Ascenta NutraSea Fish Oil
I believe that omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish are one of the more beneficial supplements one can take. There are many options when it comes to fish oil supplements but there are only a few that I trust. Ascenta’s NutraSea is a high quality herring oil that uses Ascenta’s proprietary technology which combines with molecular distillation, to create a very pure omega-3 supplement. The company allows consumers to enter the batch number of their purchase on its website, to view an independent report on the quality test results. These tests include an analysis of the actual amount of EPA and DHA along with oxidation levels and the levels of various common contaminants like dioxins, furans, PCBs, lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic.
Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is often referred to as the “king of carotenoids” and is found in certain algae, salmon, trout (it was gives then their pink colour), krill, shrimp and yeast. As per some sources, natural astaxanthin may be a more powerful antioxidant than Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Pycnogenol and Beta Carotene. This substance is gaining some popularity within both athletes and the life extension crowd. Studies have also shown that astaxathin may reduce DNA damage, benefit immune support and help with excess inflammation.
Natrol FeelAnew Joint Support
An active lifestyle that involves working out or sports (and getting older) often leads to sore joints. Its a trade off that many people live with - better overall health and the enjoyment of physical activity for some pain and discomfort. But this does not have to be the case - it is possible to alleviate the pain while continuing to work out and be active. My joints have started giving me problems over the last few years - gym workouts, softball, biking and some hockey are the likely culprits. So I started trying out many of the joint support supplements before finding Natrol’s FeelAnew, which has worked very well for me.
Chia Seeds
Chia, the tiny seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant, originated in Central Mexico. The ancient Aztecs prized the chia seed as a complete high endurance food, and there are numerous stories of Aztec armies surviving on nothing but chia seeds and water during many of their campaigns. Chia seeds are probably best known to North Americans from “Chia pets” but the seeds are now realizing the numerous health benefits of this “super food”. They are one of nature’s most nutrient rich whole food. I have been consuming chia seeds for the last few years.
NOW Digestive Enzymes
Our bodies produce numerous enzymes to help properly break down and digest the food we eat. Even though we may be spending a lot of money on food and supplements, we are likely not getting the maximum benefit from them. These enzymes play a critical role to ensure we actually absorb the nutrients from our food. Unfortunately many of us have digestive problems like bloating, gas, indigestion and cramping. These are symptoms that enough digestive enzymes are not being produced by the pancreas and that a plant based digestive enzyme supplement can be helpful. NOW Plant Enzymes, can help break down the various foods better and enhance absorption.
NOW Ultra Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are often neglected in our diets and supplementation, but are extremely important for good health. They have a myriad of benefits that include improving cardiovascular health, helping relieve pain by lowering inflammation, increasing cognitive functions, weight loss, promoting emotional and mental health. Even with all these numerous benefits, the typical North American diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acid. Ocean fish oils are gaining popularity with hundreds of these omega-3 supplements available at health food stores. My favourite omega-3 fish oil supplement has to be Ultra Omega-3 by NOW Foods.
Optimum Opti-Men
A multi-vitamin and mineral supplement should be part of everyone’s daily routine. No matter how hard you try to eat healthy, there will be times when your body will be deficient in certain vitamins and minerals. A good multi therefore acts as an insurance policy for your health. I prefer taking Optimum Nutrition’s Opti-Men multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. As the name suggests, Opti-Men is specifically designed for males and provides an array of vitamins, essential minerals, amino acids, anti-oxidants and herbs.
