It’s tricky to find the best fitness supplements that meet all your needs, let alone one. Some supplements claim to boost immune response, others blood circulation, and still others help with weight loss. You could try your luck with all, and add to the $25 billion the supplement industry makes a year, or you could look for some expert advice.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a supplement in a true sense of the word: the human body does not make it naturally. Fish oil is what nutritionists call a “must take.” Fish oils are high in omega-3 fats, which help combat the omega-6 fats that are typically found in your diet. Omega-6 fats are inflammatory, which can lead to heart disease and even cancer. Fish oil increases your EPA+DHA levels and helps brain performance along with recovery rate from exercise.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D ranks right at the top of the list for best fitness supplements to take. This vitamin can be found in naturally in sunlight, but through most of the winter months, the sun is not bright enough to provide adequate levels, especially with sunscreen and clothes on. Vitamin D is not a cure-all, but it does increase efficiency and overall body performance.
Whey Protein
Whey protein has two huge benefits. First, it is a great source of clean, dense calories. Second, whey protein is high in BCAAs (branched chain amino acids), which help with muscle building, muscle recovery, and fat loss. So, while whey protein is not an essential supplement, it does provide a quick and easy boost to meals and post-fitness routines.
Greens Supplements
Eat your greens. That means fruits and vegetables every day. Unfortunately, though, most people don’t. Doctors recommend at least five servings of both fruits and vegetables daily, but if you don’t hit this mark, greens supplements are definitely some of the best fitness supplements you can take.
Cinnamon
This spice is one of the best fitness supplements and helps in two surprising ways. First, cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants. These nutrients help the body fight inflammation as well as clean cells of any free radicals floating around. Furthermore, antioxidants help the body fight aging and various diseases. Another benefit of cinnamon is its effects on insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon helps the body improve insulin sensitivity, which then controls blood sugar levels and functions in your body’s processing of fats.
Turmeric
While turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisine, it is less commonly found in Western cooking. Turmeric’s health benefits common from the chemical curcumin. There has been an explosion in research recently on the effects of this chemical, and the results suggest that it is one of the best fitness supplements out there. Curcumin contains anti-viral, anti-arthritic, and anti-inflammatory properties. That means this supplement helps fight everything from cancer to Alzheimer’s disease, and will improve your post-workout recovery.
Probiotics
The bacteria that lives in your gut is one of the most vital factors to overall health and digestion. While recent studies suggest we may be losing various important species of bacteria due to modern diets, probiotics may help improve gastrointestinal health. In addition to probiotic supplements, fermented foods including kimchi, sauerkraut, and sourdough are a rich source for probiotics.
Krav Maga has a nutritionist on staff to help you determine the supplements you may need in addition to healthy eating. Browse our range of fitness and self defense classes to learn more about our program.
