to meet our daily nutrient requirements. This is why supplements should be considered. Dietary supplements should be used to complement your diet of whole, natural foods and are not meant to replace them.

Benefits of Complementing Your Diet with Supplements

Supplements can provide your body with the nutrients it might be missing from denatured whole foods. Supplements can ensure that you’re always getting adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that you need to support optimal health. They can also be used to help treat and reduce the incidence of disease and illness and balance out nutritional deficiencies. Supplements can even help reduce the negative health impacts of stress and exposure to environmental pollution. Finally, as I’m sure all MUSCLE INSIDER readers already know, supplements can help improve muscle growth, reduce body fat, and enhance physical and mental performance!

To read more from Don Gauvreau click here.

Image of IFBB Pro Anth Bailes provided courtesy of PHARMAFREAK® and Chris Bailey

Food photo: Thinkstock