The supplement market is an explosively large and largely unregulated one. As such, it’s important to always check with your doctor before starting a new supplement routine, and especially one that consists of a number of different supplements. With that out of the way, you may be curious about including more supplements in your regimen to fill in any gaps that you feel are not being covered by a healthy, balanced diet. Supplements designed to “slow down aging” are big news — and big business.
How can you be sure you are taking a supplement backed by scientific proof that it actually works? In many cases, you can’t be sure. But it helps to get the advice of doctors like Dr. Terry Shintani, a physician and nutritionist who trained at Harvard. In this video, neuroscientist Robert W.B. Love gives us more insight into Shintani’s tips for eight supplements that you can take to keep your body youthful and healthy.
1. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN)
As we age, our body’s NAD+ levels decline, and this is linked to fatigue, brain fog, skin wrinkles, insulin resistance, and diseases like fatty liver and Alzheimer’s. The good news, according to Shintani, is you can boost NAD+ with certain supplements. All eight of the supplements on this list are known for their ability boost NAD+. Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) improves metabolism and energy, can enhance cognitive function, promotes heart health, and more.
2. Nicotinamide
Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that boosts NAD+, helps repair your DNA, improved mitochondria function, reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, and can even improve your skin’s health by reducing water loss and helping to strengthen the skin barrier.
3. Niacin
Nicacin (also known as vitamin B3) supports your metabolic functions like boosting your body’s NAD+ levels. In addition to boosting your skin’s health and supporting your brain health, it plays a role in promoting cardiovascular health.
4. Niacinamide
You may have heard of niacinamide as a great ingredient in your skincare products. You can also take it in supplement form to help support cellular energy, repair DNA, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in your body, and boost collagen production.
5. Quercetin
Quercetin is a a type of flavonoid that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It supports heart health, boosts your immune system, and even has anti-viral properties that can help you fend off certain illnesses.
6. Apigenin
Apigenin is another flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. It supports hormonal balance, heart health, and is even said to help reduce stress.
7. Fisetin
Fisetin is a flavonoid found in some fruits and vegetables like strawberries, apples, and grapes. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties and has been shows to help clear out harmful cells in the body that are no longer functioning well.
8. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is probably the most commonly known supplement on this list. This supplement fights oxidative stress, protects the brain, offers cardiovascular support, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and more. Contrary to popular belief, it would take a lot more red wine than is healthy for you to get its benefits this way.
