Black Friday is the perfect time to stock up on Christmas presents for your nearest and dearest. But it’s also a great time to step back, reflect and consider your own needs. There’s nothing more important than your health, so why not use this Black Friday as an opportunity to invest in yourself and your long-term wellbeing? While good nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management lay the foundations, certain supplements can help support your mind and body in the long run. So with that in mind, here are eight of the best supplements for long-term health and wellbeing – to keep you you feeling good, energised and ready for whatever comes your way.
1. Protein Shakes – For Longevity and Mobility.
Protein isn’t just for gym-goers, it’s an essential nutrient for everyone across all walks of life. As we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass, which can have a significant effect on your health, mobility and metabolism. Getting enough high-quality protein helps support long-term muscle health, so you can stay strong, active and feeling your best.[1]
A daily protein shake is an easy way to top up your intake, especially if you’re on the go or don’t always get enough protein from food alone.
2. Collagen – For Healthy Skin And Stronger Joints
Collagen helps to keep your skin healthy, your joints flexible and your tissues resilient. Natural collagen production declines with age, partly due to changing hormone levels, which can lead to thinner skin, weaker bones and joints, and an increased risk of injuries.
Collagen supplements can help maintain mobility – inside and out. These supplements come in different forms, including easy capsules plus powders that can be mixed into drinks. Discover the best ways to supplement with collagen to find the one that fits best into your routine.
3. Creatine – To Power Your Body And Mind
One of the most widely researched supplements for health and wellbeing, Creatine has been making waves in the wellness world, and it’s not hard to see why. It helps your cells produce energy more efficiently, which supports both physical and mental performance.
Research shows that creatine helps to build muscle mass, which is key for mobility, strength and healthy ageing.[2] It may also support cognitive function, with studies showing improvements in memory and focus, particularly in older adults.[3]
4. Magnesium – For Better Rest and Recovery
Many of us don’t get enough magnesium from diet alone. In fact, almost half of all US adults aren’t reaching their daily recommended magnesium intake.[4]
But this vital mineral plays a crucial role in over 300 bodily processes, including muscle function, energy production and sleep quality. A study of over 2,400 older adults also found that those with higher magnesium levels had better memory, sharper attention and a lower risk of cognitive decline.[5]
Look out for either magnesium glycinate (for calm and relaxation) or magnesium citrate (for energy and muscle function) – or supplement with both for optimum effects.
5. Omega-3s – To Support Your Brain And Heart
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in both heart and brain health. Research shows they can help boost memory, mental clarity and blood flow to the brain while also reducing the oxidative stress and inflammation linked to premature brain ageing.[6]
Regular omega-3 intake has also been linked to a lower risk of heart attack and stroke, making it a smart supplement choice for long-term health and wellbeing.[7]
6. Vitamin D – To Boost Immunity And Mood
Vitamin D plays a huge role in how you feel day to day, especially during the darker months. Low vitamin D levels have been linked not only to brain fog and low mood,but also to memory issues and age-related cognitive decline.[8]
Vitamin D also helps to regulate the immune system, and may even protect against autoimmune conditions.[9] A daily dose can make a huge difference to your long-term health and wellbeing.
7. Greens Powders – To Level Up Your Nutrition
Struggling to get enough vitamins, minerals and antioxidants through your diet alone? Greens powders are an easy and convenient way to top up your intake and fill important nutritional gaps. They often contain nutrient-rich ingredients like spirulina, chlorella and matcha green tea along with probiotics and adaptogens.
These powerful ingredients work together to support immune function, gut health and overall vitality. It’s such an easy way to give your body everything it needs to work at its best.
8. B Vitamins – For Energy And Brain Health
B vitamins are the unsung heroes of everyday energy. They help convert food into fuel, support your nervous system and keep your brain functioning at its best. If you often feel drained or struggle to focus, supplementing with B vitamins can give your body and brain the support they need.
So which members of the B-vitamin family should you prioritise? Vitamins B6, B9 (folate) and B12 are especially important for focus and memory, as they help to lower homocysteine – a compound linked to memory loss and cognitive decline.[10]
Older adults, vegetarians, vegans and people under chronic stress are most likely to benefit from supplementing with B vitamins, as their dietary intake or absorption can often fall short.
The Take Home
Your health is the best investment you’ll ever make, so this Black Friday, why not invest in yourself and lay the foundations for a stronger, healthier and more energised future?
Explore our full range of research-backed supplements for health and wellbeing to find the right ones for you.
References:
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5772850/
[2] https://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/PDFuploads/ISSN-PDF-Upload-394.pdf
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17828627/
[4] https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/
[5] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-020-02267-4
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9641984/
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6132681/
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014480023000175
