Why are Plant-Based Vitamins Better?
There has been quite a bit of hype surrounding the health and wellness industry as of lately because consumers are now beginning to reach towards organic and natural products instead of synthetic. Society has taken these exciting steps moving forward in the right direction when it comes down to overall health with a huge focus on ingredients and how they affect the body – hence the uprise in all-natural supplements that we have been seeing lately!
Gone are the days of grabbing just any product from the shelf. Today, consumers are reading the full nutrition label prior to putting anything in – or on – their bodies. However, with tens of thousands of different products available, it can still be a bit of a challenge to pick which products are best for you to meet your specific and unique needs.
Studies have shown that the best way for your body to absorb the nutrients it needs to flourish, is by consuming healthy whole foods daily. However, although it may sound quite simple, over 90% of the world’s population is not getting the required nutrients needed to support a healthy lifestyle – yikes. The good news is that vitamins are very easy to supplement. The bad news is, not all supplements are created equal. Let’s explore this further!
What are Synthetic Vitamins?
Synthetic vitamins are chemically produced from a lab to mimic the natural way your body absorbs nutrients from food. But unfortunately, since they are synthetic, these vitamins are actually very difficult for your body to absorb meaning they are often excreted through urine and generally a waste of money. According to many studies, these synthetic vitamins are:
- Not useable or absorbable
- It is not as bioavailable as a whole food, plant-based vitamins
- Not recognizable by the body
- It is not what is found in natural whole foods
What are Plant-Based Vitamins?
Plant based vitamins are made from fruits, veggies, seeds, flowers, bark, and other botanical ingredients. The process can be a little lengthy, but it usually starts with a naturally nutrient-dense plant. Manufacturers will then use a variety of methods to extract the nutrients from the plant in order to create a supplement that meets the requirements set forth by the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) making it an excellent choice for those looking to bridge the nutrition gap that they lack from their diet. Here are some of the most common minerals and vitamins found in plants and what they supplement:
- Algae – Omega 3
- Berries and fruit – vitamin C
- Mushrooms – vitamin D
- Chickpeas – zinc
- Seeds – magnesium
- Curry leaves – calcium
Your body is incredibly smart. It knows the difference between natural and synthetic ingredients. Back in the day, our ancestors did not have large chemical labs to mass-produce vitamins. Instead, they relied on nutrient-dense plants that came from the earth. Your body was not created to consume artificial products. This is why numerous studies support evidence that all-natural whole food sources are absorbed much better into the body than chemicals. Natural plant-based ingredients are not only much better for you, but they just work better within your body.
Plant-based vitamins have been rising in popularity – and for good reason! These healthy whole food supplements don’t just offer better bioavailability, but they also have a lower toxicity risk and are naturally vegan making them a great choice for anyone looking to enhance their health. If you are thinking about incorporating a great vitamin into your diet or are considering making the switch from your synthetic multivitamin to something a little more natural, then we recommend giving plant-based vitamins a try!