Spices and Seasonings
Our spices and seasonings are imported directly from their countries of origin to ensure authenticity and quality. Discover new flavors and enhance your cooking with our vast selection.
Choosing Vitamins
A Healthy Foundation
This article originally appeared on TasteForLife.com.
Did you know that 9 out of 10 Americans’ diets don’t hit the bare-bones baseline recommendations for key vitamins and minerals, particularly potassium, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium?
Multivitamins can’t make up for bad dietary choices, but they can help close the gap on nutrient deficiencies. Even Americans who aren’t technically deficient in a particular vitamin or mineral (for example, getting enough vitamin C to prevent scurvy) may not be getting optimal levels for vitality and well-being.
But how do you choose the best multivitamin for you among the sea of bottles in the supplement aisle?
Choosing a Multivitamin
No one multi works for everyone, but in the sea of multivitamins, you’ll easily find one that’s perfect for you.
- Natural Ingredients
Check out the fine print!
Look for ingredients like d-alpha tocopherols (versus synthetic dl-alpha) for vitamin E and natural carotenoids under vitamin A, which will be better utilized by the body.
Avoid synthetic flavors, colorings, and preservatives in the “Other Ingredients” list. - Potency and Quality
Sometimes a lower-potency multivitamin easily outweighs a mega-dose tablet because the lower-potency multi offers high-quality forms of each ingredient.
Consider paying more for the multivitamin with higher-quality vitamins and minerals—such as co-enzyme B vitamins, methylcobalamin versus cyanocobalamin vitamin B12, and the selenomethionine form of selenium.
Or consider food-sourced, fermented, and/or organic multivitamins (but expect lower doses of each vitamin). These forms are generally better utilized by the body and cause less digestive upset, but they’re not cheap.
If this doesn’t suit your budget, stick to a basic once daily multivitamin. - Easy to Swallow
Glance at the pill size if possible (rattle opaque bottles) to make sure it’s something you can comfortably swallow, opting for smooth edges. - Breaks Down Well
Capsules break down more easily but don’t hold as much as tablets. Pop a pill in water with a splash of vinegar to get an idea of how well it breaks down. - Timing and Dosage
Look at the tiny print under “Supplement Facts” to see how many pills you’re expected to take per day to get the doses listed for each vitamin and mineral. The more pills per day, the more optimal those levels should be—especially for bulky ingredients like calcium and magnesium. (You’re usually better off taking an additional cal-mag supplement regardless of the amount offered by your multi.)
If you know you’re not likely to take more than one pill per day, stick with a “once daily” vitamin, which will give you more optimal levels of micronutrients like B vitamins, vitamins C and D, and microminerals in one pill. - Avoid Stomach Issues
High doses of B vitamins and zinc make some people queasy. Choose a two-(or more)-a-day multi so you can divide the dose, or choose a food-sourced brand.
Always take your multi with food, ideally a solid breakfast. - For Specific Groups
- Men and Older Women
Multis geared toward men and older women usually don’t contain iron and often offer additional ingredients such as lycopene and targeted herb blends (in low doses). - Pregnant Women
Prenatals target healthy fetal growth with more folate and iron and less vitamin A.
For the most nutrition support or for sensitive stomachs, choose a prenatal with several pills per day.
If you know you’re apt to take only one, go for a once-daily formula. - Seniors with Meds
Some multivitamins for elders are less likely to interact with meds, but always check with your healthcare practitioner. - Vegans / Vegetarians
Seek vegan or vegetarian multivitamins if you want to avoid animal ingredients.At Center Health & Harmony, we believe that food is not just sustenance, but a way to experience different cultures and traditions. Our store is stocked with a wide variety of products from around the world, including spices, sauces, grains, and snacks. Whether you're looking to recreate a favorite dish from your travels or try something new, you'll find what you need at Center Health & Harmony. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you find the perfect ingredients for your culinary adventures!
- Men and Older Women
Discover Center Health & Harmony's Unique Ingredients
Flours and Starches
Flours and Starches
Flours and Starches
Our flours and starches selection includes unique and hard-to-find varieties like chickpea flour, tapioca starch, and rice flour. Experiment with new textures and flavors in your cooking.
Pickles and Olives
Flours and Starches
Flours and Starches
Our pickles and olives selection includes a variety of briny and savory options. Try our tangy pickled turnips or spicy stuffed olives for a burst of flavor in your dishes.
Sweets and Desserts
Flours and Starches
Sweets and Desserts
Indulge your sweet tooth with our selection of sweets and desserts. From sticky dates and sweet halva to flaky baklava and rich Turkish delight, we have a variety of options to satisfy any craving.
Dried Herbs
Vinegars and Juices
Sweets and Desserts
Our dried herbs selection includes a variety of unique and flavorful options. From fragrant rose petals to tangy sumac and earthy za'atar, these herbs will add depth and complexity to your dishes.
Vinegars and Juices
Vinegars and Juices
Vinegars and Juices
Our vinegars and juices selection includes a variety of tangy and flavorful options. Try our pomegranate molasses or tangy grape vinegar for a unique twist on your salads and marinades.
Specialty Items
Vinegars and Juices
Vinegars and Juices
Our specialty items selection includes unique and hard-to-find ingredients like camel milk, rose water, and black garlic. Expand your culinary horizons and try something new.
Discover Center Health & Harmony
Our Mission
At Center Health & Harmony, our mission is to introduce and celebrate the diverse flavors and cuisines of the world. We strive to provide our customers with an authentic and immersive culinary experience that they won't find anywhere else.
Our Products
From rare spices and exotic fruits to artisanal cheeses and fresh baked breads, Center Health & Harmony offers a carefully curated selection of ethnic food products sourced from around the globe. We only work with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality and authenticity.
Our Products
From rare spices and exotic fruits to artisanal cheeses and fresh baked breads, Center Health & Harmony offers a carefully curated selection of ethnic food products sourced from around the globe. We only work with trusted suppliers who share our commitment to quality and authenticity.
Our Experts
At Center Health & Harmony, we are proud to have a team of experts who are passionate about ethnic food and dedicated to sharing their knowledge with others. Our staff includes chefs, sommeliers, and food historians who are always eager to help our customers explore new flavors and cuisines.