The main category of Dietary Supplements News Articles.
You can use the search box below to find what you need.
[wd_asp id=1]
Whether it’s the visual delight of swirling tapioca pearls in a vibrant boba tea cup, or the lure of multi-ingredient experiments with classic matcha green tea, Gen Z’s tea trends have revolutionised the way this age-old beverage is consumed. A conversation over a cuppa might once have meant a leisurely date at a snack shop or a homely spread of cookies and cake with elegant ceramic tea sets, but not any more. Tea is no longer just about health, well-being, or leisure; it is now a whole new social media aesthetic that thrives on visual innovation and experiments with flavour.
A glass of matcha infused with strawberry, blueberry or other fruits, or a bubble tea topped with colourful straws and floating bobas — for Gen Z, the act of drinking tea is less about private enjoyment and more about conforming to a shared aesthetic of visual and habitual consumption. The movement is being driven largely by social media influencers who present tea as both a wellness fix and a fashionable accessory. Here are some of our favourite tea varieties currently storming Instagram feeds:
The Japanese powdered green tea was traditionally prepared by whisking it with hot water, but in recent years it has become a full-blown lifestyle trend. With benefits ranging from cognitive boosts and improved heart health to enhanced metabolism, matcha is a genuine powerhouse when consumed regularly. Gen Z has reimagined the ritual with iced and fruit-infused twists, yet the timeless charm of classic matcha endures among fitness enthusiasts.
Visually striking, the vibrant mix of verdant matcha with the blush-pink sweetness of strawberry milk is the ultimate Instagram favourite. Blending health benefits with indulgence, strawberry matcha has become a signature of tote-carrying, Bluetooth-headphone-wearing, Y2K-inspired influencers. In Gen Z’s world, tea isn’t just a drink — it’s practically an outfit accessory.
Of all fruit infusions in ice creams, coffees and cakes, blueberries arguably offer the most distinctive flavour. Their juicy sweetness, balanced by a subtle tartness, lends drama to any food or drink they touch. When paired with earthy matcha, the result is both visually captivating — green and blue in harmonious contrast — and deliciously refreshing.
Before the matcha craze, there was boba. Originating in Taiwan in the 1980s, it spread across China and eventually conquered the globe through social media. Today, bubble tea comes in endless variations: strawberry, vanilla, chocolate, mango, blueberry and beyond. What sets it apart is the addition of chewy tapioca pearls (boba), served with thick straws that allow them to swirl dramatically with every sip. It’s not just a drink — it’s an experience of texture, flavour and playful spectacle.
Another Instagram darling, this Southeast Asian brew is made from the butterfly pea flower and offers an earthy flavour akin to green tea. Its bold, deep-blue hue is the star attraction — especially when it changes colour with the addition of new ingredients. Add lime or lemon juice and it turns purple; drop in hibiscus petals and it shifts to fuchsia or bright red. Caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed at any time of day, making it both functional and photogenic.
Far from the days of evening biscuits and fruit cake with a humble cuppa, the culture around tea has undergone a complete aesthetic makeover. For Gen Z, tea is something to grab on the go, ideally with a novel twist to its classic goodness. Whether in the form of tapioca pearls, flavoured milk, fruit infusions or floral flourishes, tea has been reinvented as a symbol of lifestyle, wellness and, most importantly, visual delight.
If you’ve fallen down the dietary supplement rabbit hole, you might have read about the longevity benefits tied to vitamin D, or how ashwagandha can boost brain function and mood. Or perhaps, you’ve looked into taking magnesium to aid with poor sleep quality. Now, new research points to a supplement that could slow down dementia risk in older adults.
RELATED: Experts Warn This Common Medication May Be Linked to Dementia Risk.
There are nine different types of B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folate, B-6, and B-12—the last of which is associated with dementia protection.
New research out of Tufts University claims “while many elderly people may have B-12 levels that are in the ‘low to normal’ range, they are simultaneously developing neurological deficits linked to vitamin B-12 deficiency.”
The National Institute of Aging (NIA) recommends adults aged 50 and older get 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B-12 every day. This vitamin is naturally found in meat, fish, poultry, milk, and fortified breakfast cereals. However, as we age, our bodies can have difficulty absorbing B-12 from foods, which is why many doctors will advise older patients to take B-12 dietary supplements to prevent deficiency.
Irwin H. Rosenberg, MD, is a researcher and the Jean Mayer University Professor Emeritus at Tufts. In a news release, Rosenberg said the relationship between vitamin B-12 deficiency and cognitive decline, and therefore dementia, is “under-diagnosed and under-reported.”
“Age-related cognitive decline is not just Alzheimer’s,” he continued. “We’ve lumped together many kinds of brain dysfunction under one name. And in doing so, we’ve overlooked how critical blood vessels—and by extension, nutrition—are to preserving brain function.”
Nearly half of adults are unable to absorb “food-bound B-12” by the ages of 75 to 80. “This deficiency leads to a decline in nerve health, particularly in the spine and brain, which can contribute to the risk of developing dementia in older adults,” said Tufts researchers.
RELATED: This Little-Known Supplement Can Improve Your Memory, New Research Shows.
In a previous Best Life interview, registered dietitian Michelle Saari, MS, RD, said evidence suggests “that B-12 can help in reducing brain atrophy and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults.”
Vitamin B-12 is “vital for the maintenance and repair of nerve cells, which benefits our brains. It helps in the formation of the protective covering of nerves, known as the myelin sheath,” further explained Saari, who works with EHealth Project.
“Without B-12, this sheath can deteriorate, leading to nerve damage. Healthy nerve cells are crucial for effective brain function, and B-12 plays a key role in ensuring the proper functioning and communication of these cells,” she added.
But if the correlation between B-12 deficiency and dementia risk is already “under-reported,” then the impact of this deficiency on Alzheimer’s is even more underrecognized.
Alzheimer’s disease develops when there is “an abnormal buildup of two proteins in the brain.” These proteins are called amyloid and tau, and when clustered together, they form “plaques and tangles which are believed to disrupt brain cell function.”
But according to Rosenberg, “cerebrovascular disease and small vessel disease, which in some cases are connected to B vitamin deficiency, is more prevalent with cognitive decline and dementia than the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain.”
And while that may be the case, a majority of Alzheimer’s research and medication development is concentrated on clustered proteins. “Treating people with drugs meant to address the protein buildup will not work if the cause of dementia symptoms is a B12 deficiency,” stated Rosenberg.
Looking towards the future, senior scientists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging (HNRCA) are carrying out multiple vitamin B and brain aging studies to better understand these effects.
“This study should give us a good handle on whether B12 is related to cognitive decline and dementia. If so, hopefully we can identify a simple, inexpensive intervention that could be started years in advance and before real damage occurs,” said Paul Jacques, MS, ScD, HNRCA senior scientist and professor at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, who is involved in the research.
Nirmal Raj, founder of Buddies Café and Dandjo Teas in Ooty, has been selling matcha since 2015. But of late, says the tea merchant, the quantities he has had to procure have more than quadrupled. “Till a couple of years ago, I used to buy only 500g a month. It’s now 8kg a month and rising,” says Nirmal. He’s not sure what’s driving the surge, but he’s planning to ride the wave with a matcha dessert menu soon. It’s game, set, matcha everywhere. Namratha Marlecha, founder of Sante Spa Cuisine in Chennai, is also seeing an increase in demand for their matcha dishes. “We’ve been around for more than seven years now, and hardly a handful of people used to try our smoothie matcha bowl or matcha pina colada, for the health benefits. Today, almost every table has someone ordering matcha dishes. The demand has pushed us to rework our menu and add more matcha drinks,” says Namratha.
Strawberry Matcha at Dou, Nungambakkam
A finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, matcha involves consuming the entire powdered young leaf, offering a more concentrated dose of nutrients and antioxidants, unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves. Once a niche Japanese import, matcha is now riding the social media wave into cafés, kitchens, and even personal tea collections across Chennai. Latshyamitra R says every time she opens her Instagram account, her feed is filled with matcha tea recipes. So much so that the UX designer got curious, bought 30g of ceremonial-grade matcha online, a premium quality powder traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, for Rs 800. “I made matcha drinks with caramel, strawberry and vanilla,” says Latsyamitra. “I’m planning to bake next,” she says. Saravanan B V, a brand designer from Ooty, initially tried it for its high antioxidant properties and health benefits. But soon he fell in love with the taste and now collects matcha varieties. Not all matcha tastes the same, says Saravanan. Indian matcha has an astringent taste (a dry, puckering sensation in the mouth) that comes from the altitude difference and the way it is ground, compared to Japanese matcha. The Japanese matcha, says Alexander R K, chef at Dou, Nungambakkam, has a unique flavour profile; a delicate balance of earthiness, umami and subtle bitterness making it a versatile ingredient that blends well with sweet and savoury dishes. “We are trying to use matcha as salt in barbecue meats and tempura,” says Alexander. “They are still in a trial phase, but show promise among adventurous diners. We’re also exploring matcha-infused sauces and glazes that can complement Asian-inspired small plates and grills,” he adds.
Matcha Brownie
Café owners and tea merchants say they procure their matcha from Japan or Assam (the only place in India where it is grown). Chota Tingrai in Assam’s Tinsukia district is the only tea estate in the country that produces it. “We’ve been making green tea at Chota Tingrai using Japanese technology since the 1980s, but matcha requires far greater precision and investment,” says tea manufacturer Mrigendra Jalan of Jalan Industries. The estate is experimenting with the Yabukita cultivar and its Assam equivalent, slowly moving toward Japanese standards with both ceremonial and culinary grades. “The process is slow and costly, as one Japanese grinding machine costs Rs 40 lakh and produces just 10kg a day,” he says. South India has the potential to grow matcha, says Jalan, but the climate and altitude will influence its flavour profile. “South Indian tea is not as strong as Assam tea, and less bitter. While Assam works on refining production, demand from Chennai, Bengaluru, and Ooty is already surging, pointing to a future where locally grown matcha could complement imports from Japan.”
GRADE GUIDE
Ceremonial grade
A premium quality matcha powder, traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, characterised by its smooth, delicate, and subtly sweet flavour
Premium grade
A blend of first and second harvests, offering a slightly bolder, more robust flavour, suitable for both drinking straight and for use in lattes and other recipes
Culinary grade
A lower grade intended for use in lattes, smoothies, and baked goods
Something is brewing
The catechins in matcha help improve cardiac health and metabolic balance. “It’s also a good source of potassium which improves blood pressure and is rich in Vitamin K, an important fat-soluble vitamin required for blood clotting and bone health (especially in post-menopausal women),” says Meenakshi Bajaj, dietician at Tamil Nadu Govt Multi Super Specialty Hospital. Matcha has more caffeine than regular green tea (70mg per 2g serving) but less than coffee (120mg per cup). Those with fluid, potassium and vitamin K restrictions in their diet must avoid matcha. Avoid matcha in the late afternoon or evening as it may disturb sleep. For those on iron supplements, matcha can be had 1-2 hours before or after
Millions of people—especially elderly women—take calcium supplements daily to protect their bones. But few realise that this well-intentioned habit can quietly trigger another serious problem: iron deficiency anaemia.
It is a hidden paradox. Calcium is essential for bone strength, while iron keeps our blood healthy and oxygen flowing. Yet, when taken together, calcium and iron compete for absorption in the same part of the small intestine. And in this silent contest, calcium often wins—reducing iron absorption from your meal by more than half.
How it happens: Calcium carbonate can unintentionally interfere with the body’s natural processing of another vital nutrient—iron. Both calcium and dietary iron (especially non-heme iron from plant foods) are absorbed in the same section of the small intestine. When taken together, calcium wins the battle, cutting iron absorption from around 10.2% to just 4.8% in a single meal.
A real-life scenario: Imagine you have just enjoyed a fresh salad bowl rich in green leafy vegetables or a beetroot smoothie to boost your iron. Immediately after, you take your daily calcium supplement. Inside your body, a silent tug-of-war begins—one that leaves your iron intake defeated. Over time, this can lead to chronic anaemia, fatigue, and weakness.
What can we do? The solution starts with awareness.
• Do not take calcium supplements with iron-rich meals.
• Keep a 2–3 hour gap between calcium and iron intake.
• Follow your doctor’s or nutritionist’s timing instructions closely.
This small change can make a big difference to your nutrient status—and ultimately, your health.
The writer is a nutritionist and humanitarian aid worker. Email: [email protected]
Each serving contains just 6 grams of sugar and 45 calories, sweetened naturally with cane sugar and monk fruit. The powder is Non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free, aligning with most dietary preferences. Add it to water, your favorite sports drink, or a smoothie 15-30 minutes before your workout for optimal results.
With an affordable price point and a clean label, Naked Energy’s expanded flavor lineup strengthens its appeal in the growing pre-workout supplement space, particularly among wellness-conscious, plant-based, and fitness-savvy consumers.
Image Credit: Naked Nutrition
Sen Genshitsu, a would-be kamikaze pilot who became a Japanese tea ceremony master preparing cups of matcha for world leaders and monarchs, died aged 102 on Thursday, reports said. With a motto of “peacefulness through a bowl of tea”, Kyoto-born Sen used ancient “Urasenke” tea tradition rituals to spotlight his anti-war messages. The United Nations headquarters in New York and the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbour, Hawaii — the scene of a devastating Japanese attack that brought the US into World War II — were among the locations for his ceremonies.
His death was reported by major Japanese media, including the national broadcaster NHK and the top-selling newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. AFP could not immediately reach the Urasenke school for comment. Born in 1923, Sen went through training as a young man to become a kamikaze pilot in World War II, but the fighting ended before he had to carry out a suicidal mission.
This photo taken on April 9, 2013 shows Sen Genshitsu, former head of the “Urasenke” school of tea ceremony, performing a tea offering during a visit to the US Capitol in Washington, D.C.
He later told how he used to serve tea to his fellow soldiers during military training. In a 2023 interview with NHK, Sen stressed the calming effects of tea culture. “A bowl of tea makes spirits very peaceful. When everyone is peaceful, there will be no war,” he said. An ordained Zen monk, Sen became the 15th-generation grand master of the Urasenke school in 1964 following the death of his father who had previously headed the tradition.
He offered tea to monarchs and presidents including Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and counted the former US secretary of state Henry Kissinger and former Chinese president Hu Jintao as friends. He said that his wartime experience had helped shape his views on the importance of peace.
In 1997, he received the Order of Culture in Japan and in 2020, he was given the Legion of Honour, France’s most prestigious order of merit. He retired in 2002 as the head of the tea school, passing it to his son, but he remained active up until his death.
Even after he turned 102 in April, he held more than 100 cultural and government advisory positions and gave speeches, including some lasting more than an hour, the Yomiuri Shimbun said. He also worked as a goodwill ambassador for the UN cultural and education agency, UNESCO. He was known as “Flying Grand Master” for his busy travel schedules. — AFP
Supplements have become the go-to addition in people’s lives over the past couple of years, where they buy the most popular ones and include them in their routines for better health. According to the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), findings from 2022 reveal that three-quarters (75%) of Americans use nutritional or dietary supplements. The reasons for the same range from “maintaining my health” to “live healthier or adopt healthier habits.”While consuming these supplements is not entirely harmful, not every supplement in any amount will be beneficial to your body. Now, Dr Bing, a neurologist, has revealed 3 supplements that can be toxic to your brain and nervous system health.On his Instagram account, Dr Bing shared a video on the topic that has garnered 10.7K views and 269 comments. “3 supplements that can be toxic to your brain and nervous system if you take too much”, added the doctor in the caption.
Talking about the supplements, Dr Bing said, “Here are three supplements you need to be careful about taking.”
Image credits: Getty Images
The doctor shared how people usually take it for immune support or to fight off colds. It’s found in multivitamins, lozenges and even some over-the-counter cold remedies, he added.“Now zinc is essential for our bodies and can be found in multiple food sources but the problem is when people take supplements daily for months they can easily go over the safe limit.”Excessive zinc can interfere with copper absorption and copper is essential for the nervous system. Low amounts of copper in the body can cause Myeloneuropathy, which is damage to the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, leading to numbness, tingling and trouble walking.“I’ve seen several cases where people come in with progressive weakness and sensory loss due to copper deficiency from long term zinc overuse,” explained Dr Bing.
Image credits: Getty Images
People typically take Vitamin A supplements for skin health, vision or immunity. It is present in a lot of supplements like cod liver oil or other liver-based supplements. “Unlike water soluble vitamins, Vitamin A is fat soluble which means it stores in your liver and it can accumulate over time. Too much of this can lead to a condition called Pseudotumor Cerebri, which is increased pressure in the brain that mimics a brain tumour.” This can cause headaches, vision problems and even permanent vision loss.
Image credits: Getty Images
Vitamin D supplements are included in diets for bone health and immune support. They are recommended for those at risk of Vitamin D deficiency such as infants and those above 50.“However, taking too high doses of Vitamin D can cause calcium to build up in your blood, which can affect the brain, leading to things like confusion, fatigue, depression and sometimes even psychosis,” explained the doc.“So while these vitamins and minerals are essential for our bodies to function, moderation is key. Like almost everything in life, more is not always better,” he added.
Organic, sustainable, and undeniably stylish, English Tea Shop comes in gift-ready packaging that looks right at home on your kitchen shelf or hotel room desk. Each blend is crafted with pure, delightful flavors and packed with antioxidants and botanicals designed to energize your day, calm your mind, and support your overall wellness. It’s tea with purpose and a whole lot of pretty.
On-the-Go Goodness
– Advertisement –
English Tea Shop now has its ultra-charming 8-count sampler, available exclusively at Robinsons Supermarkets and The Marketplace nationwide. With its pretty pastel packaging designed to spark joy at first glance, this little box is organic, healthy, and a chic must-have for your pantry or suitcase.
Must-try flavors include Super Berries, a vibrant medley of berry powerhouses that delivers a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart sip. For something zesty and refreshing, the Lemongrass, Ginger & Citrus blend offers a bold burst of flavor that’s ideal for digestion and energizing your mornings. And if you’re all about wellness, the Green Tea & Pomegranate is a go-to antioxidant-rich brew that’s as feel-good as it is flavorful.
Classic Brews with a Wellness Boost
The organic 20-count blends are more than just delicious—they’re pantry must-haves. From the bold and energizing English Breakfast to the calming notes of Chamomile and Peppermint, each flavor is crafted to match your daily mood and wellness needs. Keep your shelves stocked with essentials like Green Tea Pomegranate, Lemongrass, Ginger & Citrus, Pure Green Tea, and the antioxidant-rich Super Berries. Consider these your go-to brews because no well-stocked pantry is complete without them.
For green tea devotees, the Supreme Green is a thoughtfully curated pack that brings together seven green tea favorites in one generous box—ideal for those who love variety without straying from their wellness routine. Inside, you’ll find a harmonious blend of Green Sencha, Matcha, Pure Green Tea, Jasmine Green Tea, Mint Green Tea, and Mighty Matcha.
(Whether you’re seeking relaxation, a natural glow, or a daily wellness boost, there’s an English Tea Shop organic blend that speaks to your needs. English Tea Shop is available at all Robinsons Supermarket and The Marketplace stores nationwide.)
– Advertisement –
In 2023, Americans spent over $71 billion on weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy alone, according to a research paper published in JAMA Network Open. That doesn’t account for non-GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, or cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction and abdominoplasty. Although there’s little scientific evidence that dietary supplements can also aid with weight loss, experts say they can boost efforts when used in tandem with other practices, including exercise. In fact, a supplement by the name of L-carnitine comes doctor-recommended.
RELATED: Akkermansia Is Being Called a Game-Changer for Weight Loss.
Is L-carnitine a suitable alternative for GLP-1 drugs? The dietary weight-loss supplement operates similarly to Ozempic and Mounjaro in the sense that it’s not an overnight miracle worker. It takes consistency as well as a healthy diet and regular exercise to see significant results.
“L-carnitine is often marketed as a fat burner, but the truth is it’s not some magic pill that melts fat overnight,” says Alberico Sessa, MD, a double board-certified cosmetic surgeon, in a TikTok video.
But that’s where their similarities end. GLP-1 medications stifle cravings and food noise, whereas L-carnitine helps your body convert fat into energy.
“It works by transporting fatty acids into your mitochondria, as well your cells, where the fat can then be burned for fuel,” explains Sessa. “So yes, it does support fat metabolism—but it’s not gonna work miracles on its own.”
Research shows that L-carnitine is more effective in “slightly overweight” adults.
In a 2020 meta-analysis of 37 clinical trials, scientists found that L-carnitine supplements “significantly decreased body weight, body mass index, and fat mass” in overweight and obese patients. Another study observed weight-loss effects in people with type 2 diabetes who took daily L-carnitine supplements.
“For these groups, it might give a slight edge in fat burning and energy levels; but for the average person already eating well and working out, the effects might be more subtle,” Sessa reasoned.
RELATED: 10 Best Ways to Strip Away Your Unhealthiest Belly Fat, According to Doctors.
Previous studies have linked L-carnitine to heart health benefits. Some of these include reduced blood pressure levels, improved heart function and symptom relief for congestive heart failure, and cholesterol management. The dietary supplement also “significantly decreases depressive symptoms compared with placebo/no intervention,” reported a 2018 research paper. Moreover, experts say L-carnitine can be helpful for people with type 2 diabetes.
However, Sessa believes L-carnitine is most effective at “improving your energy stamina and even recovering after exercise.” He notes that a majority of users “report feeling less fatigued” and find it easier to “bounce back after a workout.”
Therefore, doctors advise taking L-carnitine supplements in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, not as a replacement for one or either. It takes time, consistency, and self-perseverance to build any type of habitual routine, so don’t let up if you don’t see results right away.
“If you’re feeling better, if you’re more energized, it’s gonna give you more opportunity and more motivation to actually work out more often, which is a healthy choice,” adds Sessa.
Be sure to run any new medications, including dietary supplements, by your doctor prior to use.
