For most men, there’s plenty of room for improvement where nutrition is concerned. It can be easy to develop nutritional blind spots when we prefer certain foods, so our body begins to lack vital vitamins and minerals as a result. Your body needs a balanced array of nutrients, however, to function effectively – this is especially the case if you’re exercising more and requiring more from your diet than simply day to day functions. Supplements can be useful in helping you achieve a smorgasbord of vitamins to keep you as healthy as possible. But you should also be boosting your diet with lesser thought of foods for nutrients that may be being forgotten. For example, lycopene is found in tomatoes and is a powerful antioxidants, and red yeast rice is a heart-healthy statin. Relying on supplements is bad for your health, but they have their plus sides in helping you stay on top of those oft-ignored areas of your diet. The correct supplements can provide you with the nutrients to stay ahead of your game and improve your wellbeing, staving off heart disease, bolstering your immune system and even improving your sex life. They shouldn’t be added to your diet with little thought though – you really need to consider what you’re missing and improve that area, rather than choosing a multivitamin for convenience.
If you’re suffering from brain drain, then the solution may be Acetyl L-Carnitine – this amino acid converts fats into energy and helps to boost the antioxidant activity in the body. It can also protect your brain from stress caused by ageing and alcohol when taken in supplement form. Some studies also suggest that it could help relieve some of the symptoms of mild depression. You can either take this from supplements or opt for dairy or meat products for a natural boost through your diet. If you’re having problems with erectile dysfunction, you may benefit from Korean red panax ginseng. 60 percent of men who suffered with this problem noticed an improvement when they used this supplement. It could also help protect your heart, according to researchers. High blood pressure can be reduced with coenzyme Q-10, or CoQ-10 for short, as well as boosting your ecSOD levels. This enzyme can protect your blood vessels, as well as boosting sperm quality and increase the speed that your body burns fat when you’re exercising. Meat, fish and broccoli are all great sources, but this can be found easily in supplement form.
Supplements are great for boosting your vitamin D levels, as this is notoriously difficult to obtain from your diet. Sunshine and fortified bread and cereals are your best source where your diet is concerned, but supplements are easier to ensure you get the right dosage. Vitamin D is vital for keeping your bones healthy, helping your body to absorb calcium and utilise it properly. Studies also suggest that it could help lower the risk of depression, colorectal cancer and heart disease. Fish oils are also a vital aspect of your diet, but often overlooked. Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils from oily fish such as salmon or tuna can protect your heart, boost your good cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Some studies also suggest that they can lower your risk of colon and prostate cancer, as well as improving inflammation. Your GP will be your best source of advice for any specific health concerns that you have, offering suggestions on supplements or nutrients that can resolve any gaps in your diet for improved wellbeing and overall health.