Antioxidant Supplement Side Effects and Benefits
Supplements are now an integral part of the health and nutrition regimens of most people. The market for these supplements has become very competitive and this has resulted in many manufacturers offering many different types of supplements. However, not all supplements are created equally. In this article, we will review a few of the best products on the market.
One of the best-selling nutritional supplements are whey and casein powders. A whey protein supplement is basically a manufactured food product meant to supplement one’s daily diet by taking a single grain, capsule, etc. Typically, a whey protein supplement contains 10% whey protein. A casein protein supplement on the other hand contains 80% casein protein.
There are many dietary supplements on the market today. Some of the best products contain green tea extracts, ginseng, flaxseed, alfalfa, gingko biloba, etc. Green tea extracts and ginseng are rich in antioxidants, which have been found to inhibit free radical activity and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Alfalfa and ginger are both powerful anti-inflammatory agents and prevent and treat arthritis. Alfa supplies antioxidants that eliminate free radicals and also prevents oxidative stress caused by ultra-violet radiation.
Most dietary supplements sold over the counter come in two major forms – concentrated and buffered. Concentrated supplements are bottled with 100% of the pharmaceutical ingredients, whereas the buffered form contains only a small percent of the active ingredients. Although the prices of these two forms differ, they are widely used by healthcare providers due to their efficiency and ease of use. It is important to consult your healthcare providers before using any dietary supplements. Your healthcare providers will advice you on the appropriate dosage for your body and the frequency of intake.
Dietary supplements are not considered drugs and therefore the FDA does not regulate them. You should not take these supplements without the doctor’s prescription. Also, you must understand that the prolonged use of some supplements may cause adverse side effects. Some medicines may interfere with the absorption of other medicines and cause a reduction in the effectiveness of the latter. You should not combine different medicines or use them together for the treatment of your particular disease.
The most important thing about dietary supplements is that you should understand the ingredients included in them. Some of the common ingredients in these products are choline bitartrate, lecithin oil, vitamin B12, beta carotene, etc. These ingredients should be present in an appropriate proportion in the dietary supplement. These ingredients should not be present in excessive quantities, as they may have a harmful effect on the body. Some of the commonly prescribed medications that act as dietary supplements include calcium, Vitamin E, magnesium, zinc and fish oil.
However, when compared to a healthy diet, these dietary supplements prove to be more effective in the long run. They help improve the condition of the heart and lungs as well. However, a healthy diet is also a part of the overall health picture. So, if you want to stay fit and fine then you must try to lead a healthy life style. Besides, a healthy diet will improve the absorption of the dietary supplements by enhancing their proper functioning.
If you want to stay away from ailments like cancer, stroke, heart disease and diabetes, then it is always better to consume antioxidant rich food items. However, the best way to consume these nutrients is through dietary supplements. The best part about these supplements is that they contain high doses of the antioxidants and they are absorbed faster by the body. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor before consuming any kind of antioxidant.