Meeting your daily nutritional requirements is vital for your overall health and well-being. While most of your needs can be met by taking a healthy and well-balanced diet, nutritional supplements can be helpful as well.
To meet your nutritional needs, taking a healthy, well-balanced diet is the best thing you can do. However, it’s not always possible to provide your body with all the nutrition it requires through diet alone. This is where nutritional supplements come in handy. Supplements are particularly helpful if you suffer from a diagnosed deficiency, take medications, have a medical condition that hampers nutrient absorption or follow a restrictive diet that limits your consumption of some food items. In addition, certain stages of your life warrant an increased intake of minerals and vitamins, such as during and before pregnancy. In such cases, nutritional supplements may be advised. It’s important to keep in mind that nutrition needs are different for each individual. So, it’s best to consult your doctor before starting with a supplement.
Vitamin C
Also known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C is an essential nutrient that plays many roles and is linked to a number of health benefits. Since it cannot be produced by the human body, vitamin C supplements are quite helpful in maintaining the necessary levels of this nutrient. Serving as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C strengthens the natural defenses of your body and reduces the risk of developing chronic diseases. This vitamin also helps in improving the absorption of iron, which is vital for transporting oxygen throughout the body and making red blood cells. Moreover, vitamin C plays a major role in boosting your immunity, preserving brain function, and aiding against conditions like dementia.
Vitamin B-complex
It is a group of eight B vitamins, each of which plays a major role in various bodily functions. B vitamins are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. They have a direct effect on your brain function, cell metabolism, and energy levels. These nutrients also help in preventing infections and promoting cell health, eyesight, growth of red blood cells, appetite, digestion, cholesterol and hormone production, proper nerve function, muscle tone, and cardiovascular health. B vitamins are especially vital for pregnant or breastfeeding women as they reduce the risk of birth defects and aid in fetal brain development. Moreover, they are believed to increase testosterone levels in men.
Fish Oil
Fish oil supplements serve as one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining good health. Fish oil reduces several risk factors for heart diseases by lowering cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure and preventing plaque buildup in arteries. Omega-3 fatty acids, sourced from fish oil, are vital for typical brain function. They can improve the symptoms or prevent the onset of some mental health conditions like psychotic disorders. Omega-3s also improve eye health, reduce inflammation, enhance skin health, reduce liver fat, and help in alleviating the symptoms of depression.
Calcium
It is extremely important for your well-being, particularly for the health of your bones and teeth. Your body requires calcium to build and maintain strong bones. Calcium supplements are commonly used for preventing and treating osteoporosis and osteopenia. Your muscles, nerves, and heart also need calcium for proper functioning. This nutrient also helps in controlling high levels of phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium in the bloodstream. Research suggests that calcium can help in controlling and preventing high blood pressure. Moreover, it can aid in relieving PMS symptoms and preventing certain kinds of cancers. There’s also evidence that shows this nutrient, along with vitamin D, can help protect premenopausal women against breast cancer.
Vitamin D
It is a fat-soluble vitamin that has many essential functions. Two of its most important functions are to facilitate normal immune function and regulate the absorption of phosphorus and calcium. Vitamin D helps in reducing the risk of multiple sclerosis and health diseases. It supports the immune system and decreases the likelihood of developing severe illnesses. It helps with depression and may also promote weight loss. Moreover, vitamin D, along with calcium, is vital for maintaining good bone health.
In addition to these five, there are several other nutritional vitamins that can greatly benefit your health when taken in the correct manner. Consult with your doctor before including any nutritional supplement in your daily regimen.
