Jimbo's...Naturally! Guide to Supplements

For decades, mainstream scientists and doctors have held fast to the belief that supplementation is unnecessary, and that all the nutrients we need are found in our food. While that may be so, it does not take into account tolls of the modern age: pollution, physical and emotional stress, decreased nutrient value of most food grown commercially (another reason to eat organically grown food!) as well as diseases and conditions that didn't exist 50 years ago.

Nor does it take into account that few of us are eating the "ideal" diet. According to the National Center for Health statistics, less than 10 percent of Americans consume five servings of vegetables and fruits a day-the minimum requirement for a healthy diet. Most nutritionists, especially those who advocate eating whole foods and organically grown foods, recommend supplementation. They recognize that even healthy eaters can use these daily doses of health insurance.

What is the difference between the supplements at Jimbo's...Naturally! and those carried by drugstores or discount houses?
Jimbo's standards are exceptionally high. We work only with companies who provide a full disclosure of ingredients on their labels. All the supplements we carry-vitamins, minerals, herbs, tinctures-come from high quality companies that rigorously test their raw materials. Our supplements are free of artificial colors and flavors, as well as chemical preservatives, chemical fillers and binders. Whenever possible, we carry herbs that are organically grown and/or ethically wild harvested.

What is a natural supplement?
The answers are complex, and it depends largely on how you define the words natural and synthetic. A natural supplement can be considered one that comes from a food/plant source, such as rose hips, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E from soy oil, spirulina and aloe vera. A few companies sell vitamins and minerals that are completely food-grown; they claim these are absorbed much more completely by the body. However, most vitamins today were processed to some degree in a laboratory - often using a combination of natural and chemical sources.

Equally important is the quality of the supplements you take. The fillers and binders in the supplements sold at Jimbo's are from natural sources, as opposed to the artificial flavors and colors, shellac and chemical preservatives found in some commercial supplements.

What are vegetarian supplements?
These are supplements free of any animal products. Although gelatin capsules are easy to swallow and assimilate, most strict vegetarians avoid them as they are made from gelatin, which is derived from animals.

Will vitamins help me live longer or prevent certain diseases?
There is no proof that vitamins alone help you live longer, but the healthier you eat - and that means whole foods and lots of fruits and vegetables - the healthier (and perhaps longer) you will live. Research is showing a correlation between vitamins B6 and E and the prevention of heart disease. There is strong evidence that beta carotene, folic acid and vitamins C and E may reduce your chances of getting specific cancers of the stomach, cervix, colon, lung and esophagus. As well, vitamin C has been shown to increase resistance to illnesses, especially flu and common colds.

What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants are nutrients that have been shown to strengthen immunity and help the body combat free radical damage caused by toxins in our environment. They include vitamins E, C, A and beta carotene, as well as several B vitamins, zinc and selenium. Find these valuable nutrients in dark green vegetables, sprouts, wheat grass and barley grass. People who are regularly exposed to toxins or have a weakened immunity may find antioxidant supplements especially beneficial.

How do I store supplements?
Avoid heat, light and dampness. Store supplements in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. Do not store in the refrigerator (unless indicated) because of moisture. Unopened, supplements without preservatives will usually keep two or three years. Water-soluble supplements are particularly fragile. Many vitamin products now carry expiration dates.

None of this material is intended as medical advice or prescription. A qualified, healthcare professional with experience in the field of nutrition and whole foods can help you make decisions regarding your specific health needs and supplementation.


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Jimbo's...Naturally! Guide to Supplements For decades, mainstream scientists and doctors have held fast to the belief that supplementation is unnecessary, and that all the nutrients we need are found in our food. While that may be so, it does not take into account tolls of the modern age: pollution, physical and emotional stress, decreased nutrient value of most food grown commercially (another reason to eat organically grown food!) as well as diseases and conditions that didn't exist 50 years ago. Nor does it take into account that few of us are eating the "ideal" diet. According to the National Center for Health statistics, less than 10 percent of Americans consume five servings of vegetables and fruits a day-the minimum requirement for a healthy diet. Most nutritionists, especially those who advocate eating whole foods and organically grown foods, recommend supplementation. They recognize that even healthy eaters can use these daily doses of health insurance. What is the difference between the supplements at Jimbo's...Naturally! and those carried by drugstores or discount houses? Jimbo's standards are exceptionally high. We work only with companies who provide a full disclosure of ingredients on their labels. All the supplements we carry-vitamins, minerals, herbs, tinctures-come from high quality companies that rigorously test their raw materials. Our supplements are free of artificial colors and flavors, as well as chemical preservatives, chemical fillers and binders. Whenever possible, we carry herbs that are organically grown and/or ethically wild harvested. What is a natural supplement? The answers are complex, and it depends largely on how you define the words natural and synthetic. A natural supplement can be considered one that comes from a food/plant source, such as rose hips, wheat germ oil, and vitamin E from soy oil, spirulina and aloe vera. A few companies sell vitamins and minerals that are completely food-grown; they claim these are absorbed much more completely by the body. However, most vitamins today were processed to some degree in a laboratory - often using a combination of natural and chemical sources. Equally important is the quality of the supplements you take. The fillers and binders in the supplements sold at Jimbo's are from natural sources, as opposed to the artificial flavors and colors, shellac and chemical preservatives found in some commercial supplements. What are vegetarian supplements? These are supplements free of any animal products. Although gelatin capsules are easy to swallow and assimilate, most strict vegetarians avoid them as they are made from gelatin, which is derived from animals. Will vitamins help me live longer or prevent certain diseases? There is no proof that vitamins alone help you live longer, but the healthier you eat - and that means whole foods and lots of fruits and vegetables - the healthier (and perhaps longer) you will live. Research is showing a correlation between vitamins B6 and E and the prevention of heart disease. There is strong evidence that beta carotene, folic acid and vitamins C and E may reduce your chances of getting specific cancers of the stomach, cervix, colon, lung and esophagus. As well, vitamin C has been shown to increase resistance to illnesses, especially flu and common colds. What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are nutrients that have been shown to strengthen immunity and help the body combat free radical damage caused by toxins in our environment. They include vitamins E, C, A and beta carotene, as well as several B vitamins, zinc and selenium. Find these valuable nutrients in dark green vegetables, sprouts, wheat grass and barley grass. People who are regularly exposed to toxins or have a weakened immunity may find antioxidant supplements especially beneficial. How do I store supplements? Avoid heat, light and dampness. Store supplements in a cool, dry place out of sunlight. Do not store in the refrigerator (unless indicated) because of moisture. Unopened, supplements without preservatives will usually keep two or three years. Water-soluble supplements are particularly fragile. Many vitamin products now carry expiration dates. None of this material is intended as medical advice or prescription. A qualified, healthcare professional with experience in the field of nutrition and whole foods can help you make decisions regarding your specific health needs and supplementation.