Do You Know What Supplements Are?

Supplements are products like vitamins, minerals and botanicals that are taken to address specific health goals. Supplements such as Skinvite are essential for those who are vegan or vegetarian as they can be difficult to obtain all the nutrients from food.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that our bodies use in small amounts for a variety of metabolic processes. They are typically obtained from a wide range of unprocessed foods. Vitamins are essential for our health because they cannot be produced by our bodies. These nutrients are available in the form of multivitamins or single vitamins.

B-vitamin supplements are important because they can help prevent nutritional deficiency. These include thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, niacin and folate. These vitamins are present in a wide range of foods including whole grains, enriched milk products, meat, fish and beans.

The vitamin A family consists of fat-soluble Vitamins, which can dissolve into the oils and fats in the body. This nutrient promotes vision, but also plays a role in bone growth and epithelium growth (cells lining the internal and external surfaces). Vitamin A is found in livers, egg yolks butter, green leafy veggies, carrots, and spinach. Vitamin A’s role in cancer prevention and treatment is also being studied.

Vitamin C is essential in fighting infections. It stimulates the immune system, including the production of white cells and phagocytes. It promotes healthy skin, and tissue healing. It is an antioxidant that reduces damage to cells caused by unstable substances called free radicals. It also promotes collagen formation and helps maintain normal bone health and teeth. It is also known as the sunshine vitamin.

Minerals

Minerals are solid inorganic substances with a distinct chemical composition. They also have physical properties like hardness, streaking and crystal structure. Minerals are divided into two categories: macrominerals which are required by plants and animal in large quantities, and trace mineral which is only needed in small amounts. Examples of macrominerals are calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and sulfur. Trace minerals are copper, iodine zinc and manganese.

For a mineral to be classified as a mineral, it must meet six criteria: be natural, geologic, have a defined chemistry, be solid under normal conditions, and have a crystalline structure. There are a few exceptions to the rules, however. Steel, for instance, is not a mineral because it has been made by people and does not satisfy the other criteria of minerals (such as being inorganic).

Some minerals are flexible. For example, micas can be crumpled up like aluminum foil or molybdenite can be stretched out into filaments. Other minerals are brittle, such as quartz and zircon. Some minerals are very soft, like the asbestos mineral chrysotile and the clay mineral kaolinite.

Another criterion for minerals is that they have to be crystalline. They must have a repeating pattern in their atoms, which gives them their unique shape. The chemical ions of the mineral halite are arranged in a regular cubic pattern which extends in every direction. Diamond, corundum, and agate all have the same structure. Crystals are also classified by their planes, axes and centres of symmetry. The easiest way to describe a crystal’s symmetry is to say that it is orthorhombic or trigonal, but there are many other forms.

Herbs

Herbs are natural and have fewer side-effects than the chemical-based drugs many people use to treat a variety of conditions. They can be harmful, however, if they are used incorrectly. This is because they are unregulated, and may contain contaminants or additives.

Herbs can be used in cooking, perfumes, and natural medicine. They are mostly leaves (basil and parsley), but they can also come in the form of roots (dandelion and turmeric), berries or seeds (saffron).

Some herbs are known to have antioxidant properties that can improve immunity and control inflammation. Others may balance hormones for both men and women. Oregano, thyme and other herbs are believed to inhibit the NF-kB enzyme, which promotes immune and inflammation responses.

Many herbs also have antibacterial, antibiotic, and antiviral properties. Some can even help with digestion. Many herbs contain phytochemicals which may help protect against heart disease and cancer.

Most herbs are edible and can be added to meals, either fresh or dried. They are a wonderful way to add flavour and colour to foods without adding fat or salt, while preserving the health-promoting properties of the plant. They should be added early in the cooking process as they lose their flavour when cooked too long. Herbs such as chamomile, dill, and fennel can be used to make healthy herbal teas. Some herbs such as sage or basil are also used to create a flavouring called sage oil and thyme.

Nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals are supplements that combine the therapeutic properties of medicine with the nourishing power found in food. Nutraceuticals are more than just dietary supplements. They prevent disease and help with treatment.

Some common ingredients found in nutraceuticals include chondroitin sulfate, fish oils and the herb Boswellia. These substances can help reduce joint pain caused by arthritis, improve cardiovascular function by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, and promote cognitive health.

Nutraceuticals are also helpful for people suffering from chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. They can slow down the progression of disease and relieve symptoms like fatigue, nausea, and chest pain. Nutraceuticals, unlike prescription medications, can provide natural relief to the body with few side-effects.

In addition to promoting wellness, nutraceuticals can postpone aging and increase life expectancy. Nutraceuticals are shown in research to reduce the risks of cancer, heart diseases, inflammatory disease and allergic reactions. They are able to do this by improving cell immunity, balancing the hormones and controlling obesity.

Botanicals

Plants, including their parts (such as roots, flowers and leaves, seeds, berries and bark), have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Botanical ingredients are becoming more popular as natural alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs.

Botanicals are nutrient-rich, often containing powerful antioxidant molecules, and can be used to promote both physical and mental well-being. Adaptogenic botanicals, such as ginseng and licorice, support normal cellular function and stress resilience. Maca root, guarana and other herbal energizers boost energy without the typical caffeine jitters. Likewise, detoxifying plants like milk thistle root and dandelion help eliminate toxins.

These botanicals can be found in beauty products, skin care, and supplements. The easiest way to use these plants is through supplements. They are a great way to add a natural source of nutrients and can be taken in pill or capsule form.

Teas and tinctures can also be used to make botanicals. These preparations differ in their strength. A cup tea only contains a small amount, whereas tinctures have a much higher level. A botanical can also be extracted into a powder, which can then be added to products.