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While it would be ideal for your diet to provide you with all the necessary nutrients needed to live a well balanced life, sometimes there are gaps in your nutrition which may leave your body lacking some important vitamins and minerals. If this is the case, integrating supplements into your routine can be a great way to fill in the missing space of your diet and help you to lose weight, metabolize food better, and maintain your overall health. Hundreds of supplements have made their way onto the market in recent years, begging the question: which ones do you actually need in your day to day life to feel your best? We did some research, and below are the five universally well regarded supplements to help you live your best life.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is vital for giving your metabolism a boost and making it easier to burn through food as energy. People who follow plant based diets are most likely to be deficient in this vitamin as it can be naturally found in animal products such as meat and eggs, but even if you do eat meat, a B-12 supplement can be a great addition to your diet. According to Healthline, “Although research in humans is still very limited, some studies suggest that vitamin B12 could affect body fat and metabolism. One review concluded that vitamin B12 plays a key role in fat metabolism, noting that a deficiency could be linked to increased fat accumulation and obesity.”
Vitamin C
Vitamin C provides your body with a natural boost to the immune system, allowing you to stay healthy all year long. This supplement improves the function of your white blood cells, helping you to heal from illness and injury more effectively and improving your overall quality of life. An added bonus: it’s great for your skin! Medical News Today explains, “Vitamin C helps the body produce collagen and is present in skin, muscle, and other tissues. People with a low intake of vitamin C may experience slower wound healing, as their bodies will be less able to produce collagen.”
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, often found in sunlight, is necessary for absorbing calcium in the body, strengthening your bones, and minimizing the chance of illness. Healthline explains that 15 minutes in the sun should typically be enough to reach your vitamin D intake for the day, but if you live in a darker or colder environment, or work a busy job, a supplement could be a great option to strengthen your bones and hair and help you feel overall better in your body. Just check with your doctor before you start to determine how much you should be taking--too much Vitamin D could be potentially dangerous.
Magnesium
Magnesium has a number of useful functions, from supporting your immune system to regulating blood pressure. According to Medical News Today, many people are deficient in magnesium due to their diet, but it can naturally be found in spinach and some nuts. With the inclusion of a magnesium supplement into your diet you can improve your cardiovascular health, minimize risk of diabetes and even help with chronic migraines.
Calcium
Calcium is necessary for maintaining bone strength, and most people do not get enough of it naturally in their diet. According to Healthline, women are at risk of losing bone density earlier in life than men, so a calcium supplement can help to ensure the strength of the framework of your body, improving your overall health. In tandem with Vitamin D, calcium will do wonders for supporting your body for a longer life.
