Lecture dedicated to important nutrients
Nutritionist Seth Braun spoke about the importance of vitamins and supplements in a healthy diet Friday afternoon at the UMC.
Braun, author of “Healthy, Fast and Cheap: The Ultimate College Cookbook,” lectured on the vitamins essential to a nutritious diet and the vitamins that are just a waste of money.
In regards to protein, the best form is in lean meats and eggs. Soy protein isolate, found in most protein bars, powders and soy milks, are not as good as they seem. The soy protein isolate is a cheap form of soy that is hard for the body to digest. Skin issues, increased colds and flues and other negative side effects can result in over consumption of this product.
“I work at Jamba Juice and people are always ordering the soy boost. I always believed the hype about it. I never knew what it was really all about,” said Suhei Barragan, a freshman mathematics major.
Fiber supplements are another product that is well promoted yet not very necessary. With regular use, the body becomes dependant on the supplements. Without the fiber, the body has a hard time staying regular.
“Instead of using the supplements, try eating a bowl full of veggies. If people made a switch to their diets and incorporate 60 percent vegetables, they’d feel better and be healthier,” Braun said.
Braun also recommended to stay away from vitamins E and A from discount stores.
“The vitamins contain D alpha Tocopheryl, a substance not usable by the body,” Braun said.
An important supplement to incorporate into any diet is omega-3 fatty acids, found in high grade fish oil.
“The omega-3 fatty acids are something the body can’t create on its own. So it is essential in diets,” Braun said.
The effects will be a higher recovery rate, less joint problems for weight lifters and decreased possibilities of heart disease.
Braun explains in his cookbook that a healthy diet should be centered around whole grains and green, leafy vegetables. The next diet focus should be meats, fish and dairy. Finally, foods like pasta, pastries and energy bars should be used sparingly.
Braun’s speech on vitamins and supplements were all a part of a talk series put on by the Student Wellness Program.
“The program is about all aspects of health and wellness, from nutrition to tobacco use and stress,” said Lindsay Miller, student coordinator for the Student Wellness Program.
“The talks have been beneficial so far. Braun has a lot of knowledge to offer,” Miller said.
Contact staff writer Dana Silva at dana.silva@thecampuspress.com
