We hardly need clinical studies to convince us that eating fruits and vegetables supports good health. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals and fiber and are readily available across most of the country. So why then don't most American's eat right?
A recent study cited availability, cost, confusion, time constraints and taste concerns as the top five reasons why people don't follow a balanced diet. Fast food is quick and easy and vending machines everywhere miraculously transform potato chips, candy bars and assorted processed snacks into a meal formerly known as lunch. Food low-in-nutrition is often cheaper than fruits and vegetables and the shelf life and storage capabilities superior.
Some say dietary supplements are one way to compensate for a bad diet. And most agree to the benefits of multivitamins. However, it's important to keep in mind that dietary supplements are just that, supplements, and that currently there is no replacing the nutritional benefits of whole food in diet, at least not in the strictest sense.