Supplements are one the most misunderstood aids of fitness. No doubt, exercise and diet are the main components of living a healthy lifestyle. However, when taken correctly, supplements can accelerate your results, make up any diet deficiencies and prevent illnesses. On the other hand, you wouldn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on supplements which don’t work, right? So here’s a guide of the top 5 supplements that will give you ladies the biggest bang for your buck!
#1 Multivitamins
A complete multivitamin can complete a poor diet, ensuring that you get your daily dose of all the vitamins and minerals you need from vitamin A all the way to zinc. Recommended: Optimum Nutrition Opti-Women.
#2 Green Tea
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most studied polyphenol antioxidant found in green tea and the most active. Clinical studies have revealed that this antioxidant may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, as well as have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties that may help prevent the development and growth of skin tumors. Recommended: St. Dalfour Organic Green Tea.
#3 Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed is said to lower cholesterol levels, boost the immune system, and protect against cancers, including breast cancer. Note that flaxseed oil contains only omega-3 fatty acids and not the additional fiber or lignans available through the seed, but its health benefits are undeniable, so make sure you are getting enough. Recommended: Nature’s Bounty Flaxseed Oil.
#4 Coenzyme Q10
Some researchers believe CoQ10 may help with heart-related conditions by lowering blood pressure and boosting your levels of ecSOD, an enzyme thought to protect blood vessels from damage. Studies also suggest that CoQ10 may fight cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease, as well as improve physical performance while exercising. Japanese researchers, for instance, found CoQ10 supplementation decreased exercise-induced muscle injury. Recommended: Doctor’s Best High Absorption CoQ10.
#5 Melatonin
Melatonin plays a large role in regulating your sleep schedule. When it gets dark at night, a nerve pathway in your eye sends a signal to the brain to tell the pineal gland to start secreting melatonin, which makes you sleepy. Low levels of melatonin—along with screwing up up Zzzs—can also increase your risk for breast cancer. Recommended: Natrol Melatonin.
This article is written by Lai Wee Kiat, blogger of Fabodylous.com and personal trainer in Singapore. If you’re looking for help in getting that dream body of yours, click here.