Herbs are all over the supplement and fitness industry. But how do you know which ones to take? We've got your back! Find out which supplements aid in your fitness goals below.
Herbal supplements usually aren't the first thing that pops into your mind when you're looking at online weight loss or when someone talks about supplements in general. We focus so much on creatine, whey protein, etc. but generally ignore herbal products, even though they're the oldest supplements in history. Herbs have been used for medicinal and health purposes for millenniums.
Why Bother With Herbs? Herbs are considered a fiber in the supplement industry today, and most of the fat burners you may use have herbs in them somewhere along the ingredients list. Guarana and green tea are some of the more well known herbs, but this is much more extensive than that.
If you take fitness seriously, or are just a beginner looking to maximize your fitness goal outcomes, you should know all aspects of what it takes to live a fit lifestyle.
Why Bother With Herbs? Herbs are considered a fiber in the supplement industry today, and most of the fat burners you may use have herbs in them somewhere along the ingredients list. Guarana and green tea are some of the more well known herbs, but this is much more extensive than that.
If you take fitness seriously, or are just a beginner looking to maximize your fitness goal outcomes, you should know all aspects of what it takes to live a fit lifestyle.
Alfalfa
Used as a diuretic for kidney conditions, bladder and prostate conditions, asthma, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, indigestion, and thrombocytopenic purpura. Alfafa seeds contain the amino acid L-Canavanine. L-Canavanine is metabolized to produce can aline and urea. It can potentially decrease amino acid enzyme activity.
Bilberry
Is best known for contributing to general eye health, but has many other benefits. Bilberry may be beneficial in diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, varicose veins, retinopathy, atherosclerosis, diarrhea and night blindness.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba can help increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues. Gingko can also promote mental clarity and concentration, increase alertness and short-term memory. Combined with another herb (ginger) it may help reduce stress!
Milk Thistle
Mainly known for being a product that promotes liver health, milk thistle can also prevent and repair damage to the liver by toxins and chemicals. Besides helping the liver, milk thistle can also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the growth of cancer cells; particularly in the breast and prostate.
Used as a diuretic for kidney conditions, bladder and prostate conditions, asthma, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, indigestion, and thrombocytopenic purpura. Alfafa seeds contain the amino acid L-Canavanine. L-Canavanine is metabolized to produce can aline and urea. It can potentially decrease amino acid enzyme activity.
Bilberry
Is best known for contributing to general eye health, but has many other benefits. Bilberry may be beneficial in diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, varicose veins, retinopathy, atherosclerosis, diarrhea and night blindness.
Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba can help increase the oxygen content to the brain and other bodily tissues. Gingko can also promote mental clarity and concentration, increase alertness and short-term memory. Combined with another herb (ginger) it may help reduce stress!
Milk Thistle
Mainly known for being a product that promotes liver health, milk thistle can also prevent and repair damage to the liver by toxins and chemicals. Besides helping the liver, milk thistle can also help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the growth of cancer cells; particularly in the breast and prostate.
Herbs For Weight Loss
Green Tea
The most popular herbal supplement out there. Green tea can help increase energy and help increase calorie and fat metabolism. Green tea may also be helpful to improve cognitive performance as well as help treat stomach disorders, committing, diarrhea and headaches. If you're taking a fat burner, there's about a 90% chance that it has green tea in it.
Hoodia Gordonii This product has been gaining popularity recently. Hoodia is used in Southern Africa to help treat indigestion and infections. It's now marketed worldwide as a natural appetite suppressant and is recommend to use alongside a healthy weight loss program.
Dandelion This herb might not be for severe allergy suffers. Dandelion is a natural diuretic and digestive system aid. Other benefits include removing fatty acids and cholesterol from the bloodstream before they are stored in fat cells and can serve as a laxative.
Yerba Mate
Originating from Paraguay in South America, yerba mate has been used to boost metabolism, regulate LDL cholesterol, and serve as an antioxidant.
The most popular herbal supplement out there. Green tea can help increase energy and help increase calorie and fat metabolism. Green tea may also be helpful to improve cognitive performance as well as help treat stomach disorders, committing, diarrhea and headaches. If you're taking a fat burner, there's about a 90% chance that it has green tea in it.
Hoodia Gordonii This product has been gaining popularity recently. Hoodia is used in Southern Africa to help treat indigestion and infections. It's now marketed worldwide as a natural appetite suppressant and is recommend to use alongside a healthy weight loss program.
Dandelion This herb might not be for severe allergy suffers. Dandelion is a natural diuretic and digestive system aid. Other benefits include removing fatty acids and cholesterol from the bloodstream before they are stored in fat cells and can serve as a laxative.
Yerba Mate
Originating from Paraguay in South America, yerba mate has been used to boost metabolism, regulate LDL cholesterol, and serve as an antioxidant.
Herbs For Men's Health
Herbs For Men's Health
1. Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto was widely believed to be a staple for the Seminole Indians. This is an herb that will help a lot of men because it is good for prostate health. Taking this product in your early 40's and beyond will go a long way in helping prevent prostate cancer later in life. It is also believed to serve as a potential treatment for male pattern baldness.
2. Yohimbine
This one is known mainly for one reason. It has shown to help treat erectile dysfunction and also treat sexual side effects caused by some antidepressants. Any sexual health product for men on the market more than likely has yohimbine included in the ingredients.
3. Tribulus Terrestris
This is another product for men's sexual health and to improve libido. It also has shown to increase the male body's natural testosterone levels which leads to help men both in the bedroom and in the weight room.
4. Pygeum
Pygeum has been shown to alleviate discomfort from an enlarged prostate and it has also been shown to support the health of the testes and the seminal vesicles which produce and house the sperm.
Herbs For Women's Health
1. Black Cohosh
Women would take this product as a remedy for symptoms of premenstrual tension, menopause, and other gynecological issues. Native Americans used it for these purposes as well as for sore throats, kidney problems, and depression.
2. Dong Quai
Known in some circles as "female ginseng", dong quai has been shown to help women with estrogen levels, help with menopause, and the Chinese actually used it as an aphrodisiac. Women should avoid this product if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Dong quai has shown to also help increase fertility in both sexes.
3. Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry leaf tea has been used to increase fertility for generations. Pregnant women in China, Europe, and North and South America have all used this herb as a tea for a wide range of female health concerns. When used during pregnancy, raspberry leaves help to relieve morning sickness and improve blood quality thus preventing anemia.
4. Wild Yam Root
Wild yam improves liver and kidney function and can lessen ovarian pain. It is anti-inflammatory, a diuretic, and improves liver function. Wild yam contains diosgenin, which is a precursor to progesteroneand was once used to make birth control pills. Today wild yam, valued as an herb, is useful for dysmenorrhea, infertility, menopause, menstrual cramps, and threatened miscarriage.
With all supplements, especially herbal, it's important to research them first. Ask your doctor if these supplements are okay for you take, also be sure to let your doctor know all of your medications so that they can insure that there won't be a reaction between other herbs and the herbs you are wanting to take. You can check on the governments website for more info about conflicting prescription drugs and herbal supplements.