Weight loss supplements Naturally, a healthy diet and exercise are the first steps toward losing weight, but it can be difficult if other factors are involved. Supplements containing brindleberry or capsaicin are appetite suppressants and are quite useful for weight-loss, particularly if you are prone to overeating. Others may contain Gingko or St John’s Wort to reduce stress, or certain amino acids to increase metabolism and energy, but no single supplement will help everyone achieve their most healthy weight. The problem is that most women don’t know the root cause of their extra kilos. In some cases, a simple multivitamin might be just as effective in promoting vitality and well-being.

Flaxseed Oil
For beautiful shiny hair and strong, smooth nails try a supplement that contains essential fatty acids. Flaxseed oil (also called linseed) contains Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9 fatty acids, which are known for their health and beauty benefits. It is even higher in Omega-3 oils than fish, and is completely vegetarian. Flaxseed supplements increase healthy hair growth, while restoring thickness and lustre, and also prevents nail breakages. It will incidentally help with dandruff, alleviate minor skin complaints and contribute to a healthy heart. Flaxseed supplements are available in oil form, which add a nutty flavour to foods, or a convenient capsule form from health-food shops.

Zinc
Zinc is essential for radiant, blemish-free skin as well as general health, but many women don’t get enough. Our bodies can’t make this trace element and our diet rarely provides enough to meet the body’s demands. Good food sources are meat, eggs and seafood, so vegetarians in particular are at risk of zinc deficiency. Zinc works with the vitamins in our diet, like vitamin C and A, to keep our skin cells healthy and regulate oil glands. It’s also involved in making collagen, the main protein in skin tissue. A zinc supplement, or multi-vitamin that contains zinc, can improve acne, rosacea and speed the skin’s healing process.

Gingko biloba
In traditional Chinese medicine gingko biloba is used to assist memory and increase brain power. Scientific studies fail to agree about how effective the herb is, but generally acknowledge that it does have some effect. Gingko increases blood circulation, which in turn increases oxygen flow through the body and to the brain. This seems to increase brain function and significantly improves recall abilities, especially in older people. A Gingko supplement is not only helpful before a big exam or important meeting. That extra oxygen also heads to your muscles to improve physical performance. Although herbs might seem safe, Gingko should be treated with the same caution as any medicine. Stick to the recommended dosage and ask a doctor about drug interactions with prescription medicines.

Calcium
Women need calcium in every stage of life, whether through a diet rich in dairy foods or a supplement. Unfortunately most women don’t get enough. Calcium is an essential mineral, which is not only involved in bone strength, but also needed for normal muscle and nerve function. Studies even suggest that calcium can ease pre-menstrual symptoms. In our youth, adequate calcium means we can achieve optimum peak bone density before a gradual decline after the age of 30. Loss of bone density speeds up following menopause, leaving older women at risk of osteoporosis and fractures. For pregnant women, the foetus and breastfeeding demand high levels of calcium, and will draw it from the mother’s bones if her intake is insufficient. Look for a calcium supplement with added Vitamin D as this is essential for absorption in the body.

Folate
Premature birth, low birth weight and neural tube birth defects like spina bifida are the tragic consequences of folate deficiency. Adequate amounts prior to conception and in the first trimester can prevent seven out of 10 neural tube defects. Women of a childbearing age need folate before they know they’re pregnant, yet may not get enough from their diet alone. We need 0.4 – 0.5mg each day during these years, so if you’re not getting enough, a supplement is worthwhile. Luckily this one substance that our bodies absorb better as a synthetic supplement than in its natural form. It is available in pill form, included in many women’s multivitamins (sometimes called folic acid) and is so important that some breakfast cereals are now fortified with a folate supplement. Pregnant women must consult their doctor before taking multi-vitamins, as other ingredients may be harmful.