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.

Blue-green algae and green foods: products such as chlorella, spirulina, barleygrass and wheatgrass have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect and are exploding in popularity among health-savvy consumers. They all contain very high concentrations of the compound chlorophyll, which in addition to the benefits already mentioned, also oxygenates the blood and has a strong deodorizing action.

Fish oil: Numerous studies have been conducted into the effects of fish oil consumption on human health. Simply put, it is one of the best all-round nutrients one can take. It has been found to combat inflammation, have a positive effect on bone health, brain health, preserve muscle mass and have marked anti-ageing properties. To cap it all, it is an inexpensive nutrient that even people on a budget can afford.

CoQ10: a relative newcomer to the scene, this compound is a vital nutrient for cellular function. It can help boost energy, benefit heart health and help combat inflammation. It's effects on the healthy functioning of cell mitochondria is also considered by some anti-ageing researchers to aid life expectancy.

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.

Probiotics: poor digestive health afflicts an enormous number of people over forty in the United States and the rest of the developed world. Excess gas, constipation, diarrhea and skin problems are all tell-tale signs that one's digestion is wanting. This is often due to a paucity of beneficial intestinal flora; the 'good' bacteria that is essential to maintaining digestive health. A good probiotic can restore this flora and thus proper functioning of the digestive tract.

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.

These six products and other nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals will continue to take an expanding slice of consumer spending well into the future. With ever-increasing health-care costs, savvy consumers the world over are taking greater control of their primary health needs. By making smart choices about what they put into their bodies they are taking the best steps possible towards a long, disease-free life.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment