Are you looking for the right natural and/or plant-derived supplement for your health needs, but can’t seem to find it? Take a look at the following five beneficial, natural “B” supplements, and consider how they might work for you and your health.
Before doing that, however, let us welcome you to another in our ongoing, never-ending series of alphabetized blogs in which we wind our way through the alphabet, over and over, featuring natural remedies that begin with whatever letter we land on for that day.
This time we stop on B, our overall goal to inform health-conscious readers with summaries of the many supplements, herbs, and other nutrients that are out there available over the counter, waiting for you. Before trying any of these natural remedies for the first time, you are advised to discuss them with your personal physician or other licensed healthcare professional.
5 “B” Supplements
Barley grass: Barley is largely grown and harvested for its seeds, which are used for making bread, beer, and other foods. However, barley grass – young barley sprouts which have yet to produce seeds – are a healthy vegetable, and are harvested and condensed into supplement form. Barley grass is rich in vitamins A and C, and magnesium. In tandem these nutrients combat oxidative damage, and thereby help preserve skin health and reducing risk of chronic disease. Barley grass contains soluble and insoluble fibers, which regulate the body’s absorption of glucose, and promote a healthy gut microbiome, respectively. These benefits can be attained from a powdered barley grass supplement or an oral capsule.
Bee pollen is a natural supplement that is different from most others. It is collected by bees as they visit flowering plants, and it is then harvested by a beekeeper using a pollen trap placed at the entrance to a beehive. Bee pollen is available in supplement form and has multiple health benefits. It contains flavonoids and other substances that can reduce bodily inflammation. This is helpful for people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other inflammatory diseases. Bee pollen also contains numerous amino acids, minerals, and vitamins which can contribute to healthy wound healing, and it can also support the immune system.
Beta glucan is a substance found in the cell walls of yeast and algae. Studies show that yeast-based beta-glucan products (e.g., a beta-glucan supplement) can, once consumed, help lower cholesterol, including unhealthy low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. They accomplish this primarily by slowing down lipid absorption. Beta-glucan also supports immunity against pathogens and intracellular parasites by promoting the activity of white blood cells. Other potential benefits include blood pressure management, and weight loss (by reducing appetite).
Bilberry: Oral supplements containing bilberry have been studied and found to have a few different potential benefits. Taking a bilberry supplement regularly for three months or longer could reduce inflammation, and, specifically, help to remedy dry eyes. The nutrients in bilberry could also support long-term and working memory in older adults. Last but not least, bilberry could reduce the inflammation and associated complications that occur due to ulcerative colitis (UC).
Boswellia is a supplement made from the resin extract of Boswellia serrata tree, native to India, Africa, and the Middle East. Boswellia has been taken for centuries to treat inflammatory disorders, and modern research supports these uses. In fact, studies suggest that boswellia supplements could reduce the joint inflammation that results from rheumatoid arthritis, as well as that associated with osteoarthritis. Secondly, boswellia could help reduce inflammation in certain inflammatory bowel diseases, including UC and Crohn’s disease. Other studies suggest the antioxidant properties of boswellia could potentially protect neurons and neural function in persons with Parkinson’s disease. Boswellia is a great supplement for this combination of benefits.
All five of these “B” vitamins provide various benefits, to include reducing inflammation and supporting immune health. Again, it’s imperative that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking any dietary supplement for the first time.