Wax

Why You Need It

• Preservation: Natural waxes create a barrier against moisture and oxygen, extending the shelf life of supplements and fresh produce.
• Digestive Aid (Carrier): In supplements, waxes help bind ingredients together, ensuring pills don't crumble and release their contents at the right time.
• Gloss and Texture: In foods, they provide that satisfying shine on apples and peppers, signaling freshness.

Deep Dive

Natural waxes are esters and long-chain fatty acids. Unlike synthetic petroleum waxes, natural waxes are digestible. When you consume edible wax (like the coating on a non-organic apple), your body treats it similarly to dietary fiber. It passes through the digestive tract largely unabsorbed, but it helps lubricate the digestive system. For supplement users, the presence of Carnauba Wax or Beeswax in your softgels is actually a sign of quality manufacturing, preventing the active ingredients from degrading before you take them.

Natural Food Sources

While we don't eat wax by the spoonful, it is found naturally in the protective layers of plants and in honeycomb.

Supplementation

You rarely take wax as a standalone supplement. Instead, it is an inactive ingredient found in:

• Softgel capsules (holds the oil inside).
• Tablet coatings (prevents sticking and improves swallowing).
• Vitamin gels (provides structure).

If you are looking for the health benefits of wax itself, you are likely looking for Beeswax, which contains trace amounts of Vitamin A and has been used traditionally for throat soothing.