Nutritional supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbal products, or other edible preparations that are added to the diets for health benefits. Dietary supplements are used worldwide and represent a broad category of nutritional supplements, that differ from conventional foods and medicines.
Herbal supplements, sometimes called botanicals, are a type of nutritional supplement that is offered for sale. It is something strong enough to produce a positive effect, such as regulating cholesterol, improving mood, etc.
So, here are the dietary supplement ingredients along with their pros that you would want to know about.
#1. Probiotics
Probiotics are the live microorganisms that you can consume through fermented supplements or foods. Researchers suggest that your overall health relates to the balances and imbalances of bacteria that are present in the digestive system of your body.
As a matter of fact, probiotics help in promoting a healthy balance of these bacteria. As a result, you can achieve a lot of benefits, such as: (1)
In order to get maximum benefits from probiotics, you can consume many foods or supplements. The sources of natural sources of probiotics are yogurt, milk drinks, pickled vegetables, miso, tempeh, kefir, soy products, etc.
Besides, you can also consume probiotics in the form of tablets, powders, and capsules that contain some Bacteria in dry forms. But you must be careful about the dosages.
#2. Herbal Ingredients
There are innumerable benefits associated with herbs and spices, therefore, it is a matter of great importance. Many of them have incredible medicinal properties while some of them are your kitchen essentials.
Some of the herbal ingredients are black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, fennel seeds, fenugreek seeds, garlic, ginger, saffron, turmeric, tamarind, and many more. Here, you can get the idea about 10 healthiest spices and herbs. So, check them, out;
Being one of the popular spices, you can find cinnamon in many recipes and baked foods. It contains cinnamaldehyde, a compound that has medicinal properties. The bioactive constituents present in the spice has good antioxidant properties and can fight inflammation as well. (2)
Besides, it can lower the level of cholesterol in your blood and has some powerful anti-diabetic properties as per research. (3)
The herb sage has a strong healing property which means “to save” in Latin. As per some current research, sage might be able to enhance the functioning of the brain and memory. (4)
In fact, scientific studies reveal the herb to be helpful in Alzheimer’s disease. (5)
Peppermint has a rich history in aromatherapy and folk medicines. The herb’s component contains agents that are responsible for health effects. To prove this fact, studies say peppermint oil can possibly reduce pain in IBS. (6)
Furthermore, the herb has shown commendable results in reducing abdominal bloating. And, it might fight nausea as per a study on 100 women who were in labor. (7)
The common household and among the best ingredients, turmeric has wonderful medicinal properties. It has an essential compound that goes by the name curcumin with remarkably powerful antioxidants. It helps to boost antioxidant enzymes present in your body along with fighting oxidative damage.
Turmeric has bioactive ingredients with strong anti-inflammatory properties that can improve the functionality of the brain, lowers the risks of heart diseases, as per some studies. (8)
In India, the herb is considered sacred which can possibly inhibit bacterial, and yeast growth largely. Scientific studies reveal that basil can also boost immunity and reduce blood sugar levels. (9) Not to mention, it can also prove to be helpful for anxiety and depression.
A kind of chili paper for preparing specific dishes is cayenne pepper. It can reduce appetite to increase the rate of fat burning as per studies. (10) On the other hand, animal studies show surprising results that might be helpful to fight cancer. (11)
The popular spice, Ginger is used in the kitchen as well as in many medicines. Scientific studies claim the spice to have powerful properties to treat nausea, reduces pain and inflammation. (12,13)
Fenugreek is extensively used in Ayurveda due to its excellent properties. Studies show that it is helpful to enhance masculinity, libido and even has surprising effects to regulate blood sugar. (14,15)
It has a lot of medicinal properties due to which it was used in ancient medical practices. It has a compound that goes by the name allicin with a distinct smell and is responsible for its medicinal properties.
Garlic can help combat sickness like common colds, beneficial for heart health, regulates blood pressure and cholesterol by almost 10-15 percent, as per studies. (16)
As per a study involving 29 individuals given rosemarinic acid doses saw symptoms to reduce allergies. (17) Precisely, rosemarinic acid is an ingredient present in rosemary.
#3. Organic Products
It is true that the way food is grown can have some major impacts on your emotional and mental health and even for the environment. For the record, organic foods contain beneficial nutrients like antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, etc. The benefit is more than conventionally grown foods that many people find allergic to. So, here are the benefits:
Conventional agriculture widely uses chemicals like fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. Therefore, organic foods are safer.
Since organic foods do not contain preservatives, it remains fresh most often.
Organic farming reduces pollution, soil erosion and increases soil fertility, thereby, conserving water. Hence, it is safe for the environment.
Feeding livestock with animal byproducts can increase the risks of disease. Besides, they are also given growth hormones and antibiotics that are not at all healthy for people to consume. This is the reason why going organic is safer.
A European study in the year 2016 shows that organic foods are 50% richer in certain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. (18)
As you cannot find genetically modified organisms or GMOs in organic foods, they are healthier, without a doubt!
# 4. Essential Oils
The tiny bottles counting essential oils are a myriad of highly potent phytochemicals. As a matter of fact, phytochemicals are plant-based as well as natural compounds having powerful properties.
In addition, there are a lot many ways you can use essential oils that have a unique aroma. Here is the list of some famous essential oils that are beneficial for humans.
This oil is for improving digestion, increased alertness, allergy relief, joint and muscle pain. (19)
It is known for stress relief, breast health, burns, itching, etc. (20)
It could help focus, calm nerves, etc. (21)
It could reduce anxiety, improving mood, etc. (22)
To help combat infections, boost immunity, as deodorant, insecticide, insect repellent, etc.
Believed to help in childbirth and depression. (23)
To help digestion, headache, mood enhancement, antibacterial and good for hair health. (24)
Could aid in dental pain, cold sores, antifungal, etc. (25)
Many take it for immune support, as sugar substitute, hangover relief, weight loss, anxiety relief, etc.
As a disinfectant, helps in flu, and cold prevention, as skin collagen, and callus remover. (26)
Used as insect repellent, in blood sugar regulation, fever reduction, blood flow, etc. (27)
So, always choose essential oils that are high in quality and never compromise on its phytochemical contents that you can easily get in organic essential oils.
# 5. Vitamins
Vitamins are the organic compounds and vital nutrients that you require in a limited amount. In fact, natural vitamins are organic substances you can find in living things. Except for some, your body cannot synthesize vitamins. So, for that purpose, all you need is a good diet or dietary supplements.
There is a total of 13 vitamins that you could know at present. So, here are those vitamins and their health benefits:
It also goes by the name Retinol, which could be useful in eye disorders, skin disorders, acne, hair care, infections and wound healing.
Also known as Thiamine which could help in maintaining heart health, prevent beriberi, indigestion, etc. It also boosts metabolism, brain development, and blood circulation.
Its other name is Riboflavin which helps in fighting cataract, anemia, skin disorders, improve metabolism, nervous system, and immunity.
Niacin could help in weakness, skin disorders, indigestion, migraines, high blood pressure, heart disorders, and diarrhea.
Pantothenic Acid could help relieves stress, fight infections, premature hair greying, and regulate cholesterol levels.
Pyridoxamine can be helpful to regulate blood sugar, piles, stress, convulsions, excessive menstrual bleeding, morning sickness, insomnia, motion sickness, etc.
Biotin might treat skin disorders, improve metabolism, and hair health.
Cyanocobalamin might help in anemia, smoking, liver and kidney disorders, mount ulcers, etc.
Ascorbic Acid can help in eye disorders, scurvy, common cold, infection, stress, kidney disorders, internal bleeding, inflammation, piles, etc.
It can treat rickets, help in tooth decay, good for bone repair, immunity, regulation blood pressure, etc.
Tocopherol can help in skincare, improve blood circulation, brain malfunction, sterility, etc.
It could be helpful for internal bleeding, menstrual pain, blood clotting, nerve signaling, bone metabolism, kidney stones, etc.
|
Vitamin |
Sources |
|
Vitamin A |
Milk, cheese, butter and eggs, chicken, liver, kidney, liver pate, fish oils, trout, mackerel, herring. |
|
Vitamin B |
Animal products like meat and poultry, yeast extracts, Asparagus, spinach, broccoli, bananas, dried apricots potatoes, dates, figs, milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, nuts, pulses, fish, brown rice, wholegrain cereals. |
|
Vitamin C |
Fruits like orange, Lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, guava, strawberries, papaya, etc. and vegetables like broccoli, capsicums, cauliflower, etc. |
|
Vitamin D |
Fish, cod liver oil, liver, dairy products. |
|
Vitamin E |
Avocados, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, spinach, corn oil, mangoes, olive oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, salmon mackerel, nuts, whole grain products, soft margarine. |
|
Vitamin K |
Meat, vegetables, wholegrain cereals. |
#6. Enzymes
Enzymes are biological catalysts that are macromolecular in size that are important for your digestive system. There are different types of digestive enzymes whose main function is breaking down of bigger molecules into smaller ones so that your body absorbs them as nutrients.
As a matter of fact, with age, poor nutrition, and increased stress, your body slows down the production of enzymes.
So, at this time, you need some supplement ingredients for digestive enzymes so that your body can perform its function effectively. So, here are the benefits of digestive enzymes:
#7. Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of what you refer to as proteins that play a crucial role in the functioning of your body. They are essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones. And, the best thing is that you can take some of them in the form of supplements for a variety of reasons.
Nevertheless, there are three categories of amino acids, namely, essential, non-essential and conditionally essential. Here, you will get to know about the essential amino acids that are necessary for the proper functioning of your body.
For function and structure of proteins, other amino acids, and enzymes.
To stimulate regeneration, muscle growth, and energy production.
Important skin and connective tissue component beneficial for immune function and fat metabolism.
For the proper balance of nitrogen, appetite, mood, and sleep regulation.
For detoxification, metabolism, tissue growth by absorbing zinc, selenium, and minerals.
For protein synthesis, muscle repair, blood sugar regulation, wound healing and production of growth hormones.
For muscle metabolism, immune function, energy regulation, and hemoglobin production.
For protein synthesis, enzymes and hormone production, calcium absorption, energy production, elastin, and collagen production and immune function.
For producing histamine, digestion, to maintain myelin sheath, and for sexual function.
These were essential amino acids with their benefits. However, conditional amino acids are essential only under specific circumstances like illness.
Bottom Line
Manufacturers must comply with good food manufacturing practices. Dietary supplements require manufacturers to ensure the identity, purity, quality, strength, and composition of their ingredients and their finished dietary supplements.
Herbal supplements are regulated by the FDA, but not as a medicine or as a food. Dietary supplements with long-term safe use in humans may not require the same level of toxicity testing as synthetic drugs or herbal medicines to cure, prevent and treat disease.
In the United States, herbal products are regulated both at federal and at the country level, with different routes depending on their intended use. In fact, it is not obligatory to register the product, unless the supplement contains a new ingredient.
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