Whether it's to take care of your skin, your hair or to regain energy, there are many reasons to turn to organic and natural food supplements.
Currently, there are 2 categories of dietary supplements on the market:
- Those that contain synthetic products.
- Supplements made with natural and organic ingredients .
Is there a real difference between organic, natural, and French food supplements compared to traditional supplements? Atelier Nubio offers three points to consider on this question and explains its commitments to responsible healthcare.
What exactly is a dietary supplement?
A food supplement is first and foremost a food concentrated in minerals, vitamins, and plants that is taken in addition to one's diet to boost one's body and address certain deficiencies.
They are considered under the status of specific foodstuff , which explains why they can be bought in pharmacies, food stores and on the internet.
Dietary supplements placed on the European market are highly regulated , and every effort is made to ensure they are of high quality and safe for consumers. However, they are not all created equal.
Please note that a dietary supplement can never replace a balanced diet . It is important not to exceed the recommended dose or to continue taking them for too long. It is also strongly recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice and to avoid potential drug interactions if you are currently undergoing treatment.
Natural, of natural origin and organic: what are the differences?
A natural product
Currently, there is no specific legislation surrounding the term 'natural'. However, to be labeled as such, a product must contain at least 95% natural ingredients .
So-called natural ingredients are those that come from:
- plants (virgin vegetable oils, plant or fruit extracts...);
- of the mineral ;
- animals (wool, wax, milk...)
- marine flora (algae...).
They are incorporated in their raw state into the compositions because they do not undergo any 'chemical' process aimed at transforming them. They therefore retain their active ingredients and properties , without being denatured. Extraction can be carried out using steam, manually, by drying, or by pressing.
Be aware that natural ingredients do not necessarily equate to organic farming and clear traceability. When they are not organic, they may be highly concentrated in pesticides , which are released depending on the extraction method (drying, pressing, etc.), and may come from the other side of the world, without their true origin being known.
A product of natural origin
A product of natural origin is somewhat different because it has undergone a chemical transformation during its extraction. It is not incorporated into the recipe in its raw form. The chemical reaction that modified it may have been carried out with a solvent, natural or otherwise, or according to the principles of green chemistry.
In any case, a product of natural origin cannot be considered organic , even if it comes from raw materials that are named as such.
The organic label
For a product to be considered organic, it must necessarily comply with a strict European charter that governs agricultural methods and the use of certain products.
Organic products cannot use chemical fertilizers or pesticides , and no traces of heavy metals must be found in the finished product. The number of permitted additives is limited (47 compared to 300 in conventional agriculture), and enrichment with vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants is prohibited, as are ionizing treatments.
In addition to seeking to preserve biodiversity and various agricultural resources, organic certification promotes ethical working practices and values of transparency. In this case, there is always a label certifying that 95% of the ingredients used in the product are organically grown.
Products described as 'natural' can therefore be organic, as with Atelier Nubio certified with the BioED® label.
1 - Supplements without synthetic products
100% natural ingredients and 0% toxic products
Organic and natural food supplements rely on the virtues and benefits extracted from various plants . Because they are not diluted with additives, the active ingredients are more potent and concentrated . This is what happens when anti-caking agents and bulking agents (which are always highly processed) are omitted, as these dilute the beneficial ingredients.
It's important to read the labels on dietary supplements to identify the beneficial ingredients and the drawbacks. The more ingredients listed, the less transparent and straightforward the product is.
Here is a short list of things to pay attention to in order to ensure that what you are going to ingest is healthy for you:
- Minerals, amino acids, vitamins : are they synthetic? Look at the natural source from which they come; if it doesn't exist, then you have your answer.
- plants and plant extracts : check the quantity in relation to the recommended dose;
- flavorings, additives, added substances such as preservatives, colorings, acidity regulators...
- technological auxiliaries and refined substances used for manufacturing such as extraction solvents or antifoams.
It's important to pay attention to these ingredients, as some so-called 'clean' brands use them in their formulations. At Atelier Nubio, we've compiled a blacklist of ingredients we will never use in our products.
Here are the things you'll never see in our store:
- Anti-caking agents : talc, silica, magnesium carbonate, magnesium salts...
- Texturizing agents : alginates, maltodextrin...
- palm oil ;
- refined sugars ;
- the aromas ;
- dyes ;
- Preservatives : sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate.
Choosing organic and natural food supplements made from 100% plants is a guarantee of quality and transparency when you are looking to feel good with healthy products.
Atelier Nubio’s organic certification
In January 2021 Atelier Nubio obtained the BioED® label , which encourages our commitments to sustainable bio-business.
Certifying that more than 95% of our supplements, routines and rituals are organic, this label is issued by an independent body and brings together many committed entrepreneurs.
Sustainable development is at the heart of our business, as is our commitment to continuous improvement in order to positively impact society. Every company awarded the BioED® label must demonstrate ambitious environmental objectives .
2 - Organic food supplements that preserve biodiversity
Organic and natural food supplements offer numerous benefits for both health and the environment . The most toxic products are eliminated from agricultural practices, and soils and biodiversity are preserved. This approach supports smaller producers, who are paid a fair price for their work.
In addition to making a better choice for oneself, organic and natural food supplements promote the authenticity and raw effectiveness of natural ingredients.
3 - Natural beauty
Choosing organic dietary supplements for self-care ensures the quality of the products you buy. But which organic and natural dietary supplement should you choose? Which plants should you favor for natural beauty?
Revitalize your hair
To give your hair a boost , nothing beats strengthening it from within, thanks to plants or ceramides .
The name "On veut une cheveux de sirène" (We want mermaid hair) is apt, as it contains nettle, horsetail, and Fréja , a 100% Atelier Nubio-made juice (wild blueberry, purple carrot, and grape). Everything you need to make your mane shine.
Pamper your skin
Between hormonal imbalances , external aggressions or changes in diet , it is normal for the quality of our skin to fluctuate.
Detox routines or dietary supplements can help address several issues:
- for those who want skin free from acne and imperfections , a duo that targets the deep origins of acne to help you get rid of it in a healthy and natural way.
And for those who are hesitant about which treatment to choose, it is entirely possible to carry out a diagnosis based on your objectives and the benefits you wish to experience.
Improve your digestion
It's important to understand how your digestion and gut flora work . The gut microbiota plays a key role in all the everyday discomforts: bloating, poor digestion, sensitive skin.
In addition to paying attention to your diet, there's nothing like doing detox cleanses to relieve your body and eliminate certain toxins.
For this, artichoke, fennel, birch sap and fennel become your best allies thanks to Naïade's On veut un ventre plat .
Atelier Nubio's actions to adopt a responsible approach
Local plants at the heart of our recipes
Since its inception, Atelier Nubio has consistently strived for transparency and ethical practices. This is why organic and locally sourced plants are central to our approach, enabling us to offer you the finest natural food supplements.
In our range of supplements, all capsules are composed of 100% natural care products , extracts of French and organic plants.
And when it is impossible to find certain local ingredients, we work hand in hand with our suppliers to find the most local plants possible and help farmers to grow some of them.
Circular economy and responsible packaging to go even further
In addition to all these actions, Atelier Nubio is committed to a circular economy and a responsible approach where:
- green waste is composted and reused to nourish the soil of the region's organic market gardeners;
- the packaging is 94% recyclable : glass containers and paper refills are preferred to avoid plastic packaging;
- 100% of the labels come from FSC and PEFC certified forests
- There are no solvents in the inks or the cardboard of the labels.
