If you ask 100 people this question, you are likely to receive 100 different answers. Some people believe that you cannot do anything to be healthy – that is, whatever you do is ultimately meaningless because we are all bound to our genetic heritage.

Some people will give you rather predictable answers that boil down to the following: eat healthy, exercise regularly and keep the stress at bay.

Yet another group seems to be convinced that you can improve your health by supplementing your diet with numerous dietary supplements and reducing your overall calorie intake.

What do I think? I think dietary supplements are overrated. Research shows that if you follow a typical Western diet, you are unlikely to develop a vitamin or mineral deficiency. In short, most supplements – with an exception of fish oil and a few others – are a waste of money.

Another exception? Resveratrol, perhaps. Preliminary research on resveratrol shows a lot of promise, but most scientists agree that more research is needed until it can be proven that it can extend a human life without any serious side effects. Resveratrol dosage requirements are rather high by the way, which is another concern regarding its practicality.

So what can you do to be healthy? First of all, I think it is pointless to dwell on whether or not you have been dealt a favorable genetic card. Second, I think it is all about the balance. Follow a balanced diet that includes all food groups, exercise regularly and try to not take things personally – yes, it is really that simple. If you do that, you will greatly increase your chances of being healthy and your body and mind will thank you for it.