Aren't you tired of sifting through countless supplement options, wondering which ones will actually make a difference to your overall health?
With so many choices out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But don’t fear, because we’re here!
At Nature & Thought, we believe that the key to effective supplements lies in the quality and potency of their active ingredients and bioactives. So, here's a blog that'll help you dive deep into the science behind these crucial components and learn how they can revolutionize your approach to health and wellness.
Why are Active Ingredients and Bioactives important?
In the world of nutritional supplements, active ingredients, and bioactives are the backbone of effective formulas. These components are the specific compounds in a supplement that provide the intended health benefits. They're what make a supplement more than just a collection of random nutrients - they give it a purpose and a targeted approach to supporting wellness.
Active ingredients are the primary compounds in a supplement responsible for its intended effect. For example, if you're taking a supplement for joint health, an excellent active ingredient to look for may be curcumin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Bioactives, on the other hand, are the secondary compounds in a supplement that provide additional health benefits beyond the primary active ingredient. These compounds are often found in natural sources such as plants and can have a wide range of benefits depending on their specific properties. For example, withanolides – a bioactive found in Ashwagandha has been shown to help manage stress and improve cognitive performance, making it a valuable addition to supplements that target those areas of health.
Together, active ingredients and bioactives create a powerful synergy that can help you achieve your health goals. By using natural sources of these components and concentrating them for maximum potency, supplements can provide targeted and effective support for a wide range of health concerns.
Active Ingredients and Bioactives – A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look at the active ingredients and bioactives in Nature & Thought's supplements to get some more clarity on the topic:
Golden Hug For Full Musculoskeletal Health
Turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The active ingredient in turmeric – curcuminoids, have been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal disorders.
We use an ingredient called TurmXTRA®60N – a water-dispersible high curcuminoid turmeric extract shown to have superior bioavailability compared to generic turmeric extract in clinical studies. Another clinical trial showed that the formulation can help reduce knee pain and improve muscle recovery in healthy adults.
With superior bioavailability, we mean that the turmeric ingredient (TurmXTRA®60N) used in Golden Hug is easily absorbed by the body, thereby providing you benefits in a single daily dose, as opposed to other brands that need to be consumed multiple times a day.
Curcuminoids are not bioavailable by nature. Hence, large doses are required for better absorption and to realize their complete benefits. However, with superior technology platforms, TurmXTRA®60N used in Golden Hug has shown to be effective at 1/10th the dose of standard turmeric extract.
So, we used a potent active ingredient, enhanced its potency even more with the help of superior technology platforms, and went the extra mile to make your journey to stellar musculoskeletal health easier.
Zen Panda for All-Day Stress Management
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body cope with stress. Its bioactive - withanolides, have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and stress levels.
We use an ingredient called Prolanza™ to formulate Zen Panda. Prolanza™ has been shown to be effective in improving cognitive functions in healthy, stressed adults. It can be particularly beneficial for those who experience stress-related symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings.
The best part about Prolanza™ is that it has With more withanolides than standard Ashwagandha extracts available in the market, Prolanza™ is able to impart more health benefits in a single daily dose, thanks to the synergistic working that takes place between different withanolides.
How do active ingredients and bioactives work?
Active ingredients and bioactives work by interacting with the body's natural processes. For example, curcumin in turmeric works by inhibiting inflammatory pathways in the body, while boswellic acids in Boswellia serrata help reduce inflammation in the gut. Withanolides in ashwagandha work by regulating cortisol, the body's stress hormone, which reduces (or manages) stress and anxiety levels.
When active ingredients and bioactives are extracted and concentrated, they can have a more significant impact on the body than consuming the whole plant. This is why supplements can be an effective way to support your health when used correctly.
How to choose supplements with high-quality active ingredients and bioactives?
In addition to understanding what active ingredients and bioactives are, it is also essential to know how to identify them in supplements. The key is to look for supplements with clearly defined amounts of active ingredients per serving. This information should be clearly displayed on the product label or description.
For example, Nature & Thought's turmeric supplement contains a water-dispersible high curcuminoid turmeric extract, which has been clinically shown to be more bioavailable than generic turmeric extract (Thanawala et al., 2021). This means that the active curcuminoids in the turmeric extract are better absorbed and utilized by the body. The label on the product clearly mentions the presence of 150mg of curcuminoids per serving.
By choosing supplements with standardized and clinically tested active ingredients, you can ensure you get the intended benefits and value for your money. When purchasing supplements, make sure to read the labels carefully and do your research on the company and its manufacturing practices.
In conclusion, active ingredients and bioactives are the key components that make supplements effective. By understanding what they are, how they work, and how to identify them in supplements, you can make informed decisions about which supplements to take and which ones to avoid. Nature & Thought's Golden Hug, Tranquil Tum, and Zen Panda are excellent examples of high-quality supplements with clinically validated active ingredients.