Which supplements really work? With so many unproven claims and "wow" products out there, choosing the right nutritional supplements can be difficult. Here are our top picks for supplements that offer genuine benefit and address some key challenges women encounter as they try to stay healthy and feel vibrant.
1. Glucosamine
Easily the top-selling nutritional supplement in the US, this nutritional supplement is a top choice for its proven ability to combat osteoarthritis – a condition extremely common among women over 45.
2. Co-Q 10
Although this supplement's disease-preventing effects are not fully proven, many women take coenzyme Q-10in an effort to reduce blood pressure and for its cell-protecting antioxidant properties. It also helps stimulate the body's metabolism and may possibly help increase energy.
3. Melatonin
Most popular as a treatment against insomnia and seasonal affective disorder, this natural hormone also works as an antioxidant. Research being done right now is also looking into the possibility that it can help boost your immune system and even aid in preventing cancer.
4. Calcium
A top choice for women of all ages, Calcium is particularly essential for younger women because it helps build better bone density and prevent osteoporosis in the future. It also encourages healthier hearts and easier periods.
5. Vitamin C
Most women take vitamin C to help prevent colds, but what you may not know is that it also helps you absorb iron more efficiently. Women are much more susceptible to anemia than men are, so vitamin C can be a good choice of supplement if you don't eat enough eggs and dark greens. Of course, straightforward iron supplements can also help correct anemia directly and reduce the fatigue and discomfort associated with it.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Proven to lower heart disease risks dramatically in certain people, omega-3s are also extremely important for development and may help the body work against problems like cancer, asthma, and Crohn's disease.
7. Folic Acid
Standard for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy, folic acid is highly important for cell health, which is one of the reasons it is an important ingredient in most women's multivitamins.
8. Beta-Carotene and other Carotenoids
Good for healthier vision, stronger immunity, and better all-around health, beta-carotene can be an important supplement especially during the winter months, when you are probably not receiving healthy amounts of it already in orangey fruits and vegetables.
9. B-12
This important vitamin helps assist in DNA production, maintain your nerves, and keep your blood healthy. Many women also take it on doctor's recommendations to help reduce anemia or protect their babies' neurological development during pregnancy.
10. Potassium
This essential nutrient is a must for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, and if you are an athlete, smoker, or tend to eat more processed foods than whole foods you should certainly ask your doctor about whether this supplement might be an important way for you to keep your heart happy.
1. Glucosamine
Easily the top-selling nutritional supplement in the US, this nutritional supplement is a top choice for its proven ability to combat osteoarthritis – a condition extremely common among women over 45.
2. Co-Q 10
Although this supplement's disease-preventing effects are not fully proven, many women take coenzyme Q-10in an effort to reduce blood pressure and for its cell-protecting antioxidant properties. It also helps stimulate the body's metabolism and may possibly help increase energy.
3. Melatonin
Most popular as a treatment against insomnia and seasonal affective disorder, this natural hormone also works as an antioxidant. Research being done right now is also looking into the possibility that it can help boost your immune system and even aid in preventing cancer.
4. Calcium
A top choice for women of all ages, Calcium is particularly essential for younger women because it helps build better bone density and prevent osteoporosis in the future. It also encourages healthier hearts and easier periods.
5. Vitamin C
Most women take vitamin C to help prevent colds, but what you may not know is that it also helps you absorb iron more efficiently. Women are much more susceptible to anemia than men are, so vitamin C can be a good choice of supplement if you don't eat enough eggs and dark greens. Of course, straightforward iron supplements can also help correct anemia directly and reduce the fatigue and discomfort associated with it.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Proven to lower heart disease risks dramatically in certain people, omega-3s are also extremely important for development and may help the body work against problems like cancer, asthma, and Crohn's disease.
7. Folic Acid
Standard for women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy, folic acid is highly important for cell health, which is one of the reasons it is an important ingredient in most women's multivitamins.
8. Beta-Carotene and other Carotenoids
Good for healthier vision, stronger immunity, and better all-around health, beta-carotene can be an important supplement especially during the winter months, when you are probably not receiving healthy amounts of it already in orangey fruits and vegetables.
9. B-12
This important vitamin helps assist in DNA production, maintain your nerves, and keep your blood healthy. Many women also take it on doctor's recommendations to help reduce anemia or protect their babies' neurological development during pregnancy.
10. Potassium
This essential nutrient is a must for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system, and if you are an athlete, smoker, or tend to eat more processed foods than whole foods you should certainly ask your doctor about whether this supplement might be an important way for you to keep your heart happy.
