Health Supplements

Health Ingredients and Natural Products

If you always find yourself stuck when looking at the health supplements aisle of your supermarket, pharmacy or health food store, use this ingredients guide for a run-down of the most common uses and benefits of the most widely used natural health supplements.

• Health Shops

There are so many health products out there today, just browse an international online pharmacy virtual aisle for the choices: from fish oil for a healthy cardiovascular system to propolis for a sore throat, and everything in between. Understanding the active ingredients in these natural health products is essential, so read on for a description of popular natural health supplement ingredients and what the benefits of each are.

Aromatherapy Body Oils
These essential oils are made using volatile liquid plant materials for the purpose of improving your mood and health through their aroma. Aromatherapy oils are often used in massage, oil burners and sometimes applied directly to the skin. Common essential oils include tea tree for soothing, and lavender for relaxing and easing stress.

Vitamin A
Helps to build strong skin, hair, teeth and bones. Vitamin A normally comes from animal sources such as eggs, meats, cheese and cream, and is also the common main ingredient in liver oil capsules. Also useful for eye health and vision.

Vitamin B
Beneficial for physical and emotional stress, Vitamin B has a calming effect. Vitamin B is often taken in capsule form for those who run a busy lifestyle, and is also said to reduce the effects of a hangover or over-indulgence in food. For stress-reducing properties, Royal Jelly is another protein-rich supplement with similar effects.

Vitamin C
Also called ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body. It is an essential form of collagen, which is a protein that makes skin, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C is necessary for normal growth and development, and is often given to children.

Vitamin E
Often called the 'Superhero Vitamin', Vitamin E has been crediting in aiding with preventing many serious conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, Fibromyalgia, Diabetes and Osteoarthritis. It is an antioxidant, which acts to tame free radicals and helps to prevent blood clots and blockages in coronary arteries.

Colostrum
Nature's first food for mammals (and humans), Colostrum is the whey protein found in breast milk. It has significant antiviral and antiboptic properties, and is also useful for general immune system boosting and fighting infection.

Calcium
Essential for strong teeth and bones, Calcium helps reduce the risk of Osteoporosis and its side-effects, including weak, brittle bones. While daily calcium requirements can be met with cow's milk, many people may need additional supplements of it.

Co-Enzyme Q10
Often abbreviated to CoQ10, Co-Enzyme Q10 is necessary for the basic functions of cells. Its levels within the body decrease with age, and can be taken in supplement form to support the cardiovascular system and act as a catalyst to the production of energy from foods.

Echinacea
A great herbal remedy to relieve the symptoms of colds and mild infections of the respiratory tract, Echinacea is a powerful enhancer of the immune system, and a must have for the winter months. Garlic and Olive Leaf also have similar benefits.

Evening Primrose Oil
While also benefiting the hair, skin and nails, Evening Primrose Oil is often used in capsule form for women over the age of forty to promote a hormonal balance and help with menstrual symptoms.

Fish Oil
Providing support for the development and function of the brain, Fish Oil contains essential Omega 3 fatty acids which are needed for cardiovascular health. Fish oils are also important in the prevention of heart disease, reducing inflammation structure and function of cell membrane energy production.

Glucosamine
A joint repair formula, Glucosamine relieves inflammation and pain and increases mobility, so is great for seniors. Furthermore, Glucosamine is a natural dietary substance that the body uses to keep cartilage smooth, moist and flexible. Green Lipped Muscle is an alternative with similar effects.

Spirulina
Nature's nutrient-rich superfood, the green plant plankton Spirulina improves energy levels and enhances wellbeing.

Ginkgo Biloba
Helping to improve memory and cognitive function, Ginkgo is a nutrient for nervous system function and mental alertness, and is great for those over fifty.

Flax Oil
A non-animal derived source of Omega 3 fatty acids, flax oil is a great certified organic alternative for fish oil to maintain general health, improve brain function and blood circulation.

Bee Products: Propolis, Bee Pollen and Active Manuka
A mixture that honey bees collect from botanical sources, Propolis is used to relive inflammations, viral diseases, ulcers and superficial burns. Available in lozenge, spray and other forms, it is most commonly used as a natural remedy for a sore throat. Bee Pollen is often used as a general well-being supplement that rejuvenates the body, stimulates organs and glands, enhances vitality and promotes longer life. Active Manuka additionally, is normally used topically to treat minor wounds, burns cuts and scrapes.

For more information and to purchase health supplements, check out the health shops category in the NZS.com directory.

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Lifestyle images from Flickr: Vitamin E, Yoga and Wine.