TOP WELLNESS SUPPLEMENTS FOR WORKOUTS
If you work out on a regular basis, you’re probably no stranger to supplements. Maybe you start your day with a protein shake, take a pre-workout to get you hyped or a muscle recovery supplement to help out post-workout. When you’re thinking about supplements to help you lift a little more, run a little farther and recover a little easier, don’t forget the health and wellness side of things. Round out your regimen with these superfoods and wellness supplements.
BEST SUPERFOODS AND WELLNESS SUPPLEMENTS
MACA ROOT
You may have noticed maca root popping up in more of your performance supplements lately. So, what is maca? Maca, in its pure form, is a root vegetable that looks like a turnip and has been cultivated in the Andes Mountains of Peru for at least 3,000 years. It’s nutrient rich, which is how it earned its superfood designation. Look for products that combine maca with other nutrients known to support energy production and muscle function to bring a bit of wellness into your performance world. Get started by sipping on this Maca Wellness Energy Drink or finishing up your workout with a post workout supplement.
BEET ROOT
If you’ve ever been determined to boost your nitric oxide levels, you may have heard about beetroot supplements. Beets and beet juice, as sources of dietary nitrate, have made their way into sports nutrition research for their potential role in athletic performance. The body converts some of this nitrate to nitric oxide, which expands blood vessels. This blood vessel expansion increases blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to exercising muscles. Beets are also known for being rich in phytochemical compounds and one of the few vegetables that contain a highly active bioactive pigment known as betaine. Betaine provides support for a healthy cardiovascular system and liver health. Try adding a beetroot powder, like this one from Sunfood™ Superfoods, into a pre-workout smoothie.
Related Reading: BENEFITS OF BEETS: ARE THEY GOOD FOR YOU?
PREBIOTICS
You know what probiotics are, but what are prebiotics? They’re a special type of soluble carbohydrate fiber that act as fuel for good gut microbes, i.e. probiotics, stimulating the growth of these beneficial microbes. So why would someone who’s active want to add prebiotics into their diet? If you do endurance events and have been suddenly been hit with, um, digestive issues on the road or trail, prebiotics and probiotics may help support your overall digestive health. While prebiotics are naturally occurring in legumes, artichokes, chicory root and other foods, you can also get your daily dose by taking a prebiotic supplement.
OMEGAS
This isn’t the first time you’ve heard us sing the praises of Omega-3 fatty acids. That’s because they’re the real MVP of joint support, something you could probably use if your joints take a beating. Fish oil, which contains EPA, helps support the body’s natural inflammatory response. For full-spectrum Omega support, check out GNC AMP Complete Omega, which includes a blend of Omegas, Levagen® and Black Cumin Seed Oil and is formulated especially for fitness lovers.
MULTIVITAMIN
We get it. A multivitamin isn’t as exciting as a pre-workout or impressive as a tub of protein powder, but nutrition is a big deal when it’s time to get your goal on. You’ll want to make sure you have the essentials nailed down. Plus, vitamins that act like antioxidants, like Vitamin C and Vitamin E, are important for people who work out on a regular basis because they can help protect against exercise-induced free radical damage. Look for a multivitamin that’s geared toward the goals of active people, like multivitamins for men and multivitamins for women.
You wouldn’t go through life only doing upper body workouts and skipping all Leg Days. Don’t skip out on the wellness supplements that can make a difference.
