More and more people are moving towards natural or therapeutic products rather than traditional goods in recent years. Traditional products, from over the counter medicine to cleaners to beauty products, often contain hidden ingredients that lead to significant health concerns. This is why these new environmentally-conscious generation consumers want to know where their products come from and what ingredients they contain.
Whether it's for better sleep or better exercise, natural alternatives can provide plenty of benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular beauty products and supplements to understand why they have consumers everywhere making significant lifestyle changes.
Natural Ingredients as Dietary Supplements
According to the 2019 CRN Survey, 77 percent of Americans reported consuming dietary supplements, with older adults consuming a larger amount of multivitamins. Many people are demanding transparency from brands and looking for natural ingredients that provide them the most benefits. However, there are plenty of products on the market that claim to be good for health, but is there science behind them?
Here’s the Science Behind Nine of the Popular Health Supplements:
Garcinia Cambogia Extract
This extract is sold as a diet pill, and many people use it to boost weight loss. The skin of the green fruit garcinia cambogia contains HCA or hydroxycitric acid, and an animal study showed with the fruit’s extract reduced cravings.
The Science- A 2014 study with 130 people on garcinia and a dummy pill showed no weight difference. However, a review of 12 studies showed that it contributed to a weight loss of 2 pounds over a few weeks.
MCT Oil
There are various benefits of proper MCT oil dosage and use, such as reducing cravings, boosting energy, and kick-starting ketosis for those on a low-carb diet. Many people use it for weight management.
The Science- According to a study comparing LCTS and MCTS (present in MCT oil), the latter decreased body weight and total body fat according to research.
Bacopa Monnieri
A herb made into a drug, bacopa monnieri, claims to improve brain power, reduce anxiety and stress, reduce blood pressure and ADHD symptoms.
The Science- One study showed that bacopa monnieri reduced signs of memory impairment in rats. In contrast, a 12-week study showed that older adults that consumed the remedy showed improved retention and attention.
A rodent study showed that it improved anxiety compared to lorazepam, while a human study showed no effect.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is often used for improved hair growth, fighting fungal infections, and treating anxiety symptoms. It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties and treats digestive issues.
The Science- A study found in a Medical Microbiology journal shows mixed results with treating fungal infections. However, it requires further research. In another, lavender promotes hair growth over four weeks when applied to mice backs.
Tea Tree Oil
Many people use tea tree essential oil to help treat dry skin, combat oily and acne-prone skin, reduce inflammation, and treat dandruff.
The Science- One study showed that tea tree oil was more effective than zinc oxide for treating eczema, while another study showed that it reduces oiliness for those using a tea tree oil-based sunscreen.
It has been proven to reduce inflammation for nickel-induced contact, but there is no evidence for treating dandruff.
Kava
Many people use kava root supplements for reducing anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
The Science- A review of 11 studies showed that kava extracts do effectively treated anxiety. In another study, kava extracts reduced stress and insomnia when consumed for six weeks.
CBD
CBD is another supplement that many people use to relieve anxiety, reduce neurodegenerative symptoms, and provide pain relief.
The Science- One study shows that a dose of 600 mg reduced anxiety for people with a phobia of public speaking. Studies also have shown success in reducing pain when applied to the skin, but this area could use further research.
Turmeric
Turmeric is said to be good for boosting brain function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
The Science- Curcumin, the compounds present in turmeric, can increase brain-derived neurotrophic factors, which may help to reverse brain diseases. Research suggests that turmeric may also be more efficient than certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
Chaga Mushroom
Apart from being packed with nutrients, Chaga mushrooms reduce signs of aging and lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
The Science- Physical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin, appear from oxidative stress. If you consume more antioxidants present in Chaga mushrooms, this may help reduce signs of aging. However, there is no evidence linked to this benefit.
Antioxidants in the mushrooms could also reduce cholesterol and blood pressure caused by oxidative stress. However, there isn't currently enough research to back this up.
Make Your Choice Wisely
There are plenty of supplements available in the market. However, now that you know which are scientifically backed up, you can make your choice. Keep your fitness and health goals in mind and continue to research for the best benefits.
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