Nutraceutical supplements are substances of natural origin capable of improving the state of health and preventing the onset of various diseases.

But what does the term “nutraceutical” mean? How do these supplements work? What are the benefits?

Let’s find out together.

Nutraceutical supplements: what they are

The term nutraceutical was introduced in the 1980s by Dr. Stephen De Felice , who created this definition by combining the words “nutrition” and “pharmaceutical”, precisely to indicate how the natural constituents present in foods or plants can be synthesized to generate drugs. useful for preventing and treating some diseases and for providing those essential metabolites, which may be deficient in normal diets.

Nutraceutical supplements are in summary the natural evolution of classic food supplements.

We are talking about substances deriving from plants and foods that can be integrated into a diet both through the intake of functional foods enriched with nutraceutical substances and in the form of natural supplements in tablets or capsules such as the natural supplements of Proeon, a leading Italian company in the sector based on constant research aimed at developing products capable of promoting a healthier lifestyle.

Nutraceutical supplements are produced by an industrial process that ensures that all beneficial nutrients such as probiotics, antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6), ascorbic acid, carnitine are extracted from functional foods. , bioflavonoids, vitamins, calcium, magnesium, fluorine, sodium, sinco and enzymatic complexes.

Nutraceutical supplements: placing on the market

Nutraceutical supplements, like all food supplements, do not follow the typical path of traditional drugs, for which various stages of experimentation are required which require many years of study before obtaining authorization for use on humans.

For the purposes of the sale, only a notification to the Ministry of Health is required for the supplements, with the documentation relating to the raw material, the preparation process, the traditional use, the recommended methods of use, the possible interactions with other components of the product, diet or medication.

This happens because supplements have no therapeutic effect but only physiological: they support the normal functioning of the organism .

In this regard, you must know that these supplements are absolutely not a substitute for a healthy and correct diet nor to be a remedy for an unregulated lifestyle : they only serve to make up for certain nutritional deficiencies or to maintain a correct intake of certain nutrients at times. details.

What are the foods that contain them?

Foods containing nutraceuticals known as “functional foods” are those that in addition to their basic nutritional values, contain regulatory substances on some vital functions capable of bringing physiological benefits to those who consume them

To be defined functional, a food must also be readily available and not chemically processed and contain a beneficial component that distinguishes it from other foods and that is scientifically proven.

Here are some practical examples:

• Red meats: they contain carnitine which is important in the metabolism of fats.
• Crustaceans: I contain glucosamine useful for fighting osteoarthritis.
• Tomatoes and watermelon: rich in lycopene which helps prevent cardiovascular disease
• Fruits, cabbage, spinach, eggs: they contain the important lutein for sight
• Yogurt: rich in probiotics
• Potatoes: contain selenium
• Milk: rich in omega 3

Nutraceutical supplements: the benefits and when to take them

As you will have understood, these supplements added to a healthy and balanced diet can help our body to live better, reducing the risk of many diseases.

Among their beneficial effects we have:

• Strengthen the immune system
• Preventing chronic diseases
• Delay the aging process
• Regularize gastrointestinal functions
• Benefit your eyesight
• Prevent fatigue and tiredness during physical activity
• Reduce the risk of onset of cardiovascular or degenerative diseases
• Improve any imperfections such as skin aging or hair loss
• To make up for nutritional deficiencies in particular phases such as pregnancy or menopause

Another positive feature of nutraceutical supplements is that of allowing the simultaneous intake of several substances that generate a sort of synergy between them that also facilitates their absorption.

But when should they be taken?

Nutraceutical supplements can be particularly useful in some situations:

• Low- calorie diet : in this case they can help us get the nutrients we need to reach our ideal physical shape.
• Stress period: they support the body’s functions in particularly stressful periods, counteracting physical fatigue and relieving mental fatigue
• Intense physical activity: They help make us feel more energetic during intense training sessions.

Remember that, as with all supplements, exceeding in intakes is not healthy: you must always respect the daily dosages shown on the packaging or indicated by the doctor, as overdosing does not lead to the enhancement of the desired effect but exposes you to the risk of organic dysfunctions and possible side effects.