Mixed
Focusing on whole foods and their natural matrix (food synergy) yields superior health outcomes compared to isolating and supplementing single nutrients, as the food matrix provides synergistic interactions that isolated components lack.
Prioritize eating whole, minimally processed foods (like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds) over taking isolated nutrient supplements. The natural combination of nutrients and phytochemicals in these foods works synergistically to promote health, whereas isolated supplements often fail to provide the same benefits and may even be harmful.
This review argues for shifting the focus towards food in order to better understand the nutrition-health interface... We use the term food synergy to denote this health action of the food matrix.
Why this rating
Based on a review of observational studies, clinical trials of supplements (showing failure), and mechanistic studies of food matrices.
Source
Food, Not Nutrients, Is the Fundamental Unit in Nutrition
David R. Jacobs et al. · Nutrition Reviews · 2008
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