Super Supplements To Add To Your Diet Today

Life is busy and hard and busy (again!) Sure, you have every intention of eating well, but we never  live up the idea of the person we wanted to be when we bought all that produce. While eating well and exercising has no substitute, we can all use a little help sometime. Here are some ancient ayervedic supplements that science is backing up.

Ginger

Ginger’s anti-bacterial properties prevent infections such as oral bacteria that can result in gingivitis. Studies show ginger can be as effective as medication at combatting nausea associated with seasickness, pregnancy, surgery and chemotherapy. Another study showed ginger calms menstrual pain as effectively as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid.

Do you get indigestion? Just 1.2 grams of ginger powder before meals could speed up the emptying of the stomach by 50%. Ginger also lowers bad cholesterol levels.

Ginger improves cognitive functioning and reduces the inflammation and oxidative stress associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Shilajit

Shilajit is made up of plant-derived minerals bound to humic and fulvic acids and it has been around as long as things have lived in the rarified air of the Himalayan mountains. Just a small dose of shilajit has been shown to help with inflammation, fractures, dislocations and bruises. It can improve skin conditions like stretch marks, redness and sensitivity.

Shilajit can help to reduce ulcer and bowel problems and is an excellent addition to a detoxifying diet. It can also support circulatory and cardiovascular activity. It can benefit cognition and help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Ginkgo Biloba

When ginkgo is taken as a daily supplement for six weeks, it has a positive effect on brain functioning. It improves neurocognitive functioning and significantly improves memory.

Ginseng

Ginseng balances free radicals and reduces inflammation and these are thought to be the reasons why it boosts cognitive abilities in the short term and combats brain degenerative diseases in the long term.

In one study, led by Andrew Scholey from Swinburne University, Australia, ginseng helped improve memory. “This preliminary study has identified robust working-memory enhancement following the administration of American ginseng,” said Scholey.

Like caffeine, studies show ginseng is effective at fighting fatigue by improving the uptake of blood sugar by cells which boosts cognitive abilities.

Rhodiola Rosea

If you have to perform under pressure, for an exam or when you’re giving a presentation to the board, it can be hard to stay focused. One way to help you perform at your peak is to take nootropics that reduce anxiety and stress.

Rhodiola Rosea is an adaptogen and natural herb that studies show reduces fatigue caused by anxiety or stress. This reduction of stress can lead to an increase in cognitive functionality.

Bacopa Monnieri

This nootropic is adept at increasing several brain functions including memory, reaction times and information processing. This herb has been a pillar of Ayervedic medication for centuries but must be taken for several months before the effects are felt. The active compounds in Bacopa Monnieri are bacosides which reduce oxidative stress in the brain and improve signaling in your hippocampus, an area of your brain in which memories are processed.

Ashwaganda

Studies have shown that regular administration of ashwagandha can result in a 30% reduction in cortisol levels.

In one study, the control group who took ashwagandha for 60 days experienced a 69% reduction in stress and insomnia. Ashwagandha is an excellent anti-inflammatory and initial studies show that it may help with reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In one study, chronically stressed adults who took ashwagandha for 60 days experienced, on average, a 17% decrease in LDL cholesterol and an 11% decrease in triglycerides.

Ashwagandha can improve brain functioning and memory. One way in which it does so is through its ability to fight oxidative stress which helps combat free radicals in the brain.