The New Year is here, and one of the most popular resolutions every time the year changes is to become fit and healthy. This is why it is not a surprise that crowds of people are seen in gyms and fitness centers, all hoping to achieve their body goals. But, more than having a good workout, it is important that you combine it with a balanced and healthy diet to achieve long-term and real results. You could go the extra mile and use some natural supplements and vitamins for extra energy.
Check out the following top natural supplements that you can try to kick start your workout this year that you can stick to for the next 12 months.
1. Protein Powders
Protein powders have different purposes, depending on the specific type you choose. Some are for people who want to stay lean and build muscle at the same time. Others have more protein and massive calorie counts since these are meant for people who want to bulk up.
When it comes to good protein powders, it is crucial to choose whey protein. This is among the most tried and tested supplements, as it contains higher levels of leucine that have a direct role in muscle protein synthesis.
Always look for protein powders that have lower calorie content, have a limited number of ingredients, and are rich in whey protein. Avoid protein powders filled with sugar and unnecessary additives. Although the sugar can serve you as an energy booster, it might go against you if you want to lose weight.
Protein powders might be expensive for some, but there are plenty of alternatives. High-quality protein foods work just as well. Egg, milk, and pea protein are cheap food-based alternatives.
2. Shilajit and Adaptogenic Herbs
Most people have heard of shilajit and how it supports energy by directly influencing ATP production, female and male sexual health, and protects memory from the effects of aging. But, there are many reasons why shilajit and other adaptogenic herbs gained immense popularity in recent years.
Among these benefits is the fact that taking shilajit before workouts can help promote better recovery, endurance, and strength. Many recreational and professional athletes are using shilajit to reach their sports and exercise performance goals. Shilajit is an Ayurvedic adaptogen. When you speak of Ayurvedic adaptogens, these are substances that aid the human body respond to physiological effects and help in balance restoration. Physical and psychological stress is a common immune suppressor, and fighting off its adverse effects is essential for the body to maintain and recover strength. Anecdotal reports also claim that shilajit may help build muscle too.
Another welcome benefit of shilajit is its rich mineral content. It is rich in sodium, potassium and phosphorus and can help restore minerals for proper electrolyte balance. Shilajit also contains minerals like calcium, for muscle contractions and strong bones, iron for proper oxygen and nutrient transport, zinc for various metabolic enzymatic uses, and selenium for combating stress.
Be careful if you are in the market for shilajit. It seems that there are more imitations and fakes than there is genuine resin. You might end up buying shilajit that is poorly processed or filled with fillers and additives. Be vigilant, and do your research on how to spot fakes. Manufacturers like Purblack is our recommended favorite. Purblack shilajit resin is masterfully purified in the US to remove impurities without damaging any of its nutrients. The company only sell 100% authentic shilajit resin, free from additives and fillers.
3. Bone Broth
Bone broth is a regular stock broth made by simmering bones and some meat for an extended period of time. The process of cooking bone broth usually takes 12 to 24 hours. This long duration allows the release of large amounts of glycine and collagen into the bone broth.
This serves a very integral role in an athlete’s diet. After workouts, it is essential to hydrate, replace lost electrolytes, and have a protein source. The glycine and collagen help in the recovery of soft tissues and consumption of bone broth can support both the digestive and immune system health as a whole.
Bone broth is one whole and healthy food source of all nutrients. But further study to discover the true benefits of bone broth is needed. It is safe to say that it helps a lot of athletes in achieving better performance and health.
4. Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals, such as those found in supplements like Nature’s Happiness, play a crucial role in the production of energy, bone health maintenance, hemoglobin synthesis, the adequate function of the immune system, and protection of the body from oxidative damage. These help with repair and integration of muscle tissue during recovery from workout and injury. Workout and exercise can stress most of the metabolic pathways where minerals and vitamins are required. Conditioning and training can also lead to biochemical muscle adaptations that may increase the need for micronutrients. The result is that it may become necessary to have higher intakes of vitamins and minerals to cover the additional requirements for repair, building, and maintenance of an athlete’s lean body mass.
Some of the most common minerals and vitamins essential in the diets of athletes include the B vitamins, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and some antioxidants like B-carotene, selenium, and vitamins E and C. These nutrients all play a role in how our bodies produce energy from food to power cells and repair them.
5. Branch-Chain Amino Acids
Branch chain amino acids or BCAAs are great not only because they help during workouts but even after the physical training. BCAAs, in fact, work best in post-workout stages. Branch-chain amino acids are a combination of three essential amino acids, namely valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These amino acids are essential for muscle recovery and repair. Their main job is to help in faster muscle recovery after an intensive workout. This means that you will have to spend lesser time dealing with soreness and pain and, instead, more time working out in the gym.
Your workout will never be enough if you do not eat a diet that is rich in the foods that will help you achieve your goals. Protein-rich foods, micronutrients, collagen, and amino acids can all be found in the foods you eat. Natural supplements are mostly food-based nutrients that can help boost your performance, so it makes sense to consume or use them when you are working out. Elevate your workout by taking supplements like Shilajit. It can replace help replace lost electrolytes, improve energy and lessen fatigue. The next time you hit the gym to lift weights, do cardio, or just at home, doing your usual morning routine, add these 5 supplements we mentioned for better and longer-lasting results.
