The purpose of this post is to explain the difference between whole food nutrition and vitamin and mineral supplementation. In nature, vitamins and minerals are never isolated; they are always present in food in complex form, meaning synergistically connected to other nutrients and elements. Synergy means that each element works with and is interconnected with each other. No nutrient stands alone in whole foods. Most of these synergists are unknown to scientists, but keep in mind the identity of a nutrient is found in connection with all necessary food substances, not isolated by itself. Each vitamin has a specific function and cannot be replaced by something else. The factors that influence the absorption of a nutrient relate not only to the nature of the nutrient itself, but also the interaction with other components (synergists) in the food. If you are deficient in one vitamin, the orchestra of nutrients in the body can be hindered in their metabolic function.
We must understand man can never duplicate nature perfectly, especially when all vitamins, minerals, phyto-chemicals and enzymes are not yet known to man. He does not know what they are, has not discovered them yet, their action in the body, and the effect they have in the body isolated or with its other thousands synergistic substances. How can a scientist produce what he has not yet discovered? Nutrition should not be guess work. Man at his best will never be able to produce the synergy of nature. Put your trust in nature.
There are thousands of unknown elements in each food. Ten years ago we knew nothing about phyto-chemicals (phyto=plant, plant chemicals), but they were in whole foods, put there by nature, absorbed from the soil, and are absolutely necessary for normal metabolic activates. Without them we lay the foundation for a weak immune system and disease.
In an article by Judith DeCava called, “Biochemistry of Foods and Supplements”, it is stated, “To isolate or separate a vitamin, mineral, amino acid or other component and call it a nutrient is just as impractical as isolating a steering wheel, battery, or carburetor and calling it an automobile. It won’t work without the other parts.” She also states that electron microscopy indicates that isolated USP vitamins appear larger and have a crystalline appearance compared to vitamins in a natural food complex which have more of a rounded and smaller appearance. Scientists know that particle size is an important factor determining its absorbability.
Another very important factor which is seldom if ever explained to us is a term called selective absorption. This simply means that the body must choose what it needs and when it needs a nutrient to keep itself metabolically sound. All the known and unknown nutrients must be present at any given time to be absorbed. Only whole food can supply these.
Fruits and vegetables and other whole foods are absolutely, unequivocally necessary on a daily basis for all humans, adults and children. It is stated that we should eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Do you? Of course not. I would like to add something to this. Three of these fruits and vegetables should be dense, nutritious choices like parsley, kale, spinach, broccoli, and beets. When we do eat these foods, they are usually cooked. Cooking can be detrimental because of nutrient losses, making the equation even more difficult.
Here is why we need live whole food supplementation instead of a bunch of vitamin pills:
1. We do not eat enough fruits and vegetables.
2. We cannot always get seasonal fresh produce.
3. The soil and our foods can be very nutrient deficient.
4. We do not eat the dense nutritious fruits and vegetables. If we do, we cook them and destroy a large part of the necessary enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. Keep in mind frozen, processed, and canned foods can be deficient, to say nothing of foods that are shipped in from distant places that are losing their nutrient value.
5. We do not eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
6. Fruits and vegetables are necessary for everybody throughout their lifetime. Synthetic supplements may not be.
7. The known and unknown synergistic nutrients are in whole foods-fruits and vegetables. They are not in man made supplements.
We know that the foods we are eating on a daily basis are not doing the job. It is a mistake to think that deficient soils and overcooked foods will support a healthy lifestyle and longevity. Plenty of studies have proven these statements otherwise. In some situations supplements are necessary. Your first priority is to eat wholesome foods prepared with the least amount of heat possible. Secondly, choose a wide variety of concentrated organically grown food sources to support your diet. Thirdly, choose a live, organic vitamin and mineral supplement like "The Feast" to supplement your diet. And, finally drink plenty of fresh, purified water to cleanse and replenish your body.
Grace and Peace,
Ed
