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The saying goes, “We are what we at.” Truthfully, the food we bring into our bodies has a tremendous impact on our mind and bodies. Eating a well-balanced diet can improve our brain's ability to function, heal and prevent illness, perk up our moods, and even keep our skin looking youthful… yes, please!
In a perfect world, a person should get all the nutrients they need by eating the right foods, but let’s face it, most of us don’t eat a completely balanced diet all the time. Dietary supplements can ensure that our bodies get a sufficient amount of nutrients that we don’t consume naturally like vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and other products. Even if you’re someone who eats a variety of nutritious foods, you can still benefit from taking supplements to help feel your best each and every day.
1. Vitamin B
What does it do?
Increases energy levels and promotes brain function and psychological well being.
How does it work?
B vitamins boost a multitude of bodily functions, from converting nutrients into energy to improving brain cognition. On its own, the body cannot produce the eight essential B vitamins in enough quantities. That means your diet must supply them every day. Taking a supplement can ensure you get enough of all B vitamins to boost energy and help you think more clearly.
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2. Magnesium
What does it do?
Strengthens bones, improves heart health, and reduces anxiety.
How does it work?
The macromineral Magnesium assists in many processes in the body including improving bone formation and density, promoting calcium absorption in the bones, and lowering the risk of osteoporosis. Magnesium also helps maintain the health of muscles, especially when it comes to the heart. Studies have also shown that a deficiency in magnesium can lead to increased levels of anxiety. For women, magnesium has the added benefit of alleviating premenstrual symptoms. Magnesium supplements can interact with certain drugs so make sure to consult with your physician if taking any medications.
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3. Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acid)
What does it do?
Promotes heart health, balances hormones, and improves mental health.
How does it work?
People take Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil as a supplement for its many health benefits. It prevents several health conditions, including heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and high cholesterol. Fish oil also fights and treats depression and mood disorders. In fact, countries in which people consume large amounts of fish, tend to have lower instances of depression. Women can also take fish oil to help balance hormonal fluctuations and stabilize mood swings.
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4. Glycine
What does it do?
Helps build lean muscle, reduces joint pain, and slows signs of aging.
How does it work?
Known as the “anti-aging amino acid”, glycine has many benefits that help you feel, and look, good at any age. This supplement has shown signs of increasing lifespan and also helps keep your mind sharp as it boosts mental performance and memory. Glycine will make skin look more youthful by protecting it from damage and aging, reducing fine lines, and building collagen.
Athletes especially can benefit from taking this supplement as it helps build lean muscle mass and improves flexibility and range of motion. As an added bonus, glycine promotes sleep and improves digestion.
Naturally, people get glycine from consuming animal skin and bones. However, while our ancestors tended to eat the entire animal, “nose-to-tail”, today, people normally opt for boneless chicken breast in which the glycine-rich skin has been removed. Taking a supplement can reap all those amazing benefits of glycine.
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