Six Popular Nutritional Supplements And Nutraceuticals

By Tiffany Gill


Nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals now make up a huge and expanding sector of consumer spending. In the United States spending in this area is estimated to in the region of twenty-five billion dollars a year. Affluent consumers, particularly baby boomers, are a key demographic that is driving this market. The following is a brief overview of some popular products and their positive health benefits.

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.

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: 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.

The demand for nutritional supplements and nutraceuticals will only increase in the immediate future. Millions of people the world over are waking up to the benefits of being proactive in their health choices. By supplementing with critical nutrients they are positioning themselves that much better for longer, healthier lives.




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