Whenever you hear the word “dietary supplement”, what comes to your mind? In my case, when I first heard about dietary supplements I thought they were normal medicine for sick people and never bothered to know much about them.
Then, later, when I was talking with my doctor I had a clear understanding of them. You too are probably unsure what nutritional supplements are and their usefulness.
So let me give you a simple explanation.
Dietary supplements are products designed with various nutrients which help to increase our daily nutrients’ intake.
Example of nutrients are; vitamins, proteins, amino acids, fatty acids and oils, minerals, probiotics, enzymes among others.
These supplements are very beneficial especially when we don’t have enough nutrients from the foods we eat.
Sometimes we will lack certain nutrients and that is when the dietary supplements come in handy.
Dietary supplements benefits include: boosting the immune system, helps in growth and strength of hair, slowing the aging process, reducing cardiovascular risks, helps during pregnancy, among many others.
Below we uncover 7 health benefits of nutritional supplements.
They reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases
There is a general misconception that presence of fats in our bodies is risky which we ought to change.
Fatty acids like Omega 3 in some dietary supplements are very essential in our bodies.
The body uses these fats to build cell membranes and to perform key functions in the lungs, brain and eyes. They help reduce heart related diseases and improve the heart’s overall health. [1]
Omega 3 can mostly be found in fish and some grains like chia seeds.
While it’s sometimes difficult to find chia seeds on our local stores and some people dislike eating fish directly due to its smell or other reasons – You can still enjoy their benefits indirectly by the use of nutritional supplements. [2]
They Build and Repair Body Muscles and Tissues
Protein and amino acids supplements help to build and repair the muscles and tissues.
Vitamin C and E Supplements contain antioxidants which help in fighting the damage caused by free radicals.
They reduce inflammation, soreness and muscle fatigue. They are mostly used by athletics to boost their performance. [3]
According to research, Vitamin C and E counters sun exposure effects. They fight UV rays and even reduce the risk of skin cancer.
Their inflammatory properties treat the skin, prevent wrinkles and heal acne. In short, they reduce the aging process. [4]
They Are Very Beneficial During and After Pregnancy
Most pregnant women are subject to many dangers and deficiencies due to their conditions.
They are usually advised to take supplements to add to the nutrients they get from the normal foods, vegetables and fruits they eat.
Zinc and Iron supplements prevent iron deficiency which is very common among the pregnant women.
They need more than enough blood in their bodies because they lose a lot of it when giving birth and its insufficiency may be fatal. Also folic acid supplements decreases birth defects. [5]
Dietary Supplements Help in the Growth and Strengthening Of Hair
Hair which is made of keratin infrastructure needs biotin nutrient to improve it.
Hair follicles damaged by sun exposure or chemicals are also rebuild by biotin. Iron supplements help in hair growth.
Fatty acids like Omega 3 are also very important since they contain anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce hair loss and strengthen its follicles.
They promote thicker hair and nourish it. [6]
Nutritional Supplements Strengthen the Body and Help To Boost Immune System
There are supplements so rich in multivitamins and minerals. Some dietary supplements, for insance, contain vitamin D which helps in boosting our immune system.
Others are a great source of vitamin B12 which is a good source of energy.
There are also minerals supplements rich minerals like calcium and zinc which strengthens our bones and teeth. [7]
They Help With Anemia, Depression and Diabetes
Anemia which is caused by lack of enough blood can be greatly helped by taking iron supplements.
Megaloblastic anemia, for instance, is caused by vitamin B 12 deficiency – so a dietary supplement containing this vitamin is a huge benefit.
Also, Vitamin B used along with folic acid is known to be an effective treatment for depression. Sources of vitamin B include meat, eggs et cetera.
Omega fatty acids lower triglycerides and reduce inflammation which is a major complication of diabetes. [8]
Conclusion
If everyone would be cross examined in our entire body, there is a huge possibility we don’t get enough portions for some nutrients.
Though natural sources are always recommended, it’s worth to sometimes substitute them using dietary supplements.
Supplements have benefits like boosting our immunity system, building and repairing body muscles and tissues, helps during and after pregnancy, strengthens our hair follicles, help with anemia and diabetes among other benefits.
Do you use nutritional supplements? What more benefits can you add to our list? Tell us in the comment section.
Hi, my name is Sopo Yung. I share natural health remedies and strategies to guide you to a healthier natural lifestyle –My passion and mission are to help you enjoy a fulfilled healthy life.
