Double-Duty Supplements
Why take a cupboard full of supplements when one or two will do? We show you how to get maximum benefits with supplements that do double or even triple duty for boosting energy, helping manage stress, supporting brain health and more.
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Garden of Life Dr. Formulated 100% Organic Coconut MCT Oil
Benefits: Brain Health + Weight Management + Energy Support
Often used in Paleo and keto circles, medium-chain triglycerides (aka MCTs) – referred to as such due to the length of the carbon chain in their chemical structure – is a single nutrient with a multitude of benefits. Along with a carbohydrate-restricted diet, MCT oil can help encourage the formation of ketones, water-soluble compounds that can be used as fuel by the body and the brain. And it’s those ketones that have some experts recommending it for their patients for brain health. (In fact, this particular product made from certified USDA organic coconuts was formulated by neurologist David Perlmutter, MD). One study in Neurobiology of Aging showed that an oral dose of MCTs was correlated with greater recall in participants with Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment. Those same ketones that benefit the brain are also used by athletes for energy and endurance. And if that’s not enough, since MCTs are absorbed and metabolized more quickly than other types of fats, there is some evidence that they could boost fat metabolism and ultimately weight loss. A small study in the International Journal of Obesity found that supplementing with MCT oil (over long-chain triglycerides, or LCTs) improved calorie burning and fat oxidation. $24, gardenoflife.com
See Also Is MCT Oil the Next Fish Oil?
Plus CBD Oil Gold Formula Softgels
Benefits: Sleep Support + Stress Relief + Pain Management
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is perhaps the single biggest shake-up to the supplement aisle since fish oil because it impacts the body so profoundly and has so many uses. CBD is known as a cannabinoid, a compound found in species in the cannabis family such as marijuana and hemp. Unlike another well-known cannabinoid in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, CBD won’t be getting anyone stoned. Fun fact: the human body actually has a system of CBD receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS) that’s involved in regulating things like sleep, relaxation and inflammation. So it’s not surprising that anecdotal evidence is indicating benefits like sounder sleeping, pain relief and reduced anxiety. And while scientific research is limited, it is promising: One study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed that CBD suppressed both inflammation and pain in animal studies, and a review in Neurotherapeutics concluded that preclinical evidence supports the use of CBD as a treatment for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This fast-acting product delivers CBD from agricultural hemp in a base of extra-virgin olive oil. $50 for 30 count, pluscbdoil.com
See Also What Is CBD Oil?
MegaFood Blood Builder
Benefits: Prevent Iron + B12 Deficiency
This whole-food supplement contains nutrients to help fight fatigue on two fronts: iron, a component of the protein hemoglobin found inside red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body; and vitamins B12 and folate (vitamin B9), both of which are needed for the production of red blood cells. One of the more common side effects from taking an iron supplement is stomach upset and constipation, but this blend made from foods like oranges and beets is formulated to avoid gastrointestinal upset. The formula is available as one daily tablet or two mini ones. $18 for daily tablets, megafood.com
See Also Health Benefits of Mushrooms
Four Sigmatic Superfood Blends Adaptogen Blend
Benefits: Stress Relief + Immune Support + Anti-Inflammatory
Adaptogens are leaves, berries, roots or mushrooms that help protect your body from stress and fatigue – and this product has 10 different adaptogen varieties in a convenient powder that can be added to teas and smoothies. The blend boasts powerful medicinal mushrooms with immune-enhancing properties including reishi, which enhances the activity of the body’s natural killer (NK) cells – immune cells that attack cancer and virus-infected cells – and cordyceps, which have anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, antimicrobial and antiaging properties. The blend also contains inflammation-fighting turmeric along with ginger. $21, foursigmatic.com
See Also The Benefits of Adaptogens
Whole Earth & Sea 100% Fermented Organic Protein & Greens Chocolate from Natural Factors
Benefits: Muscle-Building + Free-Radical Fighting + Immune Support
Elevate your morning smoothie with this supplement that can replace your protein powder, greens powder, and medicinal mushroom blend all in one. With 21 grams of protein from plant-based sources like peas, brown rice and quinoa to support muscle and connective tissue, it also provides an array of antioxidants from greens like kale, dandelion, and cilantro to help fight free-radical damage in the body. It incorporates a variety of medicinal mushrooms in the mix that help support the immune system including shiitake mushrooms, which have been shown to improve gut immunity as well as reduce inflammation when taken daily, according to a study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Another bonus: the product is fermented, which helps improve its digestibility. $60, wholeearthsea.com