In recent years we hear more and more often about Nutraceutical.
We find it in the articles on benessere, in discussions about nutrition, supplements and products dedicated to salute.
But what does this word really mean?
And best of all: Nutraceutical does it mean simply taking a supplement?
The answer is no.
The wordNutraceutical" born from the union of Nutrition e pharmaceuticals and was coined in 1989 by researcher Stephen DeFelice.
The basic concept is to study the substances present in foods and their possible role in maintaining the benessere and the normal functions of the body.
We are talking, for example, about vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fibre and other substances naturally found in foods.
But here it is important to make a distinction.
A nutrient does not automatically become a therapy.
The power supply and theintegrazione may contribute to the normal functioning of the body, but should not be confused with medication or a cure.
One of the reasons is very simple: we have begun to better understand the relationship between diet, lifestyle and salute.
Today we know that what we eat is not just about body weight.
The overall quality of the diet contributes to providing the body with the necessary energy and nutrients and is part of a lifestyle oriented towards salute.
At the same time, there has been a growing interest in certain specific substances in foods and their physiological role.
This also leads to a greater attention to the quality of the power supply and, when necessary, tointegrazione.
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This is an important point, especially since the two terms are often used synonymously.
A Food supplement is a product intended to supplement the normal diet and may contain, among other things, vitamins, minerals, plant substances or preparations and other substances with a nutritional or physiological effect.
Its Nutraceuticalon the other hand, it is a broader concept, linked to the study and use of the bioactive components of foods and their relationship with the benessere.
In other words:
the supplement is a product.
Its Nutraceutical is a much broader area of knowledge.
And this difference is fundamental to get better oriented.
Well, when you're talking about Nutraceutical, I think we should change our approach.
Instead of asking us immediately:
“What product can I take?”
we should start with a different question:
“How am I eating and what are my daily habits?”
Because no supplement can replace a varied and balanced diet.
And no product should become a shortcut to systematically compensate for an inattentive lifestyle.
First comes the basics: nutrition, movement, sleep, hydration and managing your habits.
Then, when there is a real need, you can also evaluate theintegrazione.
The growing interest in Nutraceutical it can be positive, but it also carries with it a responsibility: learn to distinguish information from commercial promise.
Not everything we read online is scientifically proven.
And above all, not everything that is natural is automatically effective or suitable for everyone.
This is why it is important to rely on verifiable information, to know what a product contains, to understand what it is really for and, when necessary, to contact a professional in the salute.
Its Nutraceutical it can be an interesting world precisely because it invites us to learn more about the relationship between what we introduce with food and our body.
But we have to approach it with curiosity, without believing in shortcuts and without turning a food or supplement into something it is not.
Perhaps the simplest thing.
The next time you hear about a new product or a new “miracle” substance, don't just ask yourself:
“Is it worth it?”
Also ask yourself:
“What evidence is there? What does it contain? What is it really for? And most importantly, do I really need it?”
Why Take Care of Your Liver? benessere It means that TOO!
learn to choose with awareness.