Convenience often drives our food choices. However, the benefits of whole, nutrient dense foods far outweigh the fleeting convenience of processed and ultra processed options. Whole foods, rich in essential nutrients, offer a myriad of health benefits that contribute to long term health and well being[1].
Whole nutrient dense foods are those that remain as close to their natural state as possible, providing a rich array of vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and SuperNutrio milk proteins are prime examples. These foods are packed with nutrients that the body needs to function optimally.
In contrast, processed and ultra processed foods lose much of their nutritional value through extensive processing, which strips away essential nutrients and commonly adds unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives.
SuperNutrio stands out as a purely natural product, containing only one ingredient—milk. This simplicity underscores its natural composition and minimal processing compared to plant based alternatives. The absence of added ingredients or fortification highlights the straightforward and unaltered nature of SuperNutrio, making it a unique choice for those seeking a natural dietary option.
For example, oat milk comes in both unfortified and fortified varieties. Unfortified oat milk contains just water, oats, and salt, maintaining a simple ingredient profile, however void of protein and significant nutrient levels. Fortified oat milk includes a range of additional vitamins and minerals such as calcium carbonate, dipotassium phosphate, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2, riboflavin (B2), and vitamin B12. These added nutrients aim to give oat milk a nutritional value, but it also increases its level of processing, resulting in being an ultra processed food (UPF).
Almond milk, another popular plant based alternative, also exhibits differences between its unfortified and fortified versions. Unfortified almond milk consists of water and almonds, preserving a simple and natural composition, but low in nutritional value. Fortified almond milk, on the other hand, incorporates various additives like calcium carbonate, sunflower lecithin, sea salt, gums, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2, vitamin E, and vitamin B12. These additions are intended to boost the nutritional profile but result in almonds milk also being a UPF.
Soy milk follows a similar pattern, with unfortified soy milk containing only water and soybeans, maintaining a basic and natural ingredient list. Fortified soy milk, however, includes cane sugar, sea salt, calcium carbonate, vitamin A palmitate, vitamin D2, riboflavin (B2), and vitamin B12, enhancing its nutritional content but also results in being a UPF,
This comparison illustrates the natural simplicity of SuperNutrio in contrast to the UPF plant based milks, particularly when they are fortified. While plant based alternatives can offer additional nutrients through fortification, SuperNutrio provides a naturally rich source of nutrition without the need for added ingredients.
| Milk Type | Ingredients |
| Cow’s Milk | Milk |
| Oat Milk (Unfortified) | Water, Oats, Salt |
| Oat Milk (Fortified) | Water, Oats, Calcium Carbonate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Salt, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12 |
| Almond Milk (Unfortified) | Water, Almonds |
| Almond Milk (Fortified) | Water, Almonds, Calcium Carbonate, Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt, Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12 |
| Soy Milk (Unfortified) | Water, Soybeans |
| Soy Milk (Fortified) | Water, Soybeans, Cane Sugar, Sea Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Vitamin A Palmitate, Vitamin D2, Riboflavin (B2), Vitamin B12 |
Whole foods can support better digestion and gut health boosting beneficial gut bacteria and promoting a healthy microbiome. Processed foods, on the other hand, often lack these critical components, leading to digestive issues and poor gut health. A diet rich in whole foods helps maintain a balanced gut flora, which is crucial for overall health and well being.
Another critical factor is the impact on weight management and metabolic health. Dairy foods, can be more filling and satisfying, help regulate appetite and prevent overeating. The natural protein and healthy fats in dairy contribute to satiety, helping to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of insulin resistance. Conversely, ultra processed foods, laden with added sugars, unhealthy fats, empty calories, and other additives, contribute to weight gain and metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes and could lead to currently unknown health implications in the future.
The benefits of nutrient dense whole foods extend beyond physical health to mental well being. Diets rich in whole foods have been associated with a lower risk of depression and anxiety[2]. Nutrients like essential fatty acids and antioxidants play a crucial role in brain health[3]. In contrast, processed foods, often high in artificial additives and low in essential nutrients, can negatively affect mood and cognitive function[4].
Are you ready to take control of what you are eating and boost your health like never before? Dive into the exciting world of mindful eating and discover the joy of knowing exactly what is on your plate! Whether it is a vibrant salad, a hearty soup, or a delicious smoothie, be confident in your choices by checking the ingredients. Look out for anything that sounds artificial or unpronounceable, and choose natural, wholesome foods instead. Challenge yourself to read labels, make informed decisions, and embrace the power of real food. Let us make every meal a celebration of health and happiness!
[1] Ultra Processed Foods and Nutritional Dietary Profile: A Meta Analysis of Nationally Representative Samples PMC (nih.gov)
[2] Jacka, F. N., et al. (2010). Association of Western and traditional diets with depression and anxiety in women. American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(3), 305 311. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2009.09060881
[3] O’Neil, A., et al. (2014). The relationship between diet and mood: A systematic review of current literature. Journal of Nutrition & Intermediary Metabolism, 2(1), 34 39. doi:10.1016/j.jnim.2014.08.001.
[4] Gómez Pinilla, F. (2008). Brain foods: The effects of nutrients on brain function. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9(7), 568 578. doi:10.1038/nrn2421.
