Sports nutrition
4K 0 09/22/2018 (last revision: 05/12/2019)
Nutraceuticals are a type of dietary supplement for food. Their function is to replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals necessary for full vital activity and strong immunity. The most common form is sports nutrition, aimed at regulating the balance of elements in the body.
In the Russian Federation, nutraceuticals have not received official recognition from science, therefore, it is identified as a dietary supplement. Supplements of this kind are surrounded by myths - both about irreparable harm and about miraculous effects.
What is nutraceuticals?
The word "nutraceutical" is derived from "Nutrition" and "Pharmaceutical" - "Nutrition" and "Pharmacy". It refers to food intake that, in addition to satiety, can promote health and prevent disease. In the context of the topic under discussion, the term is synonymous with supplements rich in nutritional and beneficial elements.
The positive effects that nutraceuticals bring:
- Replenishment of the balance of biologically active elements.
- Strengthening the immune system.
- Getting rid of toxins and toxins.
- Acceleration of metabolic processes, as a result - body shaping.
- Increased vitality.
- Prevention of diseases, including cancer.
Dietary supplements with amino acids and vitamin C
Nutraceuticals and parapharmaceuticals
In modern dietetics, dietary supplements are usually divided into nutraceuticals and parapharmaceuticals. The classification is arbitrary, because different types of dietary supplements can have a similar effect or identical composition.
The characteristics are as follows:
- Nutraceuticals are designed to replenish missing vitamins and minerals in the body. They adjust the composition of food and make the process of eating balanced in relation to useful elements that need to be consumed at a daily rate. Often used to reduce weight, improve metabolism and longevity.
- Parapharmaceuticals are more similar in effect to medicines and are used to treat and prevent diseases and to maintain the normal functioning of internal organs. The basis, as a rule, contains medicinal plants or algae, as well as bee products. Supplements rich in minerals are also allowed. This group also includes medicinal teas and herbal teas.
Nutrients: how are they different from nutraceuticals?
A common misconception is equating nutraceuticals with nutrients. The second concept should be considered in detail. These are substances found in food. After being processed by the body, they participate in human life processes - for example, renew tissues, maintain the tone of internal organs, temperature, etc.
There are two types of these elements:
- Macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates, water).
- Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals and other bioelements).
Essentially, nutrients are part of the nutraceuticals. But they are also present in ordinary food products - the only difference is that the dietary supplement may contain a high concentration of certain elements. There is a widespread point of view among modern nutritionists that with proper nutrition, it is not calories that need to be counted, but nutrients.
Why use nutraceuticals?
Supplements rich in minerals and vitamins should be consumed when these elements are lacking in the body.
There are the following groups of patients experiencing a deficiency of nutrients:
- Nursing mothers and pregnant women.
- Athletes.
- Workers working in high-risk conditions.
Also, nutraceuticals will be an appropriate addition to the course of medical nutrition. This method is widely used in the fight against diseases of the digestive system.
In addition, the use of dietary supplements can bring a positive effect during menopause. Upon reaching a certain age, the female body needs additional nutrition with useful elements. The supplement regulates the balance of vitamins and minerals, and also promotes weight loss and vitality.
Before taking a dietary supplement, you must definitely consult a doctor in order to choose the right supplement and not harm the body.
How can I explore the issue more deeply?
To dive into the issue of the competent use of dietary supplements in more detail, it makes sense to read the book "Nutraceuticals: Nutrition for Life, Health and Longevity." It is a detailed guide to the correct use of dietary supplements. The book contains many examples of how to make a regular breakfast balanced and healthy.
Nutraceuticals, if used correctly, can be a reliable aid in choosing the right nutrition. It is aimed at normalizing the body's work and strengthening human health. Before taking it, you need to consult with a nutritionist so that the prescribed course is as useful as possible and does not have negative consequences.
