Jennifer is an expert in health and medicine and has a background in sustainable agriculture. She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her partner (and rabbit) and is a keen photographer, hiker and poet.
We all want to be healthy. And who doesn’t want to avoid disease, live longer, age better, or have more energy? No one, right?!
That’s why there are so many nutritional supplements out there that claim to do everything from curing cancer to combatting depression.
But how many of their claims are true?
Since nutritional supplements aren’t as regulated as prescription drugs, it can be hard to tell. Many top-rated multi-vitamins have performed like placebos for researchers. And some tried-and-true natural remedies haven’t cured cancer or fought off the flu like their manufacturers claim.
Depressed?
Don’t be. The good news is that plenty of nutritional supplements do actually work. Here are our top picks for reliable once-dailies that live up to the hype.
Vitamin D
Like most of our nutritional needs, we used to get Vitamin D the old-fashioned way: from our food and being outside. But these days, many people don’t get enough Vitamin D to reap the benefits it’s been proven to have for healthy bones. Research also suggests it’s beneficial in combatting depression and boosting immune function. What’s not to love about that?
How to get it?
The easiest way is to choose a D2 or D3 supplement, but it doesn’t have to be the most expensive one on Amazon. NatureMade D3 is available in many major pharmacies (and performs well compared to its competitors); Nature’s Way is another top-rated brand that will keep your bones feeling their best straight through the dreary winter weather.
Fish oil
For many people, disease is a scary word—so it’s only natural to want to immunize yourself!
Fish oil is one of the few nutrition supplements that does just that (to a point). Fish oil is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which have been proven crucial for heart health. Researchers have found that fish oil may be useful in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of both strokes and heart attacks.
Sold?
Us, too. Nutrigold’s fish oil supplement has 2,100 mg of omega-3s—that’s about how much the American Heart Association recommends for those with coronary artery disease, so people of all levels of heart health are covered. Their fish is also wild-caught and the product is certified free of mercury, putting the product a step ahead of more mainstream competitors.
Calcium
Those vintage dairy ads may have known what they were talking about, after all. “Calcium for strong bones” isn’t just an old wives’ tale; however, calcium alone won’t prevent fractures or bone diseases. It will simply decrease the risk of common problems like osteoporosis.
Bonus points—research also suggests that getting the recommended daily amount contributes to the health of your muscles, nerves, and the stuff that supports every part of you: blood.
How to get it
Luckily, calcium supplements are everywhere. One of the most popular kinds—calcium citrate—also tends to be the best source.
Better yet, you can get a double dose of high-quality calcium and bone-boosting vitamin D with a highly rated once-daily like Citracal Calcium & D3 Supplement. It’s got the recommended daily dose of both in one convenient package; and vitamin D just so happens to help your body absorb calcium for a more convenient and effective hike in health!
