If you feel that there’s something not quite right with your body and mind, then perhaps there is something lacking from your diet. However, with all the different supplements available, how do you know what you could be lacking? Here are some of the weirdest and most wonderful supplements that perhaps you should be taking…
Tree Bark
More commonly known as the bark of Terminalia arjuna, this supplement has been used in India for more than 3000 years, primarily as a heart remedy. People today still use Terminalia arjuna for cardiovascular disease, heart disease, and any chest related pain, heart failure, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. You can also use it as “a water pill,” and for earaches, dysentery, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), diseases of the urinary tract, and to increase sexual desire. It is available in different forms from SwansonVitamins.com.
Seaweed
If you regularly order from your local Chinese restaurant or go for Sushi, you’ll know that Seaweed is common in the Asian diet and it has been a staple in Asian diets since ancient times and for a good reason. Most types of Seaweed are high in essential amino acids and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are all good for your health.
It is especially valuable for vegetarians as it is a good source of vegetable protein. It contains vitamins A and C and is also rich in potassium, iron, calcium, iodine and magnesium, and one of the few vegetable sources of vitamin B-12.
The benefits of Seaweed include Seaweed’s supplements include boosting your metabolism, helping with thyroid Health, Cognitive Function, Skin Health and growth for children.
Charcoal
Activated charcoal is the name of the supplement that can be used for your health; it is typically made from carbon-containing material, like wood, that is heated at high temperatures to create charcoal, then oxidized – a process known as “activation.” There are some surprising but very useful benefits of activated charcoal, including teeth whitening. To whiten your teeth using activated charcoal, you brush it onto your teeth, and it absorbs plaque and bacteria, and removes stains from your teeth and gums. It can help combat cavities, bad breath, and gum disease, and generally, make your teeth gleam. It is also known for its anti-aging properties as activated charcoal absorbs the toxins in the skin, which helps to prevent premature aging and to clean wounds and reduce itchiness from bites and stings because it is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. When you take it in tablet or capsule form, activated charcoal is also good for relieving bloating, discomfort, and flatulence. It works by binding with by-products within the intestines that cause the discomfort and is best taken two hours before a meal or one hour after.
Shark Cartilage
Did you know that you could be missing Shark cartilage from your diet? As you may have guessed, shark cartilage is a substance which comes from the skeletons of sharks and offers several health benefits because it contains proteins known as proteoglycans and glycoproteins, collagen, which is often used in supplement form to improve skin.
It is also used to help people with Osteoarthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Glaucoma, Hemorrhoids, Inflammation, Macular degeneration, and Osteoporosis.
Cactus
Prickly pear cactus is a plant and a standard part of the Mexican and Mexican-American diet and is also used for medicine. Prickly pear cactus is most commonly used for diabetes but is also said to be useful for treating high cholesterol, obesity, and hangovers.
Papaya
Papaya contains a chemical called papain which breaks down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. It also includes a chemical called carpain, which is said to be able to kill certain parasites as well as having antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating effects. The leaves and fruit of the Papaya plant are used to make medicine which is taken by mouth to prevent cancer, treat diabetes, and to avoid recurrence of a viral infection called human papillomavirus (HPV).
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion’s mane mushrooms, also known as hou tou gu or yamabushitake, are large, white, shaggy mushrooms that resemble a lion’s mane as they grow. They are used both as part of the diet as well as for health reasons in Asian countries such as China, India, Japan and Korea and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, dried or steeped as a tea. The benefits of Lion’s Mane Mushrooms include protection against Dementia as it has been shown to contain two unique compounds that can stimulate the growth of brain cells. It can also help to relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety and reduces the risk of Heart Disease.
