Mascara, mostiuriser and blush are typically the key components in making you look awake and glowing, but what if you could do that from the inside out? What if just a few all natural supplements could make everyday more enjoyable by giving you more energy and keeping you looking young and refreshed?
I was never a big supplement girl. I always thought my diet was full of so many whole foods, that anything other than B12 was not needed. However, you would be surprised how much a few little vitamins and minerals that are very hard to attain in everyday foods can help out. Here are some things I take everyday and have found work incredibly well.
Maca
Oh maca! Where do I even start? Although it as known as “Nature’s Viagra” (FYI: don’t ask 3 people at your local whole foods where they keep the Maca, unless you want some very strange looks) it actually has a whole host of benefits that can make you feel amazing almost immediately after you start taking it. Maca is an endocrine adaptogen. What that means is it helps regulate your endocrine system, which is responsible for producing all of the hormones in your body. Maca creates a sense of well being unlike anything else. It increases your energy and endurance, regulates hormonal imbalances, reduces stress and anxiety, alleviates depression, speeds healing, enhances memory, improves complexion, is good for healthy bones and teeth, is a powerful antioxidant, and helps build muscle!
Maca is available in many forms. I would suggest the gelatinized form (not made with gelatin, 100% veg) because that is the only form that conclusive tests have been conducted on. It also comes in a liquid, capsule(most contain gelatin) and powder form. I add it to my hemp protein shake along with Udo’s oil to create a proverbial elixir of life!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) has been been documented as being used as early as 400 B.C. It is made from fermented apples and undergoes a rigorous and strict process to create the final, vitamin rich product. ACV contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine. It is said that ACV helps lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and helps your body absorb more calcium from the foods you eat. It is loaded with potassium which can help ailments such as hair loss, brittle nails, hair and teeth, and sinusitis. ACV reverses damage caused by free radicals, helping one maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. It is also good for weight loss! It aids the body in breaking down fat and processing excess sugar.
ACV is available at all health food stores. The beneficial vinegar is brown and not clear. It will have funky stuff floating in it(the mother), but don’t worry, that is what makes it so good for you. The most trusted brand is Bragg. It is recommended to mix 2 teaspoons with water. I also mix in a teaspoon of honey or molasses (for the added iron and calcium).
Omega Oil with DHA
Why get nasty tasting oils from fish when you can just get them from the original source? Did you know that fish get their beneficial oils from the algae they consume? Did you also know that most of the oil supplements available have already lost most of their nutrients through high heating, and improper packaging? Some contain added chemicals and are even refined and bleached!
Raw, pressed, essential fats are incredibly beneficial to the human body. They can increase your endurance and stamina, strengthen the immune system, improve brain function, aid in weight reduction, keep bones strong, ease PMS(yay!), and create beautiful hair, nails and skin.
I am not in any way being paid to endorse this company, but the only product I know of that creates oil in its purest form and is made from organic veg sources is Udo Erasmus‘s oil blends. I prefer the 3-6-9 DHA blend. Its a bit pricey but you can get it online for significantly cheaper. I put 2 tablespoons in my hemp protein shake every morning.
Chlorella
Chlorella is a natural green algae. Daily chlorella supplements are a great way to gently detoxify your body. It is considered “intelligent” because it only strips your body of toxins and not beneficial nutrients. It also boosts your immune system, aids in digestion, freshens your breath, and slows down the aging process by defending against free-radicals. Chlorella is chock full of phytonutrient-rich chlorophyll which helps your body process more oxygen more efficiently, promotes optimal blood pressure, detoxifies your elimination systems, purifies your blood, and helps tissues repair and grow.
Broken cell wall chlorella is said to be the best because the process allows all of the beneficial nutrients to be readily available and easier to digest. It is available in pressed tablet and powder form. If you choose the powder, I would suggest adding it to the shake along with the other goodies listed here (not the ACV, thats just gross).
Heres to a happy, healthy, and beautiful life!
This is all great advice. You should probably mention that Maca also increases fertility–just incase people are trying to get pregnant, or more importantly, avoiding it!
Good point Parvinder! Thanks for pointing that out.
Thanks for this useful information..