Are we taking supplements without the supplementing?

About a month ago, I was at GNC buying some protein and pre-workout. I am not a fan of GNC but it's a quick fix when I'm  waiting on a shipment. Hungry and at the counter, I started sampling some of the chews. I instantly loved the coconut chew. Caught up in the moment and feeling the urge that I had to have it, I bought two bags.

I started taking the chews in addition to the regular coconut oil that I used while cooking. When Josh recommend that my daily dose of coconut oil should be approximately five tablespoons I was happy. That was easy. I loved it. I began researching all of the benefits to eating coconut oil.

Today I made a shocking discovery. If I wanted to eat all of my daily intake of coconut oil in a chew, I would have to eat 49 chews a day. Then I started to question supplements. Why would anyone waste their money on chews when you can eat the real thing? Do people try to only do supplements thinking they will get what they need and avoid the food all together? Are people convinced that supplements will "fix" the problem?

And where is the balance? And how do we figure out the balance? And once we learn more about it, who do we trust? What resources are valid? Should we be taking supplements at all (assuming we are in good health and not pregnant)?

Real food offers greater nutrition, essential fiber and protective substances. Which brings to back to my meal plan of eating more of the right foods.

Someday we will get this all figured out. Someday...