Health and wellness are a growing concern for millions of people around the world. From natural foods to personal fitness, from beauty to lifestyle, people are investing in health and happiness more than ever before. A global industry has developed around these goals, and lots of great brands have come to the party. Inspired by traditional ingredients, ignited by scientific advances, and fuelled by a growing legion of people, this industry is about living a better life on your own terms.

In this article, we'll review the evolution of holistic health and list some of the best brands selling health foods, supplements, and lifestyle products. This is part one of a two-part series, with eight brands covered in this article. Healthy Being supplies thousands of life-affirming products from dozens of Australian and international brands, and the names featured below are among the very best.

The Long History of Holistic Health

Since the beginning of written history, and probably long before, we have consumed certain foods in an effort to treat illness and promote good health. From the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese to the birth of modern science, people have always been interested in holistic healthcare methods focused on prevention and self-healing. Over the course of many centuries, natural health systems have developed based on eating good foods and using specific ingredients as medicines.

The earliest holistic health practices come from Asia, with evidence of Ayurvedic Indian medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dating from at least 3000 BC. Ayurveda is about creating harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, with different ingredients and regimes adopted based on the unique constitution of each person. TCM is also about balance, with people using exercise, herbal medicine, and acupuncture to address disharmony throughout the body.

The ancient Greeks were also focused on preventing sickness instead of treating disease. For them, illness was largely seen as a product of poor diet and lifestyle. The ancient Romans took this idea further, using a complex mix of herbal remedies and creating a public health system in an effort to prevent disease. While the Romans still believed that specific Gods had healing powers, they also knew that good food and hygiene were vital to preventing the spread of disease.

Health and Wellness in Modern Times

Throughout the centuries, people continued to focus on links between food, lifestyle, and health. The term "wellness" was first used in the 1650s, homeopathy came in the 1790s, and hydrotherapy was developed in the 1860s. From spiritual Christian Science in the late 1800s to the formation of the actual scientific method, we slowly learned what worked and what didn't when it came to human health.

The development of science led to fewer quackpot theories, not to mention better diagnosis and treatment methods. However, it also led to increased medical specialisation and a steady decline in holistic and preventative healthcare measures. As modern medicine became more specialised and capitalism fuelled industrialisation, Western culture moved away from the natural world towards a life of comfort and convenience.

In the West, our collective diet slowly got worse, our lifestyle became more sedentary, and we became increasingly focused on treating conditions instead of preventing them. This led to a backlash, with naturopathy and other holistic systems adopted in the early 1900s to focus on the body’s self-healing abilities. This influenced the creation of the wellness movement in the 1950s, as people looked for new ways to embrace ancient holistic principles.

While the methods used to promote good health were the same as ever — diet and lifestyle — people were getting more serious about how they were promoted. The modern health food industry matured in the 1980s, and it's been growing ever since. There were many reasons for its success, from rising rates of obesity in the Western world to concerns over synthetic additives and growing disenchantment with pharmaceuticals.

The scientific community is also responsible, with new studies making connections between disease and fatty foods, disease and sugary foods, and disease and processed foods. Now more than ever, people around the world are looking for effective natural ways to support health and happiness. By thinking more about what we consume and paying attention to our bodies, we can find new ways to harmonise and be healthy. At its best, this holistic attitude functions in parallel with modern medicine — as a complement rather than an alternative.

Life-affirming Health and Wellness Brands

Over recent years, the health and wellness movement has been growing on several fronts. While it's driven by individual consumers, it's made possible due to forward-thinking health companies. The following names produce some of the best health foods and lifestyle products on the market, and they're all available right here at Healthy Being:

2die4 Live Foods

2die4 Live Foods started out in beautiful Byron Bay, and its products are now sold all over the world. Since 2004, this innovative company has been selling activated nuts, nutritious muesli blends, and cacao snacks, along with a growing hemp food range. 2die4 was the first company in the world to sell activated nuts, with its products created at a custom facility based on ancient traditions. All nuts and seeds are soaked in salt water and dehydrated at low temperatures, with everything done slowly and mindfully for the best possible quality.

Acure

Acure is a beauty and wellness brand focused on healthy natural ingredients. From skincare and hair products to body lotions and gifts, this company produces high-quality products without the chemicals and additives associated with many other brands. When you buy Acure products, you can expect no parabens, added sulphates, formaldehyde, paraffin, or mineral oil. Everything is made without animal testing, and many products are boosted with nutrients to create better results. By promoting natural beauty and wellness, Acure wants to uplift how you feel.

Amazonia

From Australia to the world, Amazonia is an innovative health food company specialising in organic whole-food supplements and plant-based foods. Starting out in 2008, this leading brand aims to boost energy levels through superfoods, raw protein powders, and nutritional supplements. Amazonia produces a wide range of fantastic products, with everything made without synthetics, GMOs, dairy, or artificial ingredients. Amazonia believes that natural whole foods provide all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that our bodies need.

Bennetto Natural Foods

Bennetto Natural Foods started making chocolate products on a small scale. But demand grew, and things quickly got out of hand. This company was established by a natural food lover who partnered with an organic manufacturer in Switzerland to make some of the best chocolate in the world. With natural ingredients, original recipes, and ethical sourcing methods through global cooperatives, Bennetto Natural Foods is invested in the sustainability of the chocolate industry.

Bragg

For more than 100 years, Bragg has led the way in natural health foods. As America’s original health food company, Bragg's ever-expanding product line continues to focus on simple natural foods and supplements. While Bragg is mostly famous for its apple cider vinegar line, this company also produces olive oil, prebiotics, and natural cooking essentials. If you want to eat better, feel healthier, and live a more vibrant life, Bragg products are a great place to start.

Dr Organic

Dr Organic makes healthy foods, supplements, and beauty products from raw natural ingredients. This company sources organic materials from across the world and adds beneficial bioactive extracts for a nutritional boost. When a certified organic source is not available, Dr Organic always chooses a sustainable and natural alternative. All Dr Organic products are made without GM ingredients, harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or mineral oils. They are suitable for vegetarians, made with naturally derived preservatives, and free of animal testing.

Eden Healthfoods

Eden Healthfoods believes in genuine health products made without compromise. They create a premium range of whole-food supplements with real nutritional benefits. The Eden Healthfoods team sources the best certified organic and wildcrafted ingredients on the planet, producing products that really are in a league of their own. From protein powders and immune-boosting supplements to energy and detox remedies, Eden Healthfoods creates powerful products with natural synergy and authentic healing qualities.

Hemp Foods Australia

Hemp is a fantastic natural ingredient that's growing in popularity all the time. As one of the largest hemp food wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers in the southern hemisphere, Hemp Foods Australia is proud to be part of the revolution. Founded in 1999 and growing ever since, this innovative company sells hemp seeds, hemp protein powder, hemp oil, hemp-based skincare products, and much more. Since the beginning, Hemp Foods Australia has been on a mission: "to make a positive difference to people, communities, and the planet."

If you're looking for a huge selection of natural health and wellness products in one place, Healthy Being is here to help. We only stock products from the best companies in the business, with our team constantly researching and sourcing products to meet your needs. From superfoods and supplements to cooking ingredients and beauty products, we have everything you need to live a great natural life.