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Why do we Need Supplements?

When our diet falls short of essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, calcium and potassium, our body may be subject to various chronic diseases. This is where supplements come into picture since they can help to make up for the shortage.

Taking supplements has various health benefits for the human body. For instance, postmenopausal women who take calcium and vitamin D supplements have an increase in their bone density with reduced chances of fractures.

Health: In today’s fast moving world, most people do not have the time to provide their body the recommended amount of nutrients so essentially needed for performance. Supplements are therefore necessary to make up for the deficiency.

Performance: For sports enthusiasts and professional athletes, taking supplements can enhance their performance and make a great difference in their performance. For people who are older than fifty, supplements can strengthen their bones and joints.

Convenience: It is easier to consume supplements than organic fruits and vegetables throughout the day. It is also why whey protein supplements are essential.

Weight Loss:  Protein supplements can boost metabolism and reduce the calorie intake. It is therefore an effective weight loss method.

What are the Various Supplements Available?

Various types of dietary supplements are available – mineral and vitamin supplements contain micronutrients for the overall health of the body while herbal supplements generally target a specific area of the body like the liver, bones or the skin.

Dietary supplements can be multivitamins, Vitamin D, Calcium, probiotics, protein supplements, fish oil and greens powder. Supplements are not a substitution for regular diet and exercise and are meant only to supplement a diet program or a training regime.

Supplements come in various forms such as tablets, powders, drinks, capsules and energy bars.

Importance of Mineral and Vitamin Supplements in Particular Groups

• Women who are in their childbearing years will benefit from calcium, iron and folic acid.
• People over 50 years will get most of their vitamin B12 from fortified foods or supplements.
• Pregnant and breast-feeding mothers
• Children who have irregular eating habits
• Vegetarians and vegans may be deficient in nutrients
• People who have medical conditions or have eating disorders
• Crash dieters
• People who are frequent visitors to fast food joints
• Elderly people
• Women who bleed excessively during menstruation

Some Other Supplements

• Omega-3 Fish Oil: These supplements help to lower the blood pressure, slow down plaque formation in the arteries, prevent joint stiffness, reduce triglycerides and also the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
• Chamomile: This herb has antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Chamomile helps in improving sleep patterns, stimulates appetite, relieves menstrual cramps and congestion, nausea and heartburn and soothes a sore throat.
• Flax Seeds: Flax seed is one of the most effective plant foods and has many health benefits. Rich in fiber, the main ingredient in flax seed, the omega-3 fatty acids, helps to fight inflammation and also normalize heartbeats. Flax seeds help to combat various ailments and helps in lowering cholesterol, maintaining clear arteries, combating chronic diseases and regularizing bowel movements.

One has to be careful with supplements as taking higher than the recommended dose can lead to toxicity. So, supplementing a healthy diet with adequate but not excess dietary supplements can bring positive health benefits. Click here to learn more about making up for nutrition deficit in daily diet.