Food supplements are specially produced chemicals to supplement food. They can be made up of all the vitamins and minerals and therefore are known as Multivitamins or may contain only certain substances, as in the case of Creatine and Spirulina, which are indicated especially for those who practice some type of physical activity.
What are food supplements for?
Food supplements are meant to supplement healthy eating rather than as a substitute and they should be used under the advice of a doctor or nutritionist. There are dietary supplements that contain all the necessary daily nutrients (multivitamins and minerals) such as Centrum and Oneaday, and there are those supplements that contain a much larger amount of protein, carbohydrate, or other components.
The types of food supplements that exist are:
- Hypercaloric food supplement: to gain weight
- Protein food supplement: to gain muscle mass
- Thermogenic food supplement: for weight loss
- Antioxidant food supplement: against aging
- Hormonal food supplement: regulate the hormonal system
See what can happen if you take medicines or supplements without advice from a healthcare professional.
How to Use Food Supplements
To take supplements without harm to health it is important only to take the supplement indicated by the doctor or nutritionist respecting the type and dose recommended by the professional because the excess of vitamins or other substances can also harm the liver and kidneys, causing intoxication and even even cancer.
When the supplement is indicated by a duly certified health professional, it is safe for the person to be used and to ensure its effectiveness it is important to follow the medical recommendations regarding the dose and the time it should be taken.
Dietary Supplements to Lose Weight
Dietary supplements for weight loss are thermogenics, as they increase the basal metabolism and contribute to fat elimination. Some examples are: Whey protein, CLA, Caffeine, L-Carnitine, Omega 3. Although effective in the process of weight loss, these supplements do not exclude the need to follow a hypocaloric diet and perform physical activity, being only one way to achieve better results faster.
Supplements to gain muscle mass
Food supplements for gaining muscle mass should only be used by those who practice physical activity regularly. They, when properly used, can help increase muscle mass as they contain the "bricks" that make up the muscles.
Some examples of dietary supplements for muscle gain are: M-Drol, extreme, Mega Mass, Whey protein, Linolen and L-carnitine.
Natural food supplements
Natural food supplements are better than synthetic ones as they do not harm the body, but despite this, they should also only be used under the guidance of the doctor or nutritionist.
Some examples of natural dietary supplements for weight loss are: Cayenne pepper, Acai and African Mango, from the international brand Biovea.
Here are some examples of home-made supplements:
- Homemade Supplement to Gain Muscle Mass
- Natural Supplements to Lose Weight
- Natural vitamin supplements for pregnant women
