Let food be your medicine
Greek physician Hippocrates, the father of medicine
I was working on a health and nutrition project in 2021. During the course of the project, the CMD of a pharmaceutical solutions and manufacturing company introduced me to the word ‘nutraceutical’. He cited the power of encapsulating vital plant nutrients and providing powder-based supplements to the larger population through department stores and e-commerce websites.
The term ‘nutraceutical’ was coined in 1989 by Stephen DeFelice, founder and chairman of the Foundation for Innovation in Medicine, located in Cranford, New Jersey. The word is a combination of ‘nutrient’ (a nourishing food component) and ‘pharmaceutical’ (medical drug).
For more about nutraceuticals, read here.
A few years ago finding nutraceuticals and herbal powders in regular stores wasn’t the norm in India, as only traditional doctors or vaidyas knew the healing power of plants and herbs. All these medicines came via them to the sick and the needy. The 21st century has changed the course of things.
Global plant-based supplements market has been multiplying and will reach a total revenue of 7.84 billion by 2028.
Power of Ayurveda
In the East, we have been harnessing the power of Ayurveda and herbal medicines since eras long gone. The four Vedas have given us a repertoire of medicinal plants and these have been compiled in Charaka Samhita.
The core idea behind taking these herbal supplements is prevention of disease. The healing power of plants has undergone many researches and most people who take these supplements have not come back with side-effects.
Since most of the herbs and medicinal plants grow in specific regions needing special conditions, we now find them on-the-shelves in the form of capsules, tablets, liquids and powders.
Unlike allopathic medicines or synthetic supplements which have an instant effect, these supplements bear results with patience and need to be consumed over months.
What are plant-based supplements?
According to Sanbera, “plant-based supplements are dietary supplements from plants or plant extracts, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other botanicals. These supplements are designed to provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that may be lacking in a person’s diet or to support specific health needs”.
What are the benefits of plant-based supplements?
1. They are more natural and less processed
2. Boost immune function
3. Reduce inflammation
4. May improve cognitive function, memory and focus
5. Reduce stress and anxiety levels
6. Improve energy levels
7. Promote skin, hair, and nail health
8. Boost bone and joints health
9. Promote better sleep
My experience with plant-based supplements
I prefer a slow lifestyle with natural care, which keeps my joints, skin, hair and nails in good health. I feel more energetic and my capacity to rewire my brain remains intact. I have overcome exhaustion, knee pain, hair fall, brittle nails, liver spots, brain fog and more with herbal supplements. Some I bought from Khadi Gramodyog, others from Amazon and some from individual sites. I consume them in moderation, giving each supplement around 4 months to show results.
Here are some supplements that I have tried over the years and seen good results:
1. BetterAlt
This is a Mumbai-based company spreading Indian wellness practices is the US and India through their products. I am using three of their products.
Biotin is vitamin B7 and found in foods such as eggs, milk and bananas. Its deficiency can cause thinning of the hair, brittle nails and face rashes.
BetterAlt has harnessed the power of Bamboo, Amla, Pineapple, Carrot seed, Strawberries, Green Mango, Lemon, Orange Peels, Pomegranate to turn this into an easily consumable powder.
It hydrates and nourishes the scalp, thereby leading to stronger and shinier hair.
Eternal Youth Collagen Builder
Collagen accounts for about 30% of the body’s protein. It is the building block of skin, muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments, connective tissues, blood vessels and intestinal lining. It provides structure, helps in the growth of new cells, provides a protective covering for the organs, gives strength and elasticity to the skin, and helps the blood to clot.
There are different types of collagens, and lack of it leads to wrinkles, dryness, stiffness in the joints and more.
This powder by BetterAlt has been formulated with Acai Berry, Acerola, Moringa Leaves, Amla, Aloe Vera, Bamboo, Barley Grass, Beetroot, Cinnamon Bark, Ginger, Green Tea, Guava, Holy Basil, Lemon, Orange Peels.
It improves elasticity, moisturises, builds collagen, reduces wrinkles and rejuvenates the skin.
Proteins are large, complex molecules that are vital for growth, maintenance, and repair of body cells and tissues. They form an important component of the body’s organs, muscles, skin, hair and nails.
The plant protein powder formulated by BetterAlt is flavoured with Mango and Black Currant. It has Ginger Extract, Garcinia Cambogia, Peas, Probiotics, Brown Rice, Inositol, Quinoa, Shatavari, Grape Seed.
It helps in weight management, building muscle strength and controls bloating and stress.
All BetterAlt powders come with a scoop. All you have to do is stir one scoop of the powder in a glass of water and have it daily. As the flavours of the fruits are strong, they have a good taste also. Within a month, you will start seeing results. For best results, continue the routine for 3-6 months. (It would be best to dissolve in water which has been kept at room temperature).
You can use my coupon code AMBICA20 for a discount. Click here
2. MuscleXP: Multi Greens and Fruits Multivitamin with Fruit, Vegetable and Herbal Blend
Our body has 13 essential vitamins. These are a group of substances needed for normal cell function, growth and development. These 13 vitamins, aiding in different functions, are: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic acid, Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Folic Acid.
The 60 tablets in this bottle have all the 13 vitamins and 12 minerals. The tablet is made with digestive enzymes (bromelain, papain) and goji berry, spinach, carrot, pomegranate, spirulina, blueberry, to aid the brain, heart, muscles and digestion. It contains herbs such as ginger, garlic, turmeric (curcumin longa), ginkgo biloba, ginseng, green coffee bean extract, green tea extract, grape seed.
I took one tablet daily for two months.
3. Simply Herbal: Biotin Capsule for Hair, Skin & Nails
This is a supplement that helps in hair growth. It has Vitamin B7, Keratin, Multivitamins, Amino Acid.
This bottle has 90 tablets, so you do get all the required results in 3 months.
This helped slowly, as I saw my nails becoming stronger.
4. Alpspure Nutra: Biotin with Vitamin A, C, D3 And E
This helped with hair growth, better skin and stronger nails. It promoted hair thickening and regrowth.
It also helped with hydrating my skin.
5. Meghdoot: Sitopladi Churna
This churna I got from Khadi Gramodyog Bhavan, Regal Building, Connaught Place, Delhi. It helps with cough, cold, fever, flu and breathing difficulties. With climate change, I keep this at home regularly and it has been useful in fighting off symptoms of pollution such as heavy breathing and mild cough.
It comprises cane sugar, Indian thorny bamboo, long pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon. It tackles respiratory problems, fights allergies, improves digestion and appetite, counters free radicals damage and inflammation.
Things you must keep in mind before you start taking the supplements.
1. Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing new supplements.
2.Before buying them, it’s best to read all the labels and the benefits.
3. Not all plant-based supplements are vegan, some may contain gelatin or other animal-derived compounds, as an attendant explained to me at Apollo Pharmacy in Noida. This pharmacy has a shelf dedicated to nutraceuticals and herbal supplements.
4. It is better to store them in a cool, dry place and make sure the bottle is properly sealed after use.
5. Check the manufacturing and expiry dates while purchasing.
6. Some liquids may need to be shaken frequently to avoid decomposition.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself. All opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
Queen of Treasures 
For multiple reasons I am quite familiar with the world of Ayurveda and the medications it offers. I vote for it because of nil to minimal side effects but how far it will be effective for the problem one is having is a big question mark for me and that because of my personal experience. There are few health factors which are individual specific and will show minimal or sometimes nil positive effects irrespective of the fact how good the brand is and the ingredients used in its making. But based on your recommendations I will love to give a try to the Biotin supplements for hair and nails improvement. Hope it will show some positive effects on me… no worries I will cross check with my Vaidya Ayurveda before I go for it. Thank you so much for explaining nutraceutical.
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Even the allopathic medics recommend biotin to skin ailment patients but those are pharmaceutical medicines and have a dosage.
The plant based ones are milder and I found my nails and hair became better after 3-4 months. My nails used to break frequently before this. But it’s best to consult a practitioner and then start.
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Neutraceuticals are very Interesting actually. Good to learn about this, Ambica. I am 59, will the collagen work for me or I am I too old 🙂
Also even I endorse only what I use.
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So from my experience, all the nutraceuticals work. However, the results vary person to person and age group wise. As you are close to 60, the effect will come.slowly and used for over a longer period. It helps strengthen the tissue and gives some good rise to the skin, albeit we have to accept that we won’t look 30😁 I find that my skin can tolerate the sun more, the slight wrinkles do not spread fast. And my sunspots become less.
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Patience is key when it comes to natural remedies, and it’s great to hear you’ve found a routine that works for you. I’m particularly interested in how these supplements have impacted your cognitive function. Improved memory and focus are something many of us are constantly seeking in today’s fast-paced world.
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I use a homeo medicine for brain fog which has become quite common I think due to hormonal changes and it has proven really good.
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I love the fact that with natural thing u can get a cure however it is a long run and worst part is for kids who often fall sick these don’t generally work.
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Although my husband was a doctor, I prefer using natural medicines as much as I can. I also purchase some of them from Khadi Gramudyog. Thank you for explaining nutraceuticals in detail and the options we have.
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Impressive journey you’ve had diving into the world of nutraceuticals and plant-based supplements! It’s pretty cool how these natural remedies are getting more popular and easier to find around the globe.
Your insights about Ayurveda and the perks of plant-based supplements are eye-opening. I totally vibe with the idea of preventing health issues through natural methods, just like you do. It’s great to hear how these supplements have made a positive impact on your health firsthand.
Also, big thanks for the handy tips and reminders on how to safely bring supplements into our daily routines. Your post is a goldmine of info.
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Due to my drug allergies, I am big on nutraceuticals. Khadi Gramudyog has always been my go-to but I will check out the other products you recommended too. Thanks for sharing about them.
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Given a choice I would never use allopathy but there are some emergency cases when we have to. Personally, I don’t like taking supplements either but with age I guess we all need to… some or the other. These are some helpful supplements Ambica… I will surely look at a few of them cuz I have been thinking about this of late… but my thoughts didn’t go on neutraceuticals… thanks to you for that.
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I also don’t like the sound of medicines! but since we don’t consume enough plants and also ageing has slowed down the processes and absorption power, I did start trying nutraceuticals.
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I agree…
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I never had any supplement till date. But having lots of fear for it due to chemicals. Today lots of suppliment are filled with harmful chemicals. I am happy to see these plant based nutrition. And glad to get the detailed knowledge regarding this topic.
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I have been following Vegan lifestyle for a while and hence I use all vegan products in my life. Thanks for sharing the vegan supplements option
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Honestly, I hadn’t heard the word Nutraceutical. Thanks for this post.I often wonder why doctors don’t recommend these supplements which are natural. I would love to try the one for hair, but need to check with a healthcare provider, as you suggested in the ‘Keep in Mind’ section.
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Plant-based supplements are always a better option and unless one has allergies, quite safe too. I would like to try some of these. Will surely get a go-ahead by my doc first.
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Thanks for the post finally found a natural plant based collagen supplement. Quite useful would share with my brother.
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I have never tried taking a supplement but this sounds good. The background and detailed review sounds good enough!
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I take supplements for joints and boost my immune system regularly. But they works best in conjunction with a healthy diet. Also, I keep Sitopladi churn at home because that’s the only thing that helps with cough and cold, unlike most of the cough syrups that tend to make me sleepy and drained out.
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I agree.. supplements work best with a healthy diet and exercise
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We’re getting more into a healthy lifestyle nowadays and this came in timely. My only query is, aren’t natural products enough that supplements are still a need?
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I have realised that as we age, nutrition absorption becomes less and also our lifestyles aren’t exactly great
However the best person to clear your doubt would be a doctor.
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Let food thy medicine and medicine thy food. But now this applies lesser and lesser because of all the adulteration and there comes the role of nutraceiticals.
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I have also written extensively on this subject. There is so much we can learn on this subject and so many products we can use to our benefit.
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TRUE DAT! wE JUST NEED AN EXPERT TO GUIDE US THROUGH and lots of common sense and awareness of our bodies.
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Thanks for sharing this blog! Your blog is very informative for everyone. <b> <a href=”https://www.abhabio.com/”>Abha Biotechnology</a></b> is a third party research & manufacturing company that is distinctive in liquid, solid and powder dosage forms, our approach is to do careful research on standardised Nutra products of the highest global standards.
Website- https://www.abhabio.com/
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