The keys to a long healthy life are no secret: good diet, regular exercise, and positive attitude. And if you want more help to ensure a healthier you, there’s a plethora of nutritional products in the market. Below are some of the essentials you should be getting.
1. Healthy Options’ Concentrated Omega-3
Fish oil is one of today’s top supplements, and with good reason. The omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil help the body produce new brain and nerve cells, lower blood pressure, prevent heart disease and stroke, stabilize blood sugar level, and even fight depression.
* A bottle of 60 softgels (1200 mg) is priced at around PhP 850. Available at Healthy Options.
2. Solgar's Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ-10
CoQ-10 is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals, which cause cell damage and contribute to health problems like cancer. Taking CoQ-10 supplements results in less severe migraines, increased energy, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, heightened immunity, and a healthier heart.
* A bottle of 30 softgels (30 mg) costs about PhP 450. Available at Healthy Options.
3. Healthy Options’ Supreme Stress B
B vitamins make you feel good and look good. They not only help you fight stress, fatigue, anxiety, and even depression; they also keep your skin healthy and glowing. Aside from this, they aid in energy production, digestion, blood circulation, and the functioning of the nervous system.
*A bottle of 50 capsules is priced at around PhP 960. Available at Healthy Options.
4. Solgar’s Vitamin C with Rose Hips
A healthy dose of this vitamin strengthens immunity, maintains healthy bones and teeth, protects the body from infection and free radicals, lowers blood pressure, and helps blood vessels dilate properly, thus reducing the risk of heart failure, angina pectoris, and atherosclerosis.
* A bottle of 100 tablets (250 mg) costs about PhP 460. Available at Healthy Options.
5. Healthy Options’ Vitamin D3
Few foods in nature contain vitamin D, so to have enough of it, get some sun and take a supplement. Vitamin D helps strengthen bones and lift one’s mood, and studies have shown that it may protect us from flu, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.
* A bottle of 120 soft gels (2000 IU) costs about Php 550. Available at Healthy Options.
6. Healthy Options’ Calcium Citrate
Getting enough calcium not only means strong bones; it also means a healthy heart. Calcium helps the heart muscles to contract and relax and the nervous system to regulate blood pressure in the arteries. You may choose either a calcium citrate or a calcium carbonate supplement. The former is more absorbable; the latter has more elemental calcium.
* A bottle of 60 tablets (315 mg) is around PhP 330. Available at Healthy Options.
7. Solgar’s Magnesium Citrate
Without magnesium, the body cannot absorb calcium. And if that isn’t enough reason to take this key mineral, research has shown that it is essential in more than 300 bodily functions and helps keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels normal, the immune system healthy, and the heart beat steady.
*A bottle of 60 tablets (200 mg) costs about PhP 500. Available at Healthy Options.
8. Freeze-dried Kefir Starter
A probiotic product, like kefir (fermented cow’s milk), helps build intestinal flora or friendly bacteria population in the intestines. These good bacteria inhibit harmful ones, eliminate toxins, relieve diarrhea, constipation, and gas, promote regular bowel movement, and foster a healthy digestive system.
*A kefir starter (used to make homemade kefir) is available at Healthy Options for PhP 559.
9. Healthy Options’ Green Tea Extract
Not only is green tea anti-viral and anti-bacterial; it may also be good for the brain, for it enhances memory and mental alertness. Studies have also shown it may help in weight loss and blood sugar regulation and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, some forms of cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
* A bottle of 60 capsules (500 mg) costs about PhP 620. Available at Healthy Options.
10. Bach Flower Rescue Remedy
This combination of five flower essences helps alleviate stress and prevent panic when you have to take an exam, give a speech, or deal with emergencies. It helps you calm down and focus better within minutes.
*A 20-mL bottle is available at Healthy Options for PhP 1450.
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11. Virgin Coconut Oil
VCO is good not only for the hair and skin, but also for the immune system and the heart. It has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that protect you from certain diseases and infections, and it may help prevent heart problems, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels.
*A bottle of 90 softgels ( 1000 mg) is around PhP 600, and a 250-mL bottle around PhP 200. Available at any drug or health supplement store.
12. Homemade Lemon Water
Head off to the supermarket and not to a drug or health supplement store this time. Buy a lemon, slice it in half, and squeeze it into a glass of water. Lemon water not only makes you burn fat faster and eliminate toxins; it also alkalizes your body, helping it assimilate nutrients and fight off sickness. An acidic body is an immunocompromised body, so start your day right with a glass of lemon water. (Just be sure to use a straw to protect your teeth.)
*A lemon is just PhP 10, so go ahead and buy a dozen for your health.
What's your go-to supplement?
