There are many health supplements in the market that claim to help you achieve your ideal weight and/or health. However, it can be difficult to know which health supplements are effective and which ones are not. The best way to judge these health supplements is to judge them based on their composition. A health supplement is usually a prepared product meant to augment one’s daily diet by taking a pill, capsule, powder or oral liquid. A health supplement may give nutrients both extracted from natural food sources or which are artificial to increase the amount of the intake.
Common food-based health supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbs and other plant-based or animal-derived substances which are commonly included in the diet. These include vitamin E, beta carotene, beta sitosterol, fatty acids (EFAs), fiber, minerals and herbal extracts from plants and fruits. These substances are essential to maintain health and are required to survive. However, sometimes they need to be supplemented in order to meet the daily requirements.
Since different people have different body compositions, health supplements also come in different forms. The most common health supplements in the market include capsules, tablets, gelcaps, chewable powders, liquids and even syrups. For example, nutritional supplements in gelcaps are good for those who cannot swallow pills due to gastric restriction. On the other hand, liquids are ideal for those who have trouble swallowing pills because of poor stomach muscle control. Syrups, on the other hand, are good for those who prefer to have liquid health supplements throughout the day rather than consuming pills at regular intervals.
The primary function of health supplements is to promote health and prevent diseases. However, the primary function of these health supplements is not necessarily to provide nutrients to the body. Many health supplements contain antioxidants that neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radicals can cause tissue damage and cell death in the body. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals so that they can not harm the body cells.
In addition, health supplements are also used to maintain normal bodily functions. A typical health supplement contains essential vitamins and minerals. Some of these nutrients are vitamins A, B, C and E; potassium; magnesium; phosphorus; and iron. These nutrients are essential to maintain proper body functioning. However, not all nutrients are contained in health supplements so it is important to determine the exact nutrient content before buying health supplements.
Health supplements can also be bought over the counter or online. Health supplements can also be used along with food as a way to achieve the best health benefits. If you follow a healthy diet, you are not required to take health supplements. On the contrary, if you take food with too many calories and junk food, you may be required to take health supplements. Taking food with a small amount of nutrients is still beneficial though.
