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Five supplements to boost mind and body

by Cecily Bennett | 25 Aug 2016

From reducing joint pain to strengthening your brain, these five clever pills may have a positive impact on your health.

 

Walk down the aisles of any chemist or health food store, and you’ll see jars of supplements – hundreds of them; thousands – stacked to the ceiling, each bottle calling out to you for attention with its specific list of life-enhancing health promises. But there’s something to be said for having too much choice – and the sheer variety of products on offer can be overwhelming. 

While it’s recommended you get the majority of your vitamins and nutrients from a balanced diet, research has found there may be some benefits behind popping certain supplements, especially as you age. And although chronology has nothing to do with how young or sprightly you feel, the following suggestions may give you a little helping hand. (Just make sure you chat to your doctor before taking any new pills as some can have side effects or react with existing medications).

Good for eye health: lutein 

If you were going to include lutein in your diet, you’d be eating plenty of healthy greens like broccoli, kale, spinach, zucchini, as well as orange capsicum, corn, orange juice and grapes (to name a few). It’s from the same family as beta-carotene and vitamin A, and some studies have suggested that taking lutein supplements may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Good for energy: rhodiola 

If leaping out of bed in the morning sounds like a good way to start the day, there’s a good chance rhodiola is your friend. While there’s limited scientific research behind it, it’s said to help the body to resist stress and increase energy. A review of various studies on the herb found evidence that rhodiola may boost physical performance and reduce mental fatigue.

Good For immunity: astragalus

It may have an unusual name, but this clever Chinese root has powerful anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to stimulate the white blood cells that battle infection, in a study conducted on mice – and a pilot study points to evidence that it may have a similar effect on humans. Research has found that astragalus has antiviral properties that can bolster the immune system, suggesting it may help to keep colds away, especially if taken over an extended period of time, before flu season hits.

Good for a sharper mind: turmeric

It’s been used in Indian cooking for centuries, but it’s only relatively recently that studies have hailed it as something of a wonder-spice. In fact, research by Swinburne University of Technology has found that curcumin – a compound in turmeric, may improve cognitive function. Interestingly, older people who live in cultures where the ingredient is a staple (such as curries) have been found to have a lower prevalence of dementia.

Good For healthy joints: glucosamine and chondroitin

It’s a fact of life that as we age, our joints can become a bit more, well, creaky. But taking a dose of these two natural chemicals (that already happen to be present in joint fluid and cartilage), may offer a variety of benefits which include easing pain associated with arthritis, improving joint mobility and diminishing joint damage over time – which is exactly what we want.