Ever wondered what all those lotions and potions, pills and tubs are all about at the health food shop? And what on earth those guys at the gym put in those protein shakes – don’t worry you are not the only one. It seems there is an abundance of products you can buy, promising amazing benefits - but which are the ones that will accelerate your training, reinforce your diet and promote good health? Which of them will actually work for you without costing the earth?
Although we strive to get all the vital elements we need through our diet alone, this is very difficult. Here are the 5 basics that will have a significant effect on your health and well-being:
- A good multivitamin – although remember that guys shouldn’t be taking the extra iron in their multivitamin, unlike women, as excessive levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Fish oil - the benefits are huge with many positive results being shown on a multitude of ailments. Serotonin levels will be increased reducing depression and anxiety and they can also help with those carb cravings. It is also a fabulous supplement for successful fat loss.
- Vitamin D3 - the preferred form of vitamin D because it is the specific form made in the human body and as a result is more effective than D2 which is often found in supplements. For women vitamin D plays an important role in protecting your bones as your body requires vitamin D to absorb calcium – helpful for preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin D will help improve overall body composition and to lose body fat.
- Zinc – helps with hormone levels so boosts testosterone in men; improving muscle growth and helps with ridding you of possible ‘manboobs’ – it also has a great effect on the libido. For women zinc can help you say goodbye to the ‘bingo wings’, and helps with reproductive health, fertility and libido. Zinc boosts the immune system and is a powerful antioxidant with the potential to prevent cancer.
- Magnesium – it can help with recovery and makes the body perform more energetically. Magnesium is also great for helping reduce the risk of heart attack and is a stress buster. Also as we wrote in our recent blog on sleep it is an excellent supplement to assist in getting you off to Snoozeville.
If you want to know more than just the basics and get the greatest benefits then simply contact DVCC to find out more.
