Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Six Popular Nutritional Supplements And Nutraceuticals

By Tiffany Gill


The market for nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals is a vast and growing one. In the US alone, the dietary supplement market is estimated at around $25 billion. People today, particularly baby boomers, are much more health-conscious and are willing to spend a considerable amount of their disposable income on being healthier. This brief article will look at six popular supplements and how they can benefit the health of those who take them.

Green foods: products like spirulina and chlorella have been shown in studies to have a beneficial impact on inflammation, cholesterol, blood pressure and immune response. This is thought to be due to their high concentrations of chlorophyll. This compound also helps to oxygenate the blood and is a natural deodorizer. People suffering from bad breath and/or body odour can greatly alleviate their condition by ramping up their intake of green foods.

Fish oil: much scientific research has demonstrated the positive effects of fish oil on human health. It is easily one of the best nutrients for all-round health. Among other things, it is beneficial for bone health, inflammation, brain health and has demonstrated anti-ageing effects. What is more, good quality fish oil is an inexpensive and widely available product.

CoQ10: this is a powerful anti-oxidant and an essential nutrient for cellular health. It has been shown to have positive effects on cardiovascular health, inflammation, and energy production. Also, CoQ10's beneficial effects on the mitochondria of the body's cells is thought by some anti-ageing experts to be a critical aspect of life extension.

Curcumin: the promise shown by this ancient spice as an anti-cancer agent has made headlines in recent years. It is also a powerful anti-inflammatory that can be of great benefit to those suffering with inflammation-related health issues. It is thought to do this by reducing or inhibiting levels of an enzyme known as COX-2. It is also thought to assuage inflammation by stimulating the adrenal glands to release more of the natural steroid cortisone.

Probiotics: poor digestive function is the bane of many older people in the developed world. Symptoms like bloating, constipation and gas are all-too common and indicate problems in the digestive tract. A lack of good bacteria in the gut is often to blame, and this can be restored with a good probiotic. It should be noted that here are many different kinds available, and consumers may have to experiment to find one that suits them.

Glucosamine sulphate: this is one of the most popular supplements with older people, and with good reason. It is a substance that naturally occurs in healthy cartilage and has been shown to relieve joint pain, improve mobility and help slow osteoarthritis-related damage to the joints. This compound may however interact with drugs such as diuretics and blood thinners so it is important for those considering taking it to consult their physician first.

The market for these kind of nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals is expected to continue growing. The developing demand for them in markets such as China demonstrates how people everywhere are taking a proactive role in their health. By bolstering their intake of crucial nutrients they can be sure they are giving themselves a better chance of excellent and lasting health.




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