Dietary supplements are products that contain concentrated amounts of vitamins, minerals, herbs or other substances that are beneficial as they are intended to supplement the diet and provide additional nutrients that may be missing or needed in larger quantities. For the uninitiated, a wide range of nutritional supplements are available including multivitamins, vitamin D, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, protein powders, herbal extracts and more where each supplement is designed to meet specific nutritional needs to fill nutrient gaps in the diet.
They can be beneficial for people who have specific dietary restrictions, limited food choices, or nutritional deficiencies as supplements can help ensure essential vitamins and minerals are obtained in adequate amounts. However, while supplements can provide additional nutrients, they should not be considered a substitute for a healthy diet and it is important to prioritize a balanced diet rich in whole foods including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats. where supplements should be used to complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.
IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE CARE FOR A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Praveen Chirania, founder of Muscle and Strength India shared, The pandemic has transformed our connections to health and nutrition and words like wellness and immunity have taken on a new meaning. This demonstrates the growing health awareness among consumers, further triggering the shift from curative to preventive care, for a healthier lifestyle. Signs of people’s increased awareness of health issues are the growing focus on gyms, meditation and yoga, fitness among others. Today, consumers have understood that proper nutrition and hydration are vital for the well-being of the human body. Hence, dietary supplements are growing in popularity and are now a multi-billion dollar industry.
THE CONCEPT OF WELL-BEING TAKES PROMINENCE
He revealed: The concept of wellness has been around for a long time. However, consumers now view wellness through a much broader and more sophisticated lens, encompassing not just fitness and nutrition, but overall physical and mental health and appearance. Nutrition is going mainstream and people are migrating to healthier choices. While the pandemic has brought its own challenges to the world, however, amidst all of these, it has made every individual more responsible towards their own health. Whether it’s healthy food alternatives, gyms or personalized nutrition, consumer awareness is at an all-time high.
FACTORS WHICH MAKE DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS NECESSARY
Echoing the fact that people take dietary supplements to maintain their overall health, Praveen Chirania said, “Supplements are also consumed to build a strong immune system and support sports performance.” Stress can also increase the body’s need for certain nutrients and these can be easily obtained from supplements. It is also common knowledge that if a body works harder, it also needs more nourishment. People who exercise or have active lifestyles require more nutrition than people who don’t. This is why many athletes or people who exercise regularly consume protein and vitamin supplements. This helps their bodies recover and stay healthy for the long term. Furthermore, and most importantly, as the name suggests, dietary supplements should supplement the basic main diet and not a substitute for the daily diet.
According to him, the rise of the health-conscious consumer has been the major factor driving the market for dietary supplements. He highlighted, Other factors driving this market also include increasing disposable incomes and improving distribution networks, etc. Food supplements and their consumption depend on many factors such as age, physical activity, pre-existing nutritional levels, pre-existing diseases etc. Ultimately, consult with experts before taking dietary supplements as professional guidance ensures sound judgment as to the nature of the dietary supplement to be consumed. As the market is flooded with fake supplements, it is crucial to distinguish between genuine and fake dietary supplements. One should buy from authentic resellers of reputed brands because investing in health is top priority.
The fitness expert concluded: Maintaining good health and being fit is a modern need for all of today’s generations. If the pandemic has taught us one thing, it’s that physical and mental health will remain a priority for millions of people around the world for a long time to come. There is no doubt that the health and wellness industry has increased customer attention and interest. The industry is witnessing phenomenal growth and is only poised to grow in the near future.
#Food #supplements #body #necessarily #food #supplements