Health Supplements - Beneficial or Bad News?

Ask any 10 health and nutrition experts about their opinion of popular health supplements and you're guaranteed to get a mixed response. Some people love them, some people love to hate them.

Visit your local supermarket or health food store and you'll be staggered at the range of exciting supplements on offer. Each is minutely measured giving you the RDAs, DVs, IUs, milligrams and so on........ all a vital part of your daily diet...... It's enough information to make your head swim!

According to the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at the U.D. Department of Agriculture Human Nutrition Research Center in Boston, studies suggest that specific vitamin and mineral supplements are extremely valuable in reducing various common conditions such as heart disease by up to 40%, and can actively treat the progress of such disease. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to obtain over the counter.

Evidence also suggests that vitamin supplements are an effective resource in developing a strong immunity against ailments such as the common cold as well as more serious sickness.

Generally speaking, the immune system begins to decline around age 50 and by age 60 may already be seriously compromised.

In light of this information, supplements do appear to help, but are not a one stop replacement for a well balanced diet and exercise.

If you are over the age of 55, vitamin supplements will help prevent disease even though it may take at least six months to a year to register the improvement. That's not an excuse to put it off, because the sooner you begin, the more valuable your supplements will be to the improvement of your overall health.

A good use of vitamin and mineral supplements is as part of a bigger weight-loss program. The problem many people have with weight-loss is that along with excess fat and sugar, many diets cut out a lot of valuable nutrients that need to be replaced for healthy development. If used correctly and in moderation, supplements can replace the lacking nutrients and help your body stay balanced while avoiding high-sugar, high-fat foods.

The key to successfully integrating health supplements into your diet is to take the time to inform yourself on correct use. Simply reading the side of the pack isn't enough. The best idea is to visit your local G.P or nutritionist and discuss your options, and ensure you're not doing more harm than good.