Wellness Trends, Essay Example

The buzzword “wellness” now refers to a way of life that encompasses not just physical health but also emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, and it’s gaining popularity in a variety of fields.

For example, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Kellogg’s, and Campbell have invested in and purchased several healthy snacking brands. In contrast, personal care stalwarts like P&G and Unilever have supported organic beauty and natural and organic personal care businesses.

In addition to food and personal care products, gym operations, apparel design by merchants, and even intelligent city planning are influenced by current wellness trends.

Nutritional supplements will be discussed in this paper as a new wellness trend and how they will enhance the well-being of the general population.

Food supplements

As a general term, “food supplements” refer to concentrated nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals that have nutritional or physiological benefits and are sold in “dose form” (e.g., pills, tablets, capsules, liquids in measured doses) (Watson, Gerald, & Preedy, 2011). In addition, dietary supplements may include various minerals and amino acids and essential fatty acids, fibre, and other plant and herbal extracts.

Nutrient deficiencies, proper nutrient intake, or certain biological functions may be corrected using dietary supplements. However, unlike medications, they have no effect on pharmacological, immunological, or metabolic processes in the body. Their primary purpose is neither to treat or prevent disease in humans nor affect the body’s normal physiological processes.

EU food supplements are subject to the same regulations as food. Regulated compounds that may be used as sources of vitamins and minerals have been established. For substances other than vitamins and minerals, the European Commission has set unified guidelines to ensure that consumers are protected from any possible health issues. In addition, the Commission maintains a list of medications that are known or suspected of causing damage and are thus forbidden.

A dietary supplement’s safety is the responsibility of the company that makes it, imports it, supplies it, or distributes it.

How Food Supplements Improve Health

Our bodies need a continual stream of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for a long and healthy life. However, obtaining all of our vital elements only via food might be challenging. Even while dietary supplements can’t replace a well-balanced diet, they may deliver enough levels of essential nutrients when appropriately utilized. Indeed, according to the WHO’s 2020 health report, a whopping 3 out of 5 individuals use health supplements every month.

Healthy individuals may benefit from food supplements since they help preserve overall well-being, mental sharpness, and athletic performance. Pregnant women should ingest 400 micrograms of folate per day to prevent birth abnormalities via diet or supplements (Watson, Gerald, & Preedy, 2011). Folate, a B vitamin, is essential for synthesizing genetic components, including DNA. Prenatal vitamins, including iron and calcium, are a good source of this nutrient. As a result, there will be more minor difficulties during labour and delivery.

Specific vitamins and minerals may become increasingly important to us as we become older (Ransley, Donnelly & Read, 2001). Other nutrients that have a role in bone health and red blood cell development include Vitamin D, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. Food supplements will provide these nutrients since they are already prepared. In addition, dietary supplements can help those who are vegan, have food allergies or lactose intolerance, or have difficulties digesting or absorbing nutrients.

In conclusion, several health advantages of taking dietary supplements positively affect society. Everyone, young and old alike, may benefit from nutritional supplements.

References

Ransley, J. K., Donnelly, J. K., & Read, N. W. (2001). Food and Nutritional Supplements: Their Role in Health and Disease. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg

Watson, R. R., Gerald, J. K., & Preedy, V. R. (2011). Nutrients, dietary supplements, and nutriceuticals: Cost analysis versus clinical benefits. Totowa, N.J: Humana