Vital Vials: Decoding the Allure and Caution of Dietary Supplements
What Do Supplements Do?
In the great tapestry of health and wellness, where vitamins and supplements form colorful threads, countless Americans integrate these into their daily rituals. These tiny emissaries of health promise to shield against deficiencies and diseases or simply add a spring to your step towards proactive health management.
Since their debut in the 1940s, dietary supplements have captivated the public’s imagination—transforming from health shop novelties into staples of modern medicine cabinets across the nation.
A Look At Dietary Supplement Usage Statistics
Today, a significant slice of the populace, over one-third of Americans, embrace supplements. Leading the sales, multivitamin and mineral supplements claim a 40% market share. Notably, the most popular supplements include those enriched with fish oil, omega-3, DHA, or EPA. Particularly among adults aged 65 and older, about 30% consume four or more types of supplements daily.
With recommendations bombarding us from every medium—be it commercials, social media, or casual conversations—the challenge lies in discerning the suitable supplements for personal health goals.
5 Things You Need to Know About Dietary Supplements
Variety and Purpose
Supplements manifest in diverse forms—pills, powders, or liquids—with a unified goal: to augment your diet and enhance health through vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Popular picks include calcium, fish oil, and vitamin D, often combined in multivitamins to simplify consumption.
Evaluating Efficacy
The allure of supplements is undeniable, and rightfully so in many cases. Certain supplements like vitamin B12, folic acid, and fish oil are celebrated for their definitive health benefits. However, despite extensive research, the broader efficacy and impact of multivitamins on longevity and disease prevention remain ambiguous.
Safety First
While multivitamins typically do not pose health risks, vigilance is paramount. Interaction with medications, potential risks for specific medical conditions, and the less stringent federal regulations compared to prescription drugs underscore the need for cautious consumption. Noteworthy are risks associated with supplements like vitamin K and St. John’s wort, which can conflict with prescription medications.
Consultation is Key
Before embarking on any supplement regimen, consulting with healthcare professionals is crucial. They can tailor advice based on individual health profiles and needs. Additionally, adhering to recommended dosages and being skeptical of outlandish claims are essential practices for safe supplement use.
Diet Over Pills
Supplements should not replace the rich, varied nutrients from a healthy diet. The true essence of dietary health lies in natural food sources, underscoring that supplements are just that—supplementary.
In essence, while the world of supplements offers tantalizing promises of health and vitality, navigating this landscape with informed caution and professional guidance ensures that these tools are both safe and effective.
From Juice Cleanses to Master Cleanse: The Fashionable World of Detox Diets Explained
Detox diets often sparkle in the limelight of the wellness world, promising a panacea to our indulgent lifestyle excesses with the allure of purification and rejuvenation. Like a new season's wardrobe cleanse, these diets tempt us to shed what's deemed unnecessary, aiming for a fresher, lighter existence both physically and metaphorically.
1. Juice Cleanses: The simplicity of a juice cleanse mirrors a minimalist's capsule wardrobe—essential yet pared down. For a day or two, one subsists solely on the vibrant elixirs of squeezed fruits and vegetables. It’s a promise of instant gratification, an immediate feeling of lightness akin to slipping into a silk slip dress. Yet, the sheerness of this diet lacks the support of proteins and fats, much like a beautiful but ultimately impractical garment.
2. Smoothie Detoxes: A bit more indulgent, smoothie detoxes blend the lush, rich textures of whole fruits with nuts and seeds, much like adding a cashmere wrap to a tailored outfit. They maintain the body's energy and give a nod to practicality with their fiber content, helping smooth daily functions as elegantly as a well-organized tote.
3. Water Fasting: This is the haute couture of detoxes—sought after, revered, and quite extreme, often only practical for those under professional guidance, like a model under the watchful eye of a couturier. It is stark and bold, a statement fasting method that clears the canvas but at a potential cost.
4. Elimination Diets: These are the bespoke tailoring of the dieting world, cutting out the fluff—gluten, dairy, sugar—to pinpoint what truly works for one's constitution. It’s an investigative process, much like discerning whether it’s silk or satin that best drapes one's figure, slowly reintroducing elements to understand what enhances wellbeing and what detracts.
5. Herbal Detox Teas: Accessible and gentle, these are the ready-to-wear lines of detox, handy and effective within reason. Ingredients like dandelion and milk thistle are akin to the classic pieces in one's wardrobe—always reliable, subtly transformative, supporting without overwhelming.
6. The Master Cleanse: Lasting about ten days, it’s akin to wearing a statement piece, stunning yet demanding. It offers high impact but is not for the faint of heart, requiring commitment to a monastic lifestyle of lemonade concocted with lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and maple syrup.
Detox diets, in all their varied forms, speak to our desire for renewal and transformation. Yet, as with the ever-evolving trends in fashion, they should be approached with a discerning eye—what will stand the test of time and what will serve the momentary thrill? Ultimately, the chicest choice, whether in diet or dress, is that which brings lasting health and happiness, gracefully woven into the fabric of our daily lives.
5 Super-Foods To Improve Your Immunity
Today I want to talk about some fantastic foods and supplements that can help boost your immune system. Taking care of ourselves and being proactive is vital, especially when it comes to preventing sickness and keeping our bodies strong. I’ll also get into one new wellness hack: peptides!
Here are some of my top picks:
1 —
Garlic
Garlic is a superfood that packs a powerful punch! It has antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties and can be used in many different ways, like adding it to salads or spreading it on toast. If you don't love the taste, you can also get garlic supplements.
2 —
Oregano
This powerful antioxidant has antibacterial and antiviral properties. You can find it in powder, oil, or capsule form, but be sure to read the directions carefully.
3 —
Ginger
Ginger is also great for boosting the immune system - it's anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral. Adding it to smoothies is an easy way to enjoy its freshness.
4 —
Turmeric
Turmeric is another excellent option - it's anti-inflammatory and has many immune-boosting benefits. It has a stronger taste, but it's definitely worth incorporating into your diet.
5 —
Elderberry
Elderberry is a small, dark purple berry with antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties that have been shown to reduce the duration of flu symptoms by up to four days when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset. It is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help to protect the body from free radicals that can cause damage to cells and contribute to chronic diseases. Elderberry syrup is a popular way to consume elderberry, and it can be added to teas or taken on its own as a daily supplement to support the immune system during cold and flu season.
Now, onto peptides!
These are small proteins that send signals to different cells in the body. There are naturally occurring peptides in our bodies, but there are also ways to use them externally. Thymosin Alpha 1 is a type of peptide that specifically boosts the immune system. Unlike human growth hormones, peptides stimulate the pituitary gland to release more of what we need, avoiding negative feedback loops. Peptides have a low probability of side effects and are very short-acting and specific.
If you're interested in trying peptides, you can find doctors who prescribe them at https://peptidesociety.org/. Peptides need to be injected, and there are two different doses - 20 units for prevention and 100 units for treatment.
Overall, there are many natural remedies we can use to support our immune systems. I hope this article gives you some great ideas to start with!
Decaf Tea and Coffee: Is it good for you?
As a strong believer that we don't all need caffeine as much as we think we do, I have found that the placebo effect is real. For me personally, it's not the caffeine I crave in the morning, it's just the aroma of coffee, the hot beverage, and the way it soothes me first thing in the morning. Whether it's caffeinated or decaf, it doesn't make too much of a difference for me. The only thing I do notice is that if I have 2 to 3 cups of caffeine, I start to get jittery and anxious, but not necessarily more valuable energy.
With that said, since I was drinking so much decaf coffee, I decided to look into how it's made, and it's not always pretty. Coffee beans are soaked in either hot water along with ethyl acetate, methylene chloride, or activated carbon, or they're steamed and rinsed with those same solvents. These chemicals literally dissolve the caffeine that is naturally occurring in the beans, leaving us with decaffeinated beans.
But what about when it says "naturally decaffeinated"? Well, the term "natural" holds no standard in anything food or beauty. It's just a marketing trick. Basically, ethyl acetate is considered "natural" since it occurs in fruits and veggies. So the non-natural process of rinsing beans with ethyl acetate is allowed to be called "naturally caffeine-free" post-processing.
The same thing goes for decaf tea. Ethyl acetate is used to remove the caffeine in tea leaves. They are soaked in water and rinsed/dried to create new (almost) completely caffeine-free tea leaves. According to the FDA, the solvents used to make decaf tea/coffee are limited to an amount that is harmless to consume. However, think about this: if something has to be regulated so that we don't over consume, it can't be good for us. And who's to say how much you're consuming? The health benefits are not worth the risk, in my opinion.
There are clean ways to decaffeinate tea and coffee, though. The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Tea Decaffeination Method maintains the flavor and health benefits of the tea despite removing the caffeine. In this process, tea leaves are placed with naturally occurring CO2 at high pressure and temperature, which liquifies the CO2. The caffeine molecules bind to this liquid CO2 and are removed from the tea. The flavor remains unchanged because flavor molecules are larger than caffeine molecules, so they don't bind the same way. This is a win!
The Swiss Water Method is more commonly used for coffee (this is the only decaf coffee I drink). It dissolves the caffeine by soaking coffee beans in hot water. Unfortunately, this doesn't work as well with tea leaves, and many brands avoid this method because it can make the tea too watery. So the winner for tea is the CO2 Method. Here are some tea brands I found that use CO2 Decaffeination: Arbor Teas, Tattle Tea, and Choice Organics.
If you want a tea that is naturally lower in caffeine, such as white tea, is a great option. Or, if you want a tea that is actually naturally caffeine-free, then choose herbal teas. These are tea leaves that never contained caffeine to begin with, thus no chemical process was involved to alter the leaves.
For coffee, there are some great decaf options that utilize the Swiss Water Method, such as Allegro Coffee Organic Espresso Medium Roast, No Fun Jo Organic Medium Roast, and Fresh Roasted Coffee LLC Organic Medium Roast (Fair Trade).
When I'm out and I order decaf coffee, I usually assume that it has been decaffeinated using a chemical solvent. However, sometimes we have to accept that we can't control everything. My approach is to focus on what I can control, such as choosing clean decaf options for my home and kitchen, and doing the best I can in other situations.
To sum up, decaf tea can be bad for you because most brands use chemical solvents in their decaffeination process. But the good news is that there are cleaner methods of decaffeination available, which means that you don't have to give up your favorite beverage. By choosing brands that use methods such as CO2 or Swiss Water, you can still enjoy your tea or coffee without exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.
Going Sugar-Free: Finding Delicious and Healthy Snacks at Wholefoods
Going on a refined sugar-free diet can be a challenging experience for many people, especially those with a sweet tooth. However, it is a healthy choice that can benefit your overall health and wellbeing in the long run. When I decided to embark on a refined sugar-free diet, I knew I had to find some healthy snacks to curb my cravings.
Wholefoods is known for its wide variety of healthy snacks and products that cater to all kinds of dietary needs. I made my way to the store, and I must say, I was impressed by the selection of sugar-free snacks available. After browsing through the aisles, I picked up three products that caught my eye: Mush, Rx Bar, and Hu Cookies.
Here are some of the things that worked for me (and some that didn't):
1 —
Get Your Snooze On: Establish a Rockin' Bedtime Routine and Stick to It!
First up, let me introduce you to Mush in Chocolate flavor. This little cup of joy is a blend of organic oats, cacao, vegan milk and dates, with no added refined sugars. It comes in a cute little cup that's easy to pack and take with you on the go. The texture is creamy and smooth, and the flavor is rich and chocolatey. It's the perfect guilt-free indulgence when you're craving something sweet. Sometimes I eat 3 of them during one day, so yummy!!
2 —
RX Bar
Next on the list is the Rx Bar Peanut Butter. This protein bar is made with just a handful of natural ingredients, and it's sweetened with dates instead of refined sugars. The texture is chewy and dense, and the peanut butter flavor is intense. It's a great snack to fuel your body after a workout, or to keep in your purse for those mid-day hunger pangs.
3 —
Hu Cookies
I was excited to try this product as I had heard great things about it from friends. The packaging claimed that the cookies were vegan, paleo-friendly, and made with organic ingredients.
I took a bite of the cookie, and I must say, I was blown away. The texture was crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The chocolate flavor was rich and decadent, and it was perfectly balanced with a hint of salt. I couldn't believe that a cookie that was so healthy could taste so good. I would definitely recommend this snack to anyone looking for a healthy treat that is also indulgent.
My sugar-free diet experience
Now that I've introduced you to my new favorite snacks, let me tell you about my sugar-free diet experience. At first, it was tough. I had to say goodbye to my beloved candies and chocolates. But once I started exploring healthier snack options, I realized that there are so many delicious treats out there that are both tasty and good for you.
I found that the key to success on a sugar-free diet is to plan ahead. I always keep a stash of healthy snacks in my pantry, so I'm never caught off guard when hunger strikes. And whenever I go grocery shopping, I make sure to stock up on fresh fruits, nuts, and seeds, so I always have something to munch on.
Overall, I've learned that a sugar-free diet doesn't have to be boring or restrictive. With a little bit of creativity and a willingness to explore new flavors, you can find plenty of healthy snacks that will satisfy your cravings and fuel your body.
In conclusion, if you're looking to cut down on sugar in your diet, I highly recommend checking out the three snacks I mentioned above! They're all delicious, nutritious, and will help you on your journey to a healthier you. Happy snacking!
7 Teas to Help Reduce Bloating
Imagine this: after a hectic day at the office, all I could think of was chomping on some ready-made cookie dough. I went ahead and relished it in both raw and cooked forms, ignoring all the warnings from the health authorities. But alas, the aftermath was a bloated and queasy tummy. Fear not, for I believe in natural remedies and Gas-X was not an option. Thankfully, I discovered that certain teas could work their magic to soothe my overstuffed feeling. And who doesn't love snuggling up in bed, binge-watching Marvelous Mrs. Maisel with a steaming cup of tea?
To find out more, I reached out to some expert dietitian-nutritionists who shared their secrets on which plants and herbs could help deflate my bloated tummy.
Check out these top picks for the best teas to reduce bloating:
1 —
Ginger
Ginger isn't just a spicy little root - it's also a superhero when it comes to fighting inflammation! Plus, it's got a secret weapon called gingerol that can take down even the most stubborn bloating. But wait, there's more! This magical root can also work wonders on nausea, making it the ultimate tummy tamer. Sipping on some ginger tea is like sending in a whole army of digestive warriors to relieve gas, bloating, and stomach pains. And if that wasn't enough, ginger tea is also a master of soothing inflammation and calming down your GI tract. It's like a warm, comforting hug for your belly!
2 —
Peppermint
When I was a wee little tyke with a bellyache, my grandma's go-to remedy was always a good ol' peppermint. I can't say for sure if the sugar helped my tummy troubles, but there's definitely some magic in peppermint when it comes to soothing stomach woes. Peppermint oil is the bee's knees when it comes to reducing stomach pain, bloating, and gas. Plus, studies have shown that sipping on some peppermint tea can do the trick too.
3 —
Fennel
Listen up, bloated buddies! Fennel is your new bestie when it comes to beating the bloat. Sure, it's got a ton of other health benefits too, but let's focus on what's important here. Fennel helps kick gas to the curb and boosts bile production in your bod. Why does that matter? Well, bile is the key to breaking down fats, especially the ones hiding in your favorite cheesy snacks. And let's face it, those are probably the root of your bloated troubles. Can't find fennel tea at the store? No problem! Just grab some fennel seeds, give them a good crush, and steep 'em in some hot water. Cheers to feeling less puffy!
4 —
Chamomile
Who knew that chamomile tea could do more than just lull you into a sweet slumber? Turns out, it's a bloating-busting superhero too! Bloating is often caused by inflammation in your intestines, and chamomile extract has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and calm your gut. Some studies even suggest that it can help prevent pesky tummy troubles like diarrhea and stomach ulcers. So, next time your belly is feeling like a balloon, brew up some chamomile tea and let it work its magic!
5 —
Dandelion Root
This tea is like a personal water park for your body! It's a natural diuretic, which means it helps you lose any pesky water weight by making you pee more. Sure, you might have to visit the restroom more often than usual, but that's a small price to pay for a de-bloated stomach. Plus, this magic ingredient has been known to soothe inflammation and anxiety.
6 —
Matcha or Green Tea
Green tea, the overachiever of the tea world, has yet another trick up its sleeve: beating the bloat. Not only does it give you a natural energy boost, aid in weight loss, and make your skin glow, but its catechins work wonders in calming down your digestive system and helping it process food like a boss. Say goodbye to bloating with this bloat-blocker in a cup.
7 —
Hibiscus
Don't let the thought of a bitter brew leave a bad taste in your mouth, try some hibiscus tea instead! These pretty flowers pack a punch of a sweeter, cranberry-like flavor when boiled. Plus, the flavonoids in hibiscus can help regulate aldosterone - a hormone that controls electrolyte levels and water intake. And as we know, maintaining a healthy balance is the key to beating the bloat.
Drink Your Greens! My Go-To Green Powders in 2023!
Are you struggling to get enough veggies in your diet? Or are you just looking for a new way to incorporate them into your daily routine? Look no further than the world of green powders! With brands like Bloom Nutrition and AG1 taking over our social media feeds and podcast ads, it’s clear that the green revolution is upon us.
But why stop at just the greens? Many powders also contain a variety of other fruits and veggies, packed with their own unique nutrients and benefits. From carrots to blueberries to goji berries, these powders can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and keep you feeling your best.
And don’t forget about matcha and probiotics! Matcha provides a boost of caffeine without the crash and has anti-inflammatory properties, while probiotics keep your gut microbiome happy and healthy.
Reading the Fine Print: What to Watch Out For
While green powders can be a great way to supplement your diet, it’s important to be aware of any potential drawbacks. One common pitfall is the use of artificial sweeteners, which can disrupt the healthy bacteria in your gut and lead to a variety of health issues.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while green powders are a great way to get some extra nutrients, they shouldn’t be a replacement for fresh or frozen fruits and veggies. These whole foods contain more fiber and can help with satiety in a more effective way.
With greens powders, the possibilities are endless.
You can mix them into water or your favorite smoothie, add them to baked goods, or even make a delicious latte with matcha powder. The best part? You can get your daily dose of veggies without feeling like you’re forcing down a salad.
Another fun way to incorporate greens powders is to mix them into your favorite snack recipes. Try adding a scoop to homemade energy balls or mixing it into yogurt for an extra boost of nutrients. The options are endless and it’s a fun way to experiment with new flavors and textures.
My Top Green Powder Picks:
1 —
Bloom Nutrition
Bloom Nutrition has taken over platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with everyone from influencers to your mom’s friend trying out their greens powders.
And why wouldn’t they? If it’s good enough for Alix Earle and Xandra Pohl, it’s good enough for us. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel like a trendy influencer sipping on a green drink?
Let’s talk about the ingredients. With four different blends, including fruit and veggie, antioxidant, digestive, and adaptogen, you’re getting a wide variety of nutrients in one scoop. Plus, the inclusion of powders like carrot, beet root, and kale means you’re getting those leafy greens you’ve been meaning to eat more of.
But what about the taste? Sure, greens powders might sound like they taste like grass, but Bloom Nutrition has added a touch of sweetness with stevia. And while you might taste some of that “green” flavor, it’s not unpleasant and is actually quite refreshing over ice.
2 —
Athletic Greens (AG1)
Feeling like a fitness guru ready to conquer the world? Then you've probably heard of Athletic Greens, aka AG1, taking over your social media feeds. I mean, it's hard to miss with those Instagram and Facebook ads.
And let's talk about the packaging! It's sleek, easy to read, and comes with a whole aesthetic canister for storage. Plus, it even includes the percentages of daily values for each ingredient.
But let's get to the good stuff - the ingredients. Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E? Check. Magnesium, zinc, copper, spirulina, wheat grass, apple, chlorella, barley and more? Double check! With all these superfoods combined, it's like a nutritious bomb ready to fuel your athletic journey.
Now, don't be fooled by the dark green color. This mix is surprisingly light and refreshing, with a fruity taste that'll leave your taste buds begging for more.
3 —
Sakara
Guess who’s back? Sakara, baby! And this time, I’m checking out their Proteins + Greens Super Powder. This stuff is perfect for the busy bee who wants to get their greens and protein on the go.
The pouches are super easy to use - no measuring or scooping required. Plus, each pouch packs a punch with 12 grams of plant protein. And let's talk about the ingredients. With pea, hemp seed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed, spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, and chlorella, you're getting a superfood cocktail that even Superman would be proud of.
Now, let's be real, the consistency and color of this green drink might throw you off at first. It’s a bit milky and chalky, but fear not - it's still delicious. Think of it as a light matcha-colored drink that’s perfect for sipping on a hot day. Plus, the package recommends having it over ice or blended into a smoothie for the best experience.
The Top 4 Vegan Multivitamins to Supercharge Your Health in 2023
Hey there! Are you ready to learn about the best vegan multivitamin formulas for women? Let’s go!
As we all know, men and women need the same essential 13 vitamins and minerals for overall health, but women tend to be low in certain nutrients. This is why it’s important to consider those differences when choosing a multivitamin formula.
In this article, we’ll go over the 4 best vegan multivitamin formulas for women, and help you determine which one is the best for your needs.
1 —
Ritual’s Essential Multivitamin For Women
Ritual’s goal was pretty simple — to create multivitamins that target common nutritional gaps using high-quality ingredients that can be optimally absorbed. Unlike most brands, Ritual has a variety of multivitamin formulas, and the reason for that is that they want to target young and old, as well as adjust to differences between men and women.
For women, they have four multivitamins — one for women over 18, one for women over 50, and also formulas that support women during pregnancy and the lactation stage.
Given their multi-variate approach to multivitamins, you have options that better suit your circumstances, allowing you, as a woman, to select the more effective nutrient profile for your specific needs.
There are certain nutrients that are usually present in every variation, namely vitamin B12, vitamin D3, iron, folate, magnesium, and omega-3 DHA. These are essential nutrients that vegans require, but they are either tweaked or removed depending on your age or situation.
For instance, older postmenopausal women no longer have a need for supplementing iron, so Ritual’s multivitamin for older women is without it. However, because with age your body slowly loses its ability to efficiently absorb certain nutrients, this multivitamin contains double the amount of vitamin B12 and magnesium.
As a vegan, what we also like about Ritual as a brand, is its dedication to being transparent and willing to let you trace the ingredients back to their source, promoting a more ethical framework for consuming supplements. However, the fact that you have such specific formulas and the ingredients are sourced ethically, means that we have to inevitably pay a higher price for their products. Additionally, purchasing one of their multivitamins, means you’re consenting to a subscription model that will get you a multivitamin delivered to your doorstep every month, and that might be a deal breaker for many people. Although, you can easily cancel the service after receiving your first product.
2 —
Performance Lab Multi For Women
Performance Lab is one of the few brands that create supplements that differentiate between the dietary needs of men and women, so they have two distinct formulas. The Multi for Women is a formula that contains specific nutrients that address women’s nutritional needs, so apart from containing vitamin B12 and vitamin D, it also contains minerals such as iron, calcium, folate, and iodine.
This multivitamin contains 26 active ingredients and among them are vitamins, minerals, as well as other natural compounds that support both mood and metabolism. It contains generous amounts of iron (44% of WDV), calcium (2% of WDV), folate (334% of WDV), and iodine (100% of WDV), so it’s quite specific for women.
Performance Lab is popular for its ultra-modern method of designing supplements for peak health and performance called Nutrigenesis. The ingredients in this formula are lab-grown, using a patented process that mimics nutrient genesis in nature, increasing the absorption of nutrients and their effects.
Needless to say, this formula is vegan-friendly, and it features a clean-label formula, stripped
3 —
Healthycell Vegan Essentials
Even though Healthycell isn't a vegan brand, they've developed a liquid formula that specifically caters to vegans.
This multivitamin contains over 30 vitamins and minerals, including crucial nutrients like vitamin B12, vitamin D3, iron, iodine, and Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Healthycell uses Microgel technology, which helps your body absorb the nutrients more efficiently by delivering them more quickly to your bloodstream. Plus, you can mix it with water or any of your favorite beverages. No more swallowing horse pills that have synthetic binding glues, fillers, coatings, and anti-caking agents that offer no nutritional benefit.
The only downside to this formula is that it doesn't have as much iron (only about 2.3 mg) compared to the others on this list. Plus, it's actually quite expensive. But hey, you get what you pay for, right?
4 —
Wholier Plant-Based Multivitamin
Wholier's mission is to develop formulas that are backed by data from studies and also have little effect on the environment. This multivitamin is one of their most popular formulas and contains eight essential nutrients for optimizing a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-forward diet.
Vitamin B12, vitamin D3, iron, iodine, zinc, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin K2 are the eight essential nutrients in this multivitamin. All of them are supplied in substantial amounts, including iron. Wholier is open about where it gets the ingredients for its products, and it appears to make its products in an ethical and sustainable way. Plus, their carbon footprint is smaller than that of brands with operations in developing nations.
However, their products are inevitably more expensive than most due to their avoidance of common allergens, GMOs, synthetic fillers, and colorants. And let's be honest, they don't taste the best. Wholier has added citrus extracts to enhance the flavor and aroma of their capsules, but it doesn't necessarily cover up their fishy flavor, which is likely caused by the use of algae/sea kelp for some of its nutrients.