5 Reasons to Take a Multivitamin

Ever wonder if there are any benefits of taking vitamins?

Before you pop a pill, eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meats, nuts, seeds, and legumes is the best way to get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs for best health.

But what if your diet isn’t perfect? The truth: Most people could use a little help and would benefit from taking vitamins.

• Only 12 percent of adults eat the recommended amount of fruits per day (1.5 to 2 cups per day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Only 9 percent eat enough vegetables (2 to 3 cups per day).

And that means most adults come up short when it comes to vitamins and nutrients the body needs to promote health and prevent disease.

If you want to improve your diet, here’s an easy way to make it happen… Pick your favorite MagicKitchen.com meals made from fresh ingredients, and you’ll have your next healthy meal ready in minutes.

And if you want a little _health insurance_ to make sure you’re getting all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs, taking a multivitamin can help, according to a recent study published in the _Journal of Functional Foods_.

In the study, researchers found taking a multivitamin for 30 days helped people (both men and women), improve:

1. Vitamin B6. Your body uses vitamin B6 to break down proteins, fats and carbs from the food you eat. It’s also helps prevent heart disease, strengthens the immune system, and supports brain health
2. Vitamin B12: Your body needs vitamin B12 to produce red blood cells. It also helps support brain function and nerves. Some research suggests higher levels of B12 can also help prevent bone fractures.
3. Vitamin K: Your body uses vitamin K to for blood clots and strengthen bone tissue. It may also help prevent hardening of the arteries.
4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps strengthen bones, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent and control infections. Vitamin D may also help prevent heart disease, certain types of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and early death.
5. HDL cholesterol. Also known as good cholesterol. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol help lower the risk for heart attack and stroke by preventing plaque build-up that can damage arteries.

Do you need to take a multivitamin? It depends on a wide variety of factors.

• Nutritional needs are different based on age and gender.
• Your diet makes a difference.
• If you’re taking medications or have health issues, your ability to absorb nutrients from food may be compromised.

Not sure? Talk to your doctor about the benefits of taking vitamins. A simple blood test can identify any nutrient deficiencies you may have. Then you can make a plan to improve your diet and lifestyle habits. And that could include taking a daily multivitamin.