They say beauty is skin deep, right? Well that’s true apart from having your heart in the right place. It’s also important that we feed our body with the supplements and vitamins that it needs, to be in its best physical form and in its best shape.

Image: briowellness.com
Image: briowellness.com

All we need to do is be a little more health conscious about what we choose to consume and that could make all the difference. It will ultimately translate to healthier skin, healthier hair, a better complexion, balanced moods, more energy, and overall may help you in your mission to achieve those fitness goals.

Related: Top 15 Nutrient Rich Food

Why do we need supplements and vitamins?

According to webmd.com, we need supplements and vitamins to fill in the nutrient gaps that we aren’t getting from our daily food intake. These are not intended to be a food substitute, so we still need to evaluate our meal choices and ensure we’re getting as much nutrients as we can through our meals. A balanced diet and a good mix of various food sources is key – don’t forget those fruit and vegetables!

Image: cleothailand.com
Image: cleothailand.com

However, because natural supplements and vitamins fill in those nutrient gaps, they can serve a specific purpose and benefit the body in a unique way to help give us that added boost of energy.

Benefits of natural supplements and vitamins for your workouts

To achieve our beauty & health goals, many of us probably need to upkeep an active lifestyle. Here are a few natural supplements and vitamins that will aid you in your performance and will help you to feel less fatigued.

Related: Here’s the Answer to the Best Time of Day to Workout for Weight Loss

Glutamine: it’s the most common amino acid found in your muscles. During an intense workout, Glutamine levels deplete pretty quickly which decreases muscle strength, stamina and slows down the recovery process. Taking Glutamine supplement speeds up muscle recovery and reduces soreness.

Image: gymaholic.co
Image: gymaholic.co

Vitamin B Complexcomprises of 8 B vitamins – B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, B7, B9, B12 – of which each has their unique function and purpose to keep your body’s energy levels high. These essential vitamins help us convert food into fuel for energy, and have other benefits like promoting healthy skin, healthy hair, preventing memory loss, and reducing migraines. These are obviously essential to powering the body and improves endurance levels.

Vitamin Ca powerful antioxidant that also helps keep many illnesses like the cold and flu, and other respiratory issues, at bay. It also reduces inflammation cause from your body’s reaction to stress (including your workouts).

Image: wnova.com
Image: wnova.com

Vitamin E: also a powerful antioxidant like Vitamin C. It can also promote muscle growth, and improves your general health such as cardiovascular, immune, and eye health.

Vitamin D: a key vitamin that helps boost mental alertness, helps you burn abdominal fat, and promotes a healthier heart.

Bilberry: this dried, ripe fruit is used for improving eyesight, including night vision, can’t go wrong with a healthier eyesight.

Image: gymaholic.co
Image: gymaholic.co

Amino Acids: these guys are the building blocks that make up protein and eventually builds into muscle which ultimately increases your muscle strength. Imagine them as little blocks of lego that come together and turn into muscle development.

Electrolytes: you’ve probably heard the doctor prescribe electrolytes to you when you’re losing an excess amount of water – the reason? It’s essential to prevent dehydration but the sodium also stimulates your body to hold onto water which is ultimately great for overall performance and muscle stamina.

Image: gymaholic.co
Image: gymaholic.co

CoQ-10 & Omega 3 EFA: you can find this mostly in fish, and it’s necessary for energy production and to maintain heart health.

Glucosamine: for all those with joint issues, you’re probably very familiar with this guy right here. Glucosamine is essential in building cartilage. It’s a natural occurring chemical found in the body, but we may need a supplement to give us that added boost for joint care, especially after all the strain we place on them during our workouts.

Image: gymaholic.co
Image: gymaholic.co

Turmeric: many have commended this as a cure to post-workout soreness due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it excellent for achy joints. Combined with glucosamine, you’ll definitely notice an improved flexibility.

Quercetin: it is a plant pigment called a flavonoid and is found naturally in red wine, apples, onions, and other foods. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and may help boost your performance levels. There’s been considerable research on the benefits of this supplement for athletes, and if you’re up for some fun-reading, do a quick Google search!

– Cover Image: vitalityhealthandwellness.com

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