If you do not know anything about your health, ask someone.

Most of us are not aware of the health claims being true or false. Have you ever researched a topic and found contradictory information? I research a lot of topics. I look for contradictory information. Coconut oil is an example.

Some researchers say it is saturated fat and therefore harmful to your health. Other researchers say it is the best thing since sliced bread and is great for our health. Whom do you believe?

I look at the test data and who is conducting the tests. That tells a lot. Tests can be designed for success or failure. If you do a single test with small sample size, it is probably not worth the paper reporting the results. The randomized controlled study is far better. Are the doses given appropriate for what is being tested? I have seen several studies that the supplement being tested was not adequate for the test.

Sometimes a synthetic version of a supplement is used rather than the natural one. Vitamin E is made up of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols. Natural vitamin E is derived from vegetable oils. Synthetic vitamin E is created in a lab using petrochemicals.

A test might use a single synthetic chemical rather than all eight forms. Synthetic vitamin E is dl-alpha tocopheryl and may be substituted for the natural d alpha-tocopherol. The results will be touted as if the natural version of vitamin E (with all eight molecules) was used.

Vitamin B12 is a cobalamin. Cobalamins cannot survive stomach acid and should be taken under the tongue and allowed to enter the bloodstream rather than digesting the pill with other vitamins and minerals. Testers will use the synthetic cyanocobalamin instead of natural form found in foods, methylcobalamin.

Vitamins made by nature may contain a variant that helps the body. Vitamin C is an example. It is ascorbic acid. Natural vitamin C is the L-enantiomer of ascorbate. Industrial-made vitamin C contains both the L-enantiomer and the D-enantiomer of ascorbate. The D-enantiomer of ascorbate is of no value in the human body.

It is always best to get your vitamins and minerals from food. Reliance on synthetic multivitamins and minerals will not provide the same health benefits as foods containing natural vitamins and minerals.

I take three vitamins in pill form – vitamin E (mixed tocopherols and tocotrienols), vitamin D3 (VD3), and vitamin K2 (with both MK4 and MK7). All eight variants of vitamin E are not found in a single food. Vegetable oils and nuts provide natural sources of tocopherols and tocotrienols. I avoid vegetable oils because of their high omega-6 content and the likelihood of rancidity.

I take 15,000 to 20,000 IUs daily of VD3 depending on the season (summer or winter). I have my vitamin D3 levels checked with every annual physical. I know my VD3 levels are typically in the 70-80 ng/mL which is where I want them to be.

Butter, dark chicken meat, egg yolks, cheese, goose liver, and natto provide good sources of vitamin K2 (menaquinone). Leafy greens provide a good source of vitamin K1 (phylloquinone). Some vitamin K1 is converted to vitamin K2 in the body, but not enough. Menaquinone 4 (MK4) and menaquinone 7 (MK7) are two menaquinones contained in vitamin K2. MK7 has a longer half-life in the body.

My food choices provide the rest of the 30+ nutrients the body needs daily. Balanced nutrition ensures that you are not deficient in key nutrients the body needs to function properly.

You would be surprised to learn how easy it is to eat nutritionally balanced meals and minimize total calories. Caloric restriction is key to extending your longevity and reducing the risks of age-related diseases.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – https://RedOLaughlin.com

 

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