By Beverly Terhune

The health and wellness industry touts sales of more than $102 billion, as reported by the NMI, Natural Marketing Institute. The natural organic personal care category showed the largest growth at 29 percent.

Here are some of the products that have contributed to the success and profit of the vitamin, mineral and dietary supplement industry last year.

Vitamin D

Perhaps the biggest surprise was the information released on an old standby, Vitamin D. It has been reported that individuals with lower blood levels of Vitamin D appear to have an increased risk of death overall from cardiovascular causes.

A recent consensus panel estimated that about 50 to 60 percent of older individuals in North America and the rest of the world do not have satisfactory Vitamin D status. This can lead to falls, fractures, cancer immune dysfunction, cardiovascular and hypertension.

Doctors in the know are suggesting 1,000 to 2,000 IU of Vitamin D as essential to cardiovascular and bone health. Adding more Vitamin D to your diet by supplementation is essential to good health. One could lie in the sun and absorb some good old fashion vitamin D but now we are seeing more and more skin cancer and the danger of damaging our skin is often too great a risk.

Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has a long shelf life and a melting point of 76 degrees.

Coconut oil can cause weight loss by increasing metabolic rate.

Coconut Oil provides a nutritional source of quick energy.

Coconut Oil improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Taking coconut oil internally can relieve stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body thus reducing the symptoms associated with pancreatitis.

It is very good for the skin, due to the qualities of the oil itself. Applied topically, coconut oil helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward off infections. In India, coconut oil is also rubbed into the scalp as a treatment to remove head lice.

Coconut Oil reduces problems associated with digestion by improving calcium and magnesium absorption. Using coconut oil also supports the development of strong bones and teeth.

The oil itself is very good for proper function of your digestive system and bowel function. It can also be used to treat hemorrhoid pain.

Coconut oil is a protective antioxidant; helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote degenerative diseases and premature aging.

Glucosamine Chondroitin MSM

With the population of people over 50 reaching over 60% in recent years, taking care of our joints has become a topic for conversation. Doctors agree for dogs, cats and humans there is nothing as strong as or better than glucosamine with chondroitin and MSM for joint health, relieving pain and getting inflammation in tow.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are components of normal cartilage. These supplements can help the body to repair damaged cartilage. Further evidence proves that patients taking Glucosamine and Chondroitin can reduce pain from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other joint related diseases usually within several weeks to months after initiating therapy.

MSM has shown benefits for a range of health problems including arthritis, muscle and joint pain and inflammatory conditions. MSM is also known for pain reduction around the nerve fibers, (analgesia), aids with inflammation, increases blood supply to joints, helps reduce muscle spasms, and softens scar tissue.

As with any vitamin or supplement, please consult your doctor before taking. Author Beverly Terhune speaks from 35 years of living with Rheumatoid Arthritis and shares her experience, strength & hope on how to lead a healthy, substance-free life.

VitaminBaron.com 'Take Your Vitamins' Natural Products - Wholesale Prices - Fast Delivery Visit us at: www.vitaminbaron.com Phone: 602-942-0118 Fax: 602-863-9020