Experts advise selecting drinks with fruit and forms of protein as their first few ingredients, and keeping calorie counts to no more than 400 per serving. Also look for core blends that provide essential nutrients that support heart, immune and respiratory health as well as skin complexion.
Fiber
Fiber can be found in many foods, particularly fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fiber is beneficial in several ways including helping lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels as well as improving overall cardiovascular health. If your diet lacks fiber or you have certain health conditions, your doctor may suggest supplementation with psyllium (Metamucil or Konsyl) or methylcellulose. These supplements help bulk up and soften stool for easier passing. Some individuals may experience gas or bloating when taking fiber supplements for the first time, especially if their diet contains little fiber. This is normal and should eventually fade as their colon adjusts to this new substance. When selecting products with soluble fibers that meet this criteria, make sure the label provides information regarding both their type and physical characteristics.
Minerals
Minerals are essential in supporting bone, muscle and nerve health as well as maintaining acid-base balance and enzyme harmony. You’ll find them naturally present in foods as well as supplements, with major and trace minerals having equal importance – calcium phosphorus magnesium sulfur sodium potassium chloride chloride being key components to health; while trace minerals include iron zinc copper iodine selenium fluoride among others.
Minerals are formed naturally from substances with crystalline structures in nature. Furthermore, minerals can also be identified based on hardness, luster, streak and cleavage (how they break), along with crystal shape and chemical composition.
Some minerals can be used as ores – substances with high concentrations of certain elements – to extract those elements from other materials like metals. Examples include cinnabar (an ore of mercury); sphalerite (an ore of zinc); and cassiterite (an ore of tin).
