Our cupboards are brimming with supplements, but what do they actually do? We know they’re healthy, they boost… something, right? But do you know which ones do what? Which vitamin will help with that nagging ailment that just won’t go away? Luckily for you, we’ve listed the most popular supplements below and how they will help you. Here’s to a super healthy you…
Biotin
What will it do for you?
Sometimes referred to as vitamin H, Biotin is renowned for not only helping speed up your metabolism but also promoting the healthy growth of hair and nails.
Where do you naturally find it?
Egg yolks, meat, wholegrain produce (cereals and bread), milk and cheese.
Calcium
What will it do for you?
This is the mineral for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Didn’t your mum teach you anything?
Where do you naturally find it?
Well aside from dairy produce, dark green leafy vegetables, white bread, brown bread and pulses are your best bet.
Hyaluronic Acid
What will it do for you?
Hyaluronic Acid is actually naturally found in our bodies but as we get older, our levels decrease. Essentially it’s a gel-like molecule that cushions joints and fills space in our bodies (plumps skin, fills eyes, hydrates hair and protects gums). Some dermatologists regard it as the “fountain of youth”.
Where do you naturally find it?
You don’t. You’ll have to buy the supplement.
Magnesium
What will it do for you?
Magnesium is incredibly important for the nervous system as well as muscle, bone and teeth health. Many people say it helps calm symptoms of anxiety too.
Where do you naturally find it?
Magnesium is actually found in all green vegetables.
Vitamin A
What will it do for you?
Vitamin A specifically helps your eyesight by protecting the eye and retina.
Where do you naturally find it?
The biggest source is fish liver oils but you’ll also find it in dairy products like margarine, butter and full fat milk.
Vitamin B
What will it do for you?
A vitamin B tablet should include all eight of the B vitamins*: B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6, B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), B1. Here’s what each does:
B1 and B2 promote the healthy functioning of the muscles, nerves, and heart
B3 regulates the nervous and digestive systems
B5 and B12 are required for normal growth and development
B6 boosts the immune system and helps the body to break down protein
B7 assists in the production of hormones
B9 helps cells make and maintain DNA
*Note: you can buy B vitamins separately if you don’t want to take a multivitamin B supplement.
Where do you naturally find it?
In all sorts of foods. Cereals, whole grains and kidney beans are a good source of B1, B2, and B3. Green leafy vegetables will give you a dose of B2 and B9, eggs for B7 and B12, chicken for B3, B6, and B12, citrus fruits for a hit of B9 and nuts for B3 and B9. For B6 and B7 stock up on bananas.
Vitamin C
What will it do for you?
Vitamin C not only boosts immunity but actively protects your cells as well as boosts collegen and helps keeps bones, tissue and organs healthy. We can’t actually store it in our bodies which means naturally sourcing it or taking a supplement is key.
Where do you naturally find it?
Well aside from oranges, chilli is incredibly high in Vitamin C as are peppers, kale, cauliflower, broccoli, mango, strawberries, kiwis and pineapple.
Vitamin D
What will it do for you?
Vitamin D is essential for healthy teeth and bones because it allows us to absorb and use calcium.
Where do you naturally find it?
All full-fat dairy products, oily fish and egg yolks.
Taken from GLAMOUR UK. Read the original here.
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