Think you are eating well? Misconceptions lead to nutritional deficiencies for many…
Good news? Americans think they eat well; in fact, 60 percent said they ate a really balanced diet. Not so great news? Perception and reality may not align.
Only 6 percent of Americans report eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day, reveals a recent study from supplement maker MegaFood. Those differences leave an enormous nutritional gap to fill.
The survey results highlight another knowledge gap between Americans and healthy eating – you can eat quite a lot of healthy food, and still not get the recommended daily allowance of essential nutrients.
For example, 52 percent of survey respondents said they felt they were getting enough vitamin B6 in their diet. B6 is found in foods such as bananas and avocados, plays a very important role in producing fuel and energy, and is crucial for optimal function of the brain, nerves and immune system. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say 30 million Americans are deficient in vitamin B6.
Studies have shown many Americans do not get the required amount of nutrients each day, but two-thirds believe they can get all the nutrients they need by eating a balanced diet, according to a MegaFood survey. As a result, the belief that they do not need a multivitamin is the main reason two out of five people do not take them.
“My experience has consistently shown me that a large number of Americans are living a high carb, high sugar, excess caffeine, stressed, no exercise life,” says Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, an internationally recognized expert in integrative medication, herbs and dietary supplements, and author of National Geographic’s “Fortify Your Life: Your Guide to Vitamins, Minerals, and More.” “We may have good intentions in terms of eating well, but the reality is that many of us fall short of the ideal diet – and even when we do our best to eat well, it is extremely difficult to get all the nutrients we need. regularly with diet alone.
What can you do
It is feasible to take steps to improve nutrition. Dr. Low Dog offers the following tips:
* Know the nutrients you should get and the recommended daily amount of every. The National Institutes of Health provides an online table of recommended daily allowances of vitamins and minerals, by age and sex.
* Do your best to eat a balanced diet; it provides health benefits beyond vitamin sufficiency. Be sure to get at least five servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
* Supplement your good eating habits with a quality multivitamin. Eighty-one percent of consumers realize that not all multivitamins are created equal. MegaFood manufactures a range of multivitamins formulated to support the health of men and girls during numerous phases of life. They are created from real food from real family farmers. The line is gluten, soy, GMO, and dairy free, and tested freed from pesticides and herbicides.
* In an effort to help bridge the nutritional gap, MegaFood has launched the MegaPledge campaign. Promise to close your nutrition gap by taking a multivitamin and MegaFood will donate a bottle of multivitamins to someone in need. Pledgers will receive a $5 coupon and be entered to win great prizes, including a year’s worth of multivitamins and an amazing wellness vacation. Additionally, MegaFood is partnering with Wholesome Wave, a non-profit organization that empowers underserved consumers to make healthier food choices by increasing affordable access to fresh, local food. With each pledge, MegaFood will donate two portions of fruit and vegetables to someone in need. Take the pledge at megafood.com/pledge.
