Diet Alternatives: Herbal Dietary Supplements

Herbs refer to all plants that can be used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. These include: trees, shrubs, mushrooms, lichens and fruits and vegetables. Apple juice and shiitake mushrooms which serve as food are also good herbal alternatives.

Herbal alternatives can either be internal or external formulations. The herbal alternatives you need to use to treat ailments generally depend on the type of ailment you got. Most people use combination of herbs to get the maximum benefits for the body. There are a number of herbal preparations which you can effectively use as herbal alternatives to prescription drugs. These herbal alternatives are derived from herbal practices handed down from generation to generation, even centuries old.

Scientists and researchers have made several studies to prove or disprove the effectiveness of these herbal alternatives. Some studies do confirm the herbal alternatives effectiveness, others require further researches.

Herbal dietary supplements

Herbal dietary supplements refer to herbals that are intended as enhancement to the diet. More often than not, dietary herbal supplements contain more than one dietary ingredient such as vitamins minerals, amino acids and other substances. These herbal dietary supplements are not intended to cure or treat various ailments but as preventive measures and additional method to acquire essential nutrients for the body. Although, these supplements do undeniably contain healing properties for several body conditions.

Herbal dietary supplements include:

* Black cohosh is a supplement for women to treat symptoms of menopause.

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Historically, black Cohosh was widely used among Native Americans, primarily for female needs, but also for cold and flu, indigestion, and pain. Numerous studies have shown black cohosh to be both safe and effective, and is widely used in Europe and the US to relieve PMS and menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, menstrual cramps, changes to the vaginal lining and even depression.

* Calcium is good for the bones

* Chromium is good for glucose and insulin

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Working at a cellular level, chromium facilitates the action of insulin hormone, which is involved in fat, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism.

* Coenzyme Q-10 is a preventive measure also treatment against cancer.

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Numerous studies have shown CoEnzyme Q-10, also known as CoQ-10, plays a key role in promoting cardiovascular health. It is an essential component of our cells which promotes energy production. The body's natrual production of CoQ-10 slows down with age and the conversion of fats and sugars into energy becomes more difficult. As a natural antioxidant, CoEnzyme Q-10 helps cells work more efficiently in throughout the body.

* Copper is a dietary herbal supplement that aids in the absorption of zinc in the body and maximizes its beneficial effect. It helps the body function normally, prevent heart disease, promotes healthy skin and hair color and other benefits.

* Ephedra is a diet supplement that helps prevent colds, treat asthma and other upper respiratory ailments. * EDITOR'S NOTE: The FDA does not consider Ephedera safe.

* Folate is an herbal diet supplements that contributes to the production of red blood cells, manufacture of DNA for cell replication and aids in metabolism of amino aids.

* Garlic is a herbal supplement that can help prevent certain types of cancer such as stomach and colon cancer.

* Iron is a diet herbal supplement that supplies energy to every cell in the body and a vital component of hemoglobin which supplies oxygen to muscles.

* Magnesium aids in preventing kidney, thyroid or heart disease.

* Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fats that are important in preventing degenerative diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

* EDITOR'S NOTE:These fatty acids are termed "essential" because the body cannot manufacture them on its own. EFA’s must come from food or supplemental sources. Being a component of every living cell in the body also makes them essential and necessary for rebuilding existing cells and the production of new cells. In 2004 the FDA released a qualified claim supporting the use of omega-3 products for the prevention of heart disease.

* S-adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) is a herbal supplement that is good for depression, osteoarthritis and liver disease.

*EDITOR'S NOTE: SAMe as one of the most widely used supplements in today’s marketplace, naturally supporting the functions of the nervous system. SAMe may also support joint health and aid in the repair of myelin, the sheath of fatty material that surrounds the nerve cells.

* Selenium contains antioxidant that could counter various ailments including cancer.

*EDITOR'S NOTE: The most popular use of selenium in supplement form is as an antioxidant; it helps to clean out dangerous molecules known as free radicals that can damage and alter healthy cells. Selenium deficiencies are associated with increased risk of cardiomyopathy and myocardial deaths, cancer, impaired immune function and impaired fetal development. Selenium is also essential for healthy immune functioning. Selenium supplementation has reduced the incidence of viral hepatitis in selenium-deficient populations, presumably by enhancing immune function.

* St. Jonhs wort is an effective herbal diet supplement for depression

* Tea is an herbal dietary supplement that contains antioxidants effective in preventing cancer, heart disease and reduce blood pressure among numerous other benefits.

* Valerian is a herbal supplement effective for insomnia

* EDITOR'S NOTE: Whole valerian root has been used since the ninth century for its calming properties and is one of Nature’s most effective herbs for supporting sound sleep, promoting relaxation and relieving anxiety. Known around the world for its calming properties, valerian is a non-narcotic sedative and has also been used for pain after childbirth, and for relieving arthritis pain and cramps.

* Vitamin A and carotenoids are herbal supplements that promote good eyesight.

* Vitamin B6 and B12 belong to Vitamin B complexes which treat a host of ailments such as alcoholism, depression, diabetes, hair problems, lupus, multiple sclerosis and stress.

* Vitamin D is essential in preventing osteoporosis.

* Vitamin E is herbal dietary supplements that are potent antioxidants.

* Vitamin K compound helps blood clot or coagulation.

* Zinc is an essential trace element that is relied on by every cell in the body and hundreds of body processes

All of these herbal elements offer great beneficial value to supplement your diet and assist with weight loss and good general health.

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