5 Reasons to take nutritional supplements

Dietary supplements are a great way to get some extra nutrients into your body, particularly minerals and vitamins. Ideally, we should all eat a healthy and balanced diet that provides all the nutrition that our bodies need. But when this is not possible, supplements can help. Supplements have some great benefits that we look at here today.

1. Helps in Proper Metabolism

After consuming a meal, the proteins, carbohydrates, and fats we eat are broken down and nutrients are absorbed in the process. This process of absorption depends on several vitamins known as the B-class vitamins, which must be consumed regularly.

These vitamin supplements can also aid in preventing various effects of vitamin deficiencies such as joint pain, skin ailments, nerve damage plus anemia. Researchers from the University of Sheffield have also reported that vitamin D can help relieve IBS.

2. Tissue Repair and Maintenance

Dietary supplements can also help in tissue maintenance and repair. Our daily activities are responsible for straining our tissues on a cellular level, and proteins are continuously produced by some specialized cells within our system which replace the old and damaged tissues with healthy and new ones.

As we age, we suffer from conditions like osteoporosis due to defects in tissue repair and maintenance. However, it is feasible to promote proper growth of tissue and also bone strength by using vitamin D and calcium. Protein is also vital to muscle repair and growth, which is why athletes and bodybuilders need it.

3. May Help In Fight Against Cancer

The consumption of dietary supplements might help to prevent some types of cancer. In fact, vitamins A, C, and E, along with some other essential vitamins function as antioxidants within our system. They are responsible for neutralizing chemical substances known as free radicals, which can trigger oxidative damage within your tissues.

According to the National Cancer Institute, oxidative damage to our cells can lead to malignancy in the long run. Although these studies are yet to be completed, it is widely believed that consuming moderate quantities of antioxidant vitamin supplements might enhance our health. Likewise, cancer is seen more in people who tend to consume an unhealthy diet – obesity, eating processed meat and excessive alcohol consumption are all linked with cancer.

King’s College London also looked at supplements and cancer, and reported that Diindolylmethane (DIM) supplements (normally found in cabbage) may help prevent cervical cancer.

Tomatoes are another famous superfood in the fight against cancer – they help men ward off prostate cancer. The magic ingredient here is lycopene.

4. Slows Down the Aging Process

According to some scientists aging can be reduced by certain vitamins and minerals. For example, in a particular study conducted by the Framingham Heart Study in the US, it was revealed that individuals consuming omega-3 DHA could reduce dementiaby as much as 50%.

Other studies have shown that zeaxanthin, carotenoids, and lutein can prevent age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa (when the retina gets damaged) and cataracts. The B vitamins, particularly choline, help to enhance our memory too. Also, vitamin D can aid in minimizing our risk of fracture and bone loss.

by as much as 50%.

Other studies have shown that zeaxanthin, carotenoids, and lutein can prevent age-related eye conditions such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa (when the retina gets damaged) and cataracts. The B vitamins, particularly choline, help to enhance our memory too. Also, vitamin D can aid in minimizing our risk of fracture and bone loss.

5. Boost Hair Growth

Biotin is one nutrient which deserves special mention while talking about hair growth – it may help to enhance the keratin infrastructure within our system and, interestingly, our hair is made up of keratin. Biotin may aid in rebuilding the hair shingles which have been damaged by excessive exposure from the sun rays and also the toxic chemical substances. Harvard say that while the evidence is not conclusive, there is no harm in taking a supplement.

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be the other essential nutrients for hair health that can combat inflammation, which might lead to significant hair loss. The fatty acids likewise encourage the growth of thicker hair plus nourish the hair as well. Iron is one more essential mineral supporting hair growth.

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