Thursday, December 12, 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.

Cod liver and fish oil: reams of studies have been published documenting the health benefits of fish oil. Taking it is simply one of the smartest health choices one can make. It has been shown to positively impact brain health, skeletal health and inflammation. It is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and has demonstrated anti-ageing properties. Good quality fish oil is also relatively cheap and freely available.

Coenzyme Q10: this anti-oxidant powerhouse is relatively new to the supplement scene and is deserving of its huge popularity. Its main effects are on the mitochondria of the body's cells. This helps the body with energy production and is also thought by some researchers to aid with extending lifespan.

Curcumin: this is a supplement that is rapidly growing in popularity. It is a powder derived from turmeric, best known as the ingredient that gives curry its distinctive yellow color. It has a strong anti-inflammatory action and can be helpful for those suffering with conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and gout. It has also shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health and shows great promise as an anti-cancer compound.

Pro-biotics: huge numbers of middle-aged and older people in the US suffer with poor digestive function. Symptoms such as gas, constipation and bloating are indications that one's digestive system is not working well. This is often due to a lack of good bacteria in the gut. This can be remedied by taking a pro-biotic which will replenish intestinal flora and help restore optimal digestive function.

Glucosamine: poor joint health is another problem that afflicts huge numbers of older people in the developed world. Poor mobility as well as chronic pain are two symptoms that cause considerable discomfort for literally millions of people. No wonder that glucosamine sulphate is such a popular product. It can help to keep cartilage in good order and thus aid mobility and alleviate joint pain.

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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