Diet Supplements Natural Health Nutrition

Top 10 Natural Supplements List

September 29, 2009
By J White

Natural supplements allow you to enhance and invigorate your mind and body in ways that typical diets may not be able to do. Because the supplements are natural, the chances of a unwanted side effects occurring are smaller when compared to synthetic-based products, which is one reason why natural products are so popular.

Keep in mind that there are many natural supplements to choose from, and the choice that you will make will of course, depend upon what benefits you are looking for. The following supplements have been shown to help in bodily functions such as reducing blood glucose and cholesterol, while others have been shown to help in increasing your mental sharpness. Of course there is also the benefit of making your body more resistant against certain cancers and other maladies. And since they are natural, you can add one, two, or several of these items to your diet without too much concern about unhealthy interactions occurring between the supplements.

Top 10 Natural Supplements List

1. Vinegar

One supplementing effect of vinegar that has been shown is its ability to lower glucose and insulin responses, and to increase satiety after a meal composed of bread. This effect simulates the lowering the glycemic index of a bread meal.

2. Oats

Oats contain soluble fiber, which has consistently been shown to lower serum cholesterol concentrations, where high levels of this substance has been associated with heart disease.

3. Lecithin

Lecithin has been shown to aid in preventing or reversing certain diseases and conditions. One way that it does this is by decreasing your body’s ability to absorb cholesterol across the intestinal wall, thus lowering total cholesterol, which helps to prevents the hardening of your arteries.

4. Fiber

Fiber is probably the most underutilized supplement on the market. Besides helping to lower your BMI, high fiber diets have been shown to help those suffering from diabetes manage their disease better, and in some cases forego the need for insulin.

5. Soy

Results have shown that the isoflavones found in soy may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease by improving your blood lipid profile, that is the measure in your body of cholesterol and triglycerides, the chemical form in which most fat exists in the body.

6. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera supplementing has been shown to decrease insulin resistance, as well as act as an anti-inflammatory source, which it is so widely known for.

7. Whey Protein

A small amount of whey protein, along with carbohydrates can help raise your muscle protein synthesis after performing resistance exercises, thus allowing you to grown muscle more efficiently.

8. Fish Oil

Because of the mercury content in fish, most diets are lacking in this food source. This food source has oils, particularly omega-3s, that have important benefits for your heart. This fatty acid, which is not found in other meat sources, has the additional benefit of acting as an anti-inflammatory, as well.

9. Acai Berry

Found in the Amazon of Brazil, acai berry has concentrations of antioxidants that dwarf other natural sources. The berry also has detoxification benefits, plus helps to improve your immune system.

10. Glutamine

Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid in the body, has been referred to as brain fuel. Besides helping with mental ability, it is also used to help reduce cravings, especially sugar.

Sources:
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005) 59, 983-988. doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602197; published online 29 June 2005
Diabetes Care October 2000 vol. 23 no. 10 1461-1466
Journal of Nutrition. 2000;130:2590-2593.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, Vol 84, Issue 2 77-81
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine Volume: 35, Issue: 6 (2007) pp. 1037-1046
The American Society for Nutritional Sciences J. Nutr. 134:1454-1458, June 2004
Appl. Physiol. Nutr. Metab. 32(6): 1132-1138 2007
Am J Clin Nutr (June 10, 2009)

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