Stay on Message, Nutritionally

Leading up to the recent election, the major American political parties often talked about "staying on message" - that is, remaining focused on repeating their particular issues, whether about the economy or the war in Iraq. The same concept about staying on message can apply to how we eat as well.

Over the past week, I've read about the antioxidant benefits of açai berries and pomegranate seeds. That’s on top of what I read before about the benefits of grapefruit, broccoli, and fish. Each week brings new research on the health benefits of individual nutrients and foods.

It comes as no surprise that many companies try to turn such findings into marketable products, such as açai or broccoli supplements. I have no problem with companies doing that. I'm a big advocate of supplements and I take my share of them, but I also know where to draw the line. We must always remember that nutrients are best consumed as foods, not as pills. Supplements are just that – supplements.

A single healthy meal – say, salmon, steamed vegetables, and brown rice – contains far more nutrients than any handful of supplements. The amounts of nutrients might not always be very high, but the plate offers a diverse selection of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy omega-3 fats. A diversity of nutrients is every bit as important as large concentrations of some of them.

Foods contain many important nutrients that have not been studied in depth. Foods taste good, at least when made in sensible ways. Prepared with a positive attitude, foods make for a rewarding and creative experience. And shared with friends, good foods can contribute to great conversation.

Take your supplements and rejoice in their many health benefits. But at the same time, remember that they complement the foods that feed the very being of who we are. –JC