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Edible Beauty Supplements: The Facts and the Fiction
For years now, we’ve been inundated with new products touting the benefits of antioxidants contained within their varied formulas. The most common among these – vitamins A, C & E – are well-documented in their usefulness
in helping maintain and restore skin health. And there are several ways in which these antioxidants are incorporated into products for use. Many skin care creams contain all three of these antioxidants as well as dietary
supplements to increase the effectiveness and utilize their traditional purpose.
Among the other NEW antioxidant products now available some of the benefits are less quantifiable. Let’s look at some of these dietary supplements and how they live up to their claims:
Powdered Additives:
Glowelle is a powdered supplement, packed with antioxidants like goji berry and green-tea extract that claims it reduces free-radical damage and promotes the distribution of melanin in the skin—meaning fewer age spots
and more-even pigmentation. Anecdotal evidence claims that the skin was glowing after a week-and-a-half. However, some reviewers disliked what was termed an overly grainy consistency even though they stated that if they
had the drink as a post-lunch snack, they didn't experience mid-afternoon slumps. Medical experts say that there is no evidence of dietary changes controlling melanin production, but that the polyphenols in green tea may
help to protect the skin from wrinkling and from inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis.
The Sensa Weight-Loss System consists of sprinkling calorie-free crystals onto your food and claims that the maltodextrin-based formula will trick your olfactory senses into thinking you're full before you really are.
Some testers claim that they began eating half of the usual heaping portions because of the stronger scents and flavors. However, medical experts argue that Maltodextrin is a carbohydrate often used in the
food-manufacturing world, but it doesn't play a role in satiety, as it's not a high-fiber item. None of the other ingredients listed would have an effect on the olfactory responses—unless there are added artificial
scents that aren't specifically listed. It is suggested that the responses by the testers is mostly a placebo effect.
Energy Drinks:
Energy drinks and small “shot-type” beverages are becoming a trendy way to consume vitamin and energy boosting concoctions in concentrated bursts. FunctionaLab Active Mix & Nutrient Tonics in Prophyto, Provita, and
Energy claim that this white-tea-infused supplement program boosts energy for better workouts, while the low-calorie, antioxidant-rich tonics serve as pick-me-ups when you're fatigued. Claims by some users include
waking up more easily and feeling more robust when working out. The only “downside” was that the tonics didn’t really provide a “pick-up in energy” the way an afternoon coffee would do. According to experts, white
tea is high in phytonutrients, which help our body function better, but it's a stretch to say they would improve workout performance. This mix also contains high doses of vitamins and minerals commonly found in
multivitamins, so to prevent possible toxicity, it's best not to take any additional dietary supplement.
Beauty Scoop is another product in among the “add-to-your-water” genre which claims to offer healthier-looking skin, shinier hair, and stronger nails by mixing these soy protein and safflower- and canola-oil-infused
packets with a glass of water once a day. Reviewers did not like the chemical aftertaste of this powdered drink, but loved how typically brittle nails grew long and strong. There was no noted change in her hair or skin
texture, though. According to experts, the safflower and canola oils provide essential fatty acids that are important for the hair and skin. Extra protein significantly improves the health of our skin, hair, and nails,
but you could get the same amount offered here in a slice of turkey. And the boost in nail growth is duplicable by taking gelatin capsules.
Even popular drink maker Crystal Light has jumped onto the supplement bandwagon by offering Crystal Light Skin Essentials. These powder packets, mixed with a glass of water twice a day, and contain lutein, zeaxanthin,
and vitamins A, C, and E to nourish the skin. While testers noticed no significant changes, she did find that making the drinks encouraged her to consume more water throughout the day, which gave her more energy.
Medical experts explain that while Lutein and zeaxanthin may protect skin from sun damage, the therapeutic dosage of antioxidants like vitamin A should be significantly higher than is available in this drink mix,
which contains only 10 percent of the recommended daily dietary allowance.
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