If you consider your health an important investment and you aren't taking any additional dietary supplements, it may be something to consider. While an ideal diet of eating the right foods can and should provide everything your body needs, it can be worth while for some of us to take additional supplements, since most of us don't have the time or resources to eat what our body really needs. In my experience, the following supplements have been the most helpful.
Green Tea
As you have probably heard, it boosts your metabolism. You don't need the caffeine either; decaffeinated tea supposedly has the same fat burning effect on your body. However, at around 30-50 mg of caffeine, a cup of traditional green tea can give your energy a lift as well.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins provide you with a number of different vitamins and minerals that your diet may be lacking. Vitamins are no substitute for servings of fruit and vegetables, but are probably not a bad idea if your diet just doesn't cut it. Taking a two a day multivitamin may be better than just taking more - since you take two at different times, more of it is actually absorbed by your body.
Fish Oil Capsules (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Fish oil capsules have been reputed to have a cornucopia of different benefits; good for joints, skin, hair, brain activity, memory, mood, etc. You can get fish oil bottled (and deal with the fishy taste - lemon isn't so bad though) or in capsule variety. For vegans/vegetarians, Omega-3 is also quite plentiful in flax, as well as walnuts.
Glucosamine
I have had knee pain for years. I shouldn't, since I'm in my early 20's, but its a reality. While taking glucosamine, I have noticed a significant improvement in the health of my joints. It is touted to help with arthritis as well. While glucosamine can help, any joint pain should first and foremost be checked out by a physician before you seek alternatives.
CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
This promotes reduction of body fat, increased muscle retention, and increased energy levels. For more information on CLA, click here. Personally, it is difficult to determine just how effective a supplement it has been for me, because since I started taking it, I have been taking other supplements and exercising more.
Others to consider:
Creatine: This may help increase muscular endurance and strength, but you need to drink a lot of water.
Ginseng: This increases alertness without some of the side affects of caffeine.
Ginko Biloba: This claims to improve focus, memory, and mental clarity.
Ginger: This aids digestion and may help settle an upset stomach
So, Paul, which do you think is the best multivitamins available in the marlet?
#2 by JenysieJane, May 5, 2008
I am sure that taking supplements may sound like a good idea, however in my opinion I personally don't take them because they are man-made and you have no idea what added ingredients they put in them. I am not a paranoid person by any means however I know that when I have taken supplements in the past they usually make me feel worse then before I took them. I have also read resources that say that they put other ingredients in the vitamins/supplements which "they" know can and will potentially harm your body, but "they" don't care because "they" just want to make money.
On the other hand however this is a very well written article and I am sure it can be very helpful to those of you that choose to use supplement!!
#3 by Paul Corvus, May 5, 2008
Alixander, in response to your question, the optimal multivitamin differs from person to person. There are a lot of factors, and perhaps I will write an article about that in the near future.
Jenysie, you make a very valid point. Depending on where you get your supplements from and what company makes them, you very well might be buying something that does more harm to you than good. For those that do choose to take supplements, whatever they are, it is important to research exactly what it is you are taking, and find a company you feel comfortable with. Also, if a store doesn't have knowledgeable sales people, thats a sign its not a good place to buy from.
Additionally, supplements extend beyond just pills and capsules. Many of the things I use to "supplement" my diet are in the form of teas and infusions made from various herbs. There are plenty of options to ensure your body is getting everything it needs.
#4 by DAWB, Jun 25, 2008
I'd like to see grape seed extract added to this list as well as soy and soy products.
#5 by dawnella, Jun 25, 2008
VITAMIN D SHOULD BE ON THIS LIST, MOST PEOPLE ARE DEFICIENT IN THIS.
