A wide array of supplements are available on this website. Many herbs, nutrients, and other healthful substances are present in supplement form and provide various benefits. However, this abundance of choice can make it difficult to find the right supplement(s) to suit your own health needs. Here, we take a look at five supplements with no particular theme in common, except for one: They all start with the letter ‘A’.
Five Awesome ‘A’ Supplements
Acetyl L-carnitine is a particular form of the amino acid derivative simply called L-carnitine. This substance is produced in the body naturally, and it is used primarily for cellular energy production. Supplementing with acetyl L-carnitine in particular has been shown in multiple studies to support brain function. Taking 1,500mg of this supplement daily over 28 weeks has been shown to improve cognition in individuals with dementia. Comparably, other studies show taking acetyl L-carnitine can improve symptoms of depression, by working in a manner similar to some prescription antidepressants.
Alfalfa, scientifically known as Medicago sativa, is a plant containing a variety of vitamins and minerals, and it has long been used as a natural remedy. The leaves and extract of alfalfa are harvested and made available as an oral supplement, and they could provide a few separate benefits. The most studied benefit of alfalfa is its ability to reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels. This is attributed to the fact that alfalfa contains saponins, which are plant compounds that lower cholesterol levels. Alfalfa has antioxidant properties as well. It could also support metabolic health by helping manage blood sugar levels.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is produced in the body, and is useful for some people when taken in supplement form. ALA can help reduce the effects of oxidative stress throughout the body, and it has the potential to support weight loss by reducing appetite. However, the most studied benefit of ALA is that of supporting healthy blood sugar in diabetic individuals; it does this by increasing insulin effectiveness. ALA could potentially also reduce the pain and sensations of diabetic neuropathy.
Andrographis extract: Usage of this herb heralds from Eastern medicinal traditions in China and India. In modern medicine, andrographis has been studied and found worthwhile to address multiple health conditions. Firstly, andrographis has been shown to reduce the symptoms of acute respiratory infections; namely, coughing and a sore throat. Furthermore, research shows that andrographis has the ability to reduce the inflammatory complications of ulcerative colitis. Lastly, this supplemental substance shows a capacity to reduce the presence of inflammation-inducing cytokines in the body. For this reason, andrographis has the potential to mitigate the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
Astragalus, scientifically termed Astragalus membranaceus, is an herbal supplement with general benefits to the heart as well as other parts of the body. The root of this plant is harvested and made available as an oral supplement. It has antioxidant properties which can work against the effects of aging. Astragalus might also help manage blood sugar levels and blood pressure; for these reasons it is known for its ability to support heart health. Astragalus root is a worthwhile herbal supplement for these reasons.
All five of these ‘A’ supplements have meaningful potential benefits: Reducing inflammation, managing blood sugar, and supporting cognitive health during aging. Consider how these could benefit you, and consult your healthcare provider before taking any of these supplements for the first time.