Introduction
Are you spending too much money on supplements? If so, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, Americans spend an estimated $30 billion a year on dietary supplements. But do these supplements really work? According to registered dietitian and Eat This Not That nutrition expert, Joy Bauer, the answer is no. In this article, Joy will explain why you’re wasting your money on certain supplements and what you should be doing instead. So, if you’re looking to save money and get the most out of your nutrition, read on to find out what supplements you should avoid and what you should be doing instead.
Supplements You’re Spending Too Much Money On, Says Dietitian — Eat This Not That
If you’re looking to save money on supplements, a dietitian has some advice for you. According to registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition consultant, Marisa Moore, there are certain supplements that you may be spending too much money on.
Moore says that multivitamins are one of the most common supplements people take, but they may not be necessary. “Most people don’t need to take a multivitamin,” she says. “If you’re eating a balanced diet, you’re likely getting all the vitamins and minerals you need from food.”
Moore also suggests avoiding supplements that contain herbs and other natural ingredients. “Herbs and other natural ingredients can be beneficial, but they can also be expensive,” she says. “It’s best to talk to your doctor or dietitian before taking any supplement that contains herbs or natural ingredients.”
Finally, Moore recommends avoiding supplements that are marketed as “miracle cures.” “There are no miracle cures when it comes to supplements,” she says. “If a supplement is claiming to cure a certain condition or illness, it’s best to avoid it.”
By following Moore’s advice, you can save money on supplements and make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need from food. Remember, supplements are not a substitute for a healthy diet.
If you’ve ever been so busy throughout the week that you don’t have time for your regular health routine, taking supplements can help you get some of the crucial nutrients that you may have missed. Unfortunately, it’s sometimes hard to tell which supplements are worth buying, and which ones are a waste of your money.
To get to the bottom of buying supplements, we talked with Courtney D’Angelo, MS, RD, author at GoWellness, to find out which types she believes you’re wasting your money on.
Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, don’t miss 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Most people reach for vitamin E supplements to smooth out their skin or slow cellular aging. And although vitamin E does contain antioxidants that can benefit your health, D’Angelo says that taking a supplement will not give you enough of the vitamin for its benefits to actually kick in.
“A research study showed that doses below 400 IU are ineffective and don’t work, and large doses of vitamin E can actually end up doing more harm than good,” Says D’Angelo.
Because of this, she suggests getting your antioxidants through fruits and veggies on a daily basis.
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D’Angelo warns that fat-burning supplements, which can add up to around $50-$60 per bottle or more, are essentially just a waste of your money.
“Supplements like these are designed to increase calorie burning or fat metabolism for a short period of time, not the long haul,” says D’Angelo, “so if you really want to lose weight, burn fat, and tone your body, it’s more beneficial to invest in the right diet, mindset, and exercise program instead.”
Garcinia Cambogia has become a popular weight loss supplement because of an acid it contains called HCA. According to D’Angelo, HCA is supposed to enhance fat oxidation and suppress appetite, but there isn’t much proof that it’s actually effective, according to information provided by Operation Supplement Safety of the U.S. Department of Defense.
“The better Garcinia Cambogia supplements are priced at around $40 per bottle, but the truth is that there’s no magic weight loss pill out there — you’re better off spending your money on healthier foods to incorporate into your diet.
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