Nutritionist, Samantha Heller, MS., RD, of New York University, reports that many people have bought into misconceptions and half-truths by reading food labels and assuming that their choices of nutrition is correct; only to find that they are making fewer healthier food choices. For example, seven-grain bread is a healthy choice, only if it reads whole grain. Therefore it may not be the healthiest choice.

Eating a can of vegetable soup is not as healthy as eating a plate of vegetables. A can of soup does not have many vegetables and the nutrition was lost in processing.

Do not substitute juice, for whole fruit, which has a concentrated sugar source and does not have the same nutrient level as fruit.

When possible, eat fresh organic, raw unprocessed foods. It is better for the body and only takes vitamins to supplement the diet, not replace it. Taking too many vitamins could sabotage your health.

Vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals work together to keep the body balanced. Taking concentrated doses of vitamins will cause it to be unbalanced.

Take multivitamins daily, do not take individual vitamins with out nutritionist guidance; although sometimes vitamins are used to address a specific medical condition such as the B vitamin to lower cholesterol or reduce the risk of heart disease. Generally, more than the recommend daily allowance is needed. This is all the more reason to contact your health care provider for such on taking.

*Phytochemical, a naturally occurring plant substance. Some phytochemicals have been shown in research to protect against disease.

The diet alone does not produce sufficient nutrients; therefore supplements are needed to elevate the nutritional level of essential nutrients. A good multivitamin is so very important because some individual vitamins and minerals do not work alone well.

Vitamin D is needed for the absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus, vitamin C may hinder the absorption of ginseng and should be taken two hours before or after the C vitamin and if you have hypertension do not take at all. Also Zinc hinders the absorption of copper.

Because vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients are imperative to good health, eat all types of fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. The dark green leafy vegetable has different food values than the yellow and orange vegetables in fact each group has its own unique value and they are all packed with powerful antioxidant and disease fighting compounds.

A healthy diet is by far the best protective source against sickness and disease. Because of the antioxidants, nutrients, and phytochemicals that are found in plant food. Always choose plant food over supplements, choose a broad range of colors, do not lock into just one food group and get the different mixture of phytochemical and nutrients that are beneficial to the whole body.

It is the variety of fruits and vegetables that packs the phytochemicals. Researchers have not found all the phytochemicals in plant food. And it is not understood how the fruits and vegetables boost your health. However research shows diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes helps to keep the body cells healthy and repairs damage from toxins and slow down the growth of cancer cells.

So pick your foods wisely, read labels, when a supplements is needed take a multivitamin, and when changing your medical regimen or adding vitamins to your regimen always consult your health care provider.