| ign="center"> | | | | supplements a safe alternative to conventional |
| Herbal supplements are medicinal plant | | | | treatments which are costly and can have side |
| preparations, traditionally used to treat a number | | | | effects. In comparison, herbal treatments and |
| of diseases and symptoms caused by nutritional | | | | methods are reported to have lesser side effects. |
| deficiencies. They are included in the dietary | | | | According to a 1999 Congressional hearing, |
| supplement category, although they impart only | | | | 106,000 people die annually of prescription drugs |
| small amounts of nutrients. | | | | as compared to 12 from herbal supplements |
| Today, the vitamin and herbal supplement industry | | | | which are mainly due to cases of misuse of these |
| covers a $20 billion enterprise. A few of the | | | | herbs, or unusual circumstances. |
| factors that have added impetus to the popularity | | | | An educated public. More Americans are educating |
| of this growing industry are: | | | | themselves on health issues and the role of |
| - Satisfactory scientific validation of many of the | | | | nutrition, diet, herbs and exercise in addressing |
| herbs used in herbal supplements. | | | | major health conditions such as digestive and |
| New advances in science and research are quickly | | | | cardiovascular problems. Because of this |
| substantiating many of the traditionally claimed | | | | education, more Americans are making an |
| remedial usage of herbs. For example: | | | | informed decision for herbal supplements. About |
| - Omega 3 fatty acids are now being | | | | 60% of the American public chooses herbal |
| recommended, under a doctorâs | | | | supplements and are satisfied with their choice. |
| guidance, by the American Health Association for | | | | A growing aging population. The average life span |
| patients who suffer from cardiovascular health | | | | has increased from mid-60s to late 70s. This older |
| disorders. | | | | generation seeks to live longer and sustain an |
| - Antioxidants like resveratrol and those found in | | | | independent lifestyle for as long as possible. Many |
| green tea and cocoa have gained popularity | | | | consider herbal supplements the best way to |
| accredited by scientific research. Studies have | | | | meet their health needs as they have fewer side |
| been conducted on their benefits to heart health, | | | | effects and offer preventive health treatment. |
| ability to support healthy cholesterol levels and | | | | Options include supplements like: |
| also for their roles in supporting healthy blood | | | | - Omega 3s that promote heart, joint and brain |
| sugar levels. Antioxidants are also used as | | | | health (specifically for enhancing memory). |
| proactive measures for helping the body protect | | | | - Anti-aging products in the form of supplements, |
| itself from free radical damage and for enhancing | | | | lotions and creams. These usually contain |
| skin health, especially for protection against UVA | | | | antioxidants. |
| and UVB. Antioxidants also are used to provide | | | | - Besides multivitamins and minerals, probiotics and |
| anti-aging benefits. | | | | enzymes are popular choices for digestive health. |
| - Beta-sitosterol is being used extensively by men | | | | - As eating habits of the elderly can become |
| looking to support prostate health. Doctors in | | | | more varied, natural, wholefood supplements |
| America are now beginning to recommend this | | | | containing all the essential nutrients as well as |
| supplement to those at high risk for prostate | | | | fiber, probiotics and enzymes are considered to |
| disorders and for effectively treating symptoms | | | | be valuable options for sustaining good health. |
| of BPH. | | | | - Older men are becoming more aware of |
| - The supplementation of probiotics is gaining | | | | prostate health issues and are turning to safe and |
| grounds as science proves the effectiveness of | | | | trusted herbal treatments, such as beta-sitosterol. |
| good bacteria in our intestines and its role in | | | | More people are turning health-conscious. As |
| improving digestion which can be linked to | | | | options for healthier lifestyles become more easily |
| supporting immune health.As science continues to | | | | accessible and convenient, Americans are choosing |
| progress, more traditional herbs will prove their | | | | to live healthy! There is a steep rise in the |
| safety and efficacy, playing a contributive role in | | | | number of diet and weight loss aids, and |
| current health issues. There are thousands of | | | | supplements that are formulated to address |
| herbs and only a marginal percent have been | | | | specific health issues common to our world today. |
| studied so far! | | | | More Americans are trying hard to keep a |
| A growing dissatisfaction with conventional | | | | balanced diet, live healthier, and are using |
| treatment. Many people consider herbal | | | | supplements as a means to enhance their health. |