They also promote their foods and supplements by saying (or implying) that they’re “nutrient rich,”
but nothing could be further from the truth. Only whole, plant-based foods, in their natural state,
are nutrient rich.
Regular vitamin and mineral supplements are another way people try offset their destructive habits
and fix the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle. 70% of the people in the United States take
vitamin supplements and mineral blends in the form of pills, nutrition bars, “health” drinks and
cereals.
Vitamins are organic compounds that cannot be synthesized by the human body and therefore must
be consumed to prevent serious illnesses. Fruits and vegetables are the main sources and primary
manufacturers of most vitamins. Eleven of the thirteen known vitamins are synthesized by plants.^48
The remaining two, vitamin D and vitamin B12, come from the sun’s actions on our skin and from
bacteria, respectively.
Plants are also the most direct source for minerals, all of which originate in the ground and enter
into living systems through the roots of plants and then into the animals that consume them.
Unfortunately, only 20 to 30% of people living in Western populations consume the five or more
recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables.^49 The elderly, alcoholics and those with
chronic illnesses are also at higher risk of suffering real deficiencies. But the solution is more plants,
not more pills!
Your local supplement salesperson may readily admit fruits and vegetables are the ideal sources for
these essential nutrients, but then add that “because of our depleted soils, these sources are now
inadequate and therefore our food supply is not supplying the nutrients we need.” This is primarily,
although not entirely, a marketing pitch. (Our soils are depleted; that’s one reason organically
grown produce is generally shown to have higher nutrient value than conventional produce.
However, that’s no excuse to substitute pills for food.)
No supplement (or battery of supplements) can replace the abundant, perfectly proportioned and
optimally packaged vital nutrients contained in nutrient-rich foods. Nutrient-rich foods supply the
winning combinations that satisfy our appetites, fuel and strengthen our systems, and enable our
bodies to run as they should.
I am not suggesting you not supplement. There are situations where supplementation is justified.
Listen to what your blood tests say and the medical experts that administer them. If you need
supplements to feel better, then have a discussion with your physician about your needs.
It comes down to how supplements are delivered, in conjunction with a 90% or more plant-based
Nutrient-Rich® healthy eating style that supplies you with the nutrient density, volume and calories
you need. (See Supplementation While Eating Nutrient Rich in Part IV of this book)
(^48) Ibid.
(^49) Ibid.