Feel like your wellness routine is missing a key ingredient? You’re not alone! While the spotlight often shines on big-name vitamins like C and D or minerals like Zinc, some other wellness breakthroughs are often hiding in plain sight. These under-the-radar supplements, backed by cutting-edge research, are nature's secret weapons—loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and powerful benefits that go beyond just your average vitamin.
Ready to discover the wellness upgrades you’ve been missing? Here are 5 game-changing supplements you’ve probably never heard of—but need to know about!
5 Powerful Supplements You Didn’t Know You Needed
1. Berberine: The Plant-Based Cholesterol Health Powerhouse
What is it?
Berberine is a bioactive compound found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, and tree turmeric. It’s been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. What makes Berberine so special? Its ability to activate AMPK—an enzyme inside your body’s cells that plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism. [1,2]
Why You Need It:
Berberine’s benefits are backed by science. Research shows it can help balance blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity, which might be especially helpful if you’re managing prediabetes or looking to optimize your metabolism. Studies also suggest berberine is effective in lowering cholesterol levels and supporting heart health. [2,5]
Key Research:
Main Benefits: [1-5]
2. Quercetin: The Immune-Boosting Antioxidant
What is it?
Quercetin is a powerful flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, like apples, onions, and berries. It’s one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, known for its ability to neutralize free radicals, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress. [6,7]
Why You Need It:
Quercetin isn’t just an antioxidant—it’s also a natural anti-inflammatory. Research suggests it can help boost immune function and reduce inflammation, making it especially useful during cold and flu season or when you’re feeling run down. Quercetin has also been shown to support cardiovascular health by improving blood pressure levels and overall heart function. [7,8]
Key Research:
Main Benefits: [6-10]
3. Resveratrol: The Heart-Healthy Antioxidant Found in Red Wine
What is it?
Resveratrol is a polyphenol primarily found in red grapes, red wine, and some berries. It’s what gives red wine its heart-healthy benefits. Resveratrol works as a potent antioxidant, helping to protect your cells and support healthy aging. [11,12]
Why You Need It:
If you’re looking to support your heart and brain, resveratrol is the perfect go-to. Research has shown that resveratrol helps lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation in the blood vessels. It may also promote cognitive health by protecting the brain from oxidative stress and improving memory and mood. [13,14]
Key Research:
Main Benefits: [11-16]
4. Moringa: The Nutrient-Dense Superfood
What is it?
Moringa comes from the Moringa oleifera tree, native to parts of Africa and Asia. Its leaves are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, earning it the nickname "the miracle tree." [17]
Why You Need It:
Moringa is a complete superfood that’s loaded with key nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Studies have found that moringa leaves can help reduce inflammation, improve energy levels, and support your immune system. Its rich antioxidant content also helps fight oxidative stress, which can help to improve overall vitality. [18,19]
Key Research:
Main Benefits: [17-21]
5. Lion’s Mane: The Brain-Boosting Mushroom
What is it?
Lion’s Mane is a medicinal mushroom that grows in a white, shaggy form, resembling a lion’s mane—hence its name. It’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its cognitive benefits and ability to promote nerve health. [22]
Why You Need It:
Lion’s Mane is best known for its role in enhancing memory and focus. It works by encouraging the production of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), which is crucial for the growth and repair of brain cells. Emerging research also suggests that Lion’s Mane can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, making it a versatile brain-boosting supplement. [23,25]
Key Research:
Main Benefits: [22-25]
Ready to Supercharge Your Wellness?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Many of these supplements are commonly taken together and may complement each other. However, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to make sure they're right for your individual needs.
Some people may notice changes within a few days or weeks, but the timeline for results can vary. Consistency is key, and it’s important to give your body time to adjust!
These supplements are generally well-tolerated by most individuals. As always, follow the recommended usage guidelines and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions.
These supplements are formulated to promote different aspects of wellness, including immune support, heart health, and brain function. Supplements are designed to complement—not replace—a healthy diet. For the best results, they should be used alongside a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Resources:
- Ye Yu, Liu Xiufen, Wu Ninghua, Han Yanqi, Wang Jiawen, Yu Yuandong, Chen Qingjie, Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 2021, DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.653887, ISSN: 1663-9812, https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/
- Jacob Schor, Clinical Applications for Berberine, Natural Medicine Journal, March 24, 2014, https://www.naturalmedicinejournal.com/journal/
- Yin J, Xing H, Ye J. Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metabolism. 2008 May;57(5):712-7. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2008.01.013. PMID: 18442638; PMCID: PMC2410097. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2410097/
- Kong W, Wei J, Abidi P, Lin M, Inaba S, Li C, Wang Y, Wang Z, Si S, Pan H, Wang S, Wu J, Wang Y, Li Z, Liu J, Jiang JD. Berberine is a novel cholesterol-lowering drug working through a unique mechanism distinct from statins. Nat Med. 2004 Dec;10(12):1344-51. doi: 10.1038/nm1135. Epub 2004 Nov 7. PMID: 15531889. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15531889/
- Li C, He JZ, Zhou XD, Xu X. [Berberine regulates type 2 diabetes mellitus related with insulin resistance]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao za Zhi = Zhongguo Zhongyao Zazhi = China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica. 2017 Jun;42(12):2254-2260. DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20170307.014. PMID: 28822177.
- Mlcek, J., Jurikova, T., Skrovankova, S., & Sochor, J. (2016). Quercetin and Its Anti-Allergic Immune Response. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 21(5), 623. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21050623.
- Li, Y., Yao, J., Han, C., Yang, J., Chaudhry, M. T., Wang, S., Liu, H., & Yin, Y. (2016). Quercetin, Inflammation, and Immunity. Nutrients, 8(3), 167. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8030167.
- Muhammet Ay, Adhithiya Charli, Huajun Jin, Vellareddy Anantharam, Arthi Kanthasamy, Anumantha G. Kanthasamy, Chapter 32 - Quercetin, Editor(s): Ramesh C. Gupta, Nutraceuticals, Academic Press, 2016, Pages 447-452, ISBN 9780128021477, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-802147-7.00032-2.
- Zhou, Y., Qian, C., Tang, Y., Song, M., Zhang, T., Dong, G., Zheng, W., Yang, C., Zhong, C., Wang, A., Zhao, Y., & Lu, Y. (2023). Advance in the pharmacological effects of quercetin in modulating oxidative stress and inflammation-related disorders. Phytotherapy Research, 37(11), 4999–5016. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7966
- Nicola P Bondonno, Catherine P Bondonno, Lisa Rich, Emilie Mas, Sujata Shinde, Natalie C Ward, Jonathan M Hodgson, Kevin D Croft, Acute effects of quercetin-3-O-glucoside on endothelial function and blood pressure: a randomized dose-response study12, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 104, Issue 1, 2016, Pages 97-103, ISSN 0002-9165, https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.116.131268.
- Salehi, B., Mishra, A. P., Nigam, M., Sener, B., Kilic, M., Sharifi-Rad, M., Fokou, P., Martins, N., & Sharifi-Rad, J. (2018). Resveratrol: A Double-Edged Sword in Health Benefits. Biomedicines, 6(3), 91. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines6030091.
- Ramírez-Garza, S. L., Laveriano-Santos, E. P., Marhuenda-Muñoz, M., Storniolo, C. E., Tresserra-Rimbau, A., Vallverdú-Queralt, A., & Lamuela-Raventós, R. M. (2018). Health Effects of Resveratrol: Results from Human Intervention Trials. Nutrients, 10(12), 1892. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121892.
- Singh, AP, Singh, R, Verma, SS, et al. Health benefits of resveratrol: Evidence from clinical studies. Med Res Rev. 2019; 39: 1851- 1891. https://doi.org/10.1002/med.21565.
- LK, Stanevičienė I, Mongirdienė A, Bernatonienė J. Multiplicity of effects and health benefits of resveratrol. Medicina. 2016; 52(3):148-155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.medici.2016.03.003.
- Chung JH, Manganiello V, Dyck JR. Resveratrol as a calorie restriction mimetic: therapeutic implications. Trends Cell Biol. 2012 Oct;22(10):546-54. doi: 10.1016/j.tcb.2012.07.004. Epub 2012 Aug 10. PMID: 22885100; PMCID: PMC3462230. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3462230/
- A. Veronica Witte, Lucia Kerti, Daniel S. Margulies, Agnes Flöel. Effects of Resveratrol on Memory Performance, Hippocampal Functional Connectivity, and Glucose Metabolism in Healthy Older Adults, Journal of Neuroscience 4 June 2014, 34 (23) 7862-7870; DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0385-14.2014, https://www.jneurosci.org/content/34/23/7862
- Meireles, D., Gomes, J., Lopes, L., Hinzmann, M., & Machado, J. (2020). A review of properties, nutritional and pharmaceutical applications of Moringa oleifera: integrative approach on conventional and traditional Asian medicine. Advances in Traditional Medicine, 20(4), 495–515. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00468-0
- Jed W. Fahey, Sc.D. (2005). Moringa oleifera: A Review of the Medical Evidence for Its Nutritional, Therapeutic, and Prophylactic Properties. Part 1, Trees for Life Journal: A forum on beneficial trees and plants. https://www.tfljournal.org/images/articles/
- Lakshmipriya Gopalakrishnan, Kruthi Doriya, Devarai Santhosh Kumar, Moringa oleifera: A review on nutritive importance and its medicinal application, Food Science and Human Wellness, Volume 5, Issue 2, 2016, Pages 49-56, ISSN 2213-4530, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fshw.2016.04.001.
- Vergara-Jimenez M, Almatrafi MM, Fernandez ML. Bioactive Components in Moringa Oleifera Leaves Protect against Chronic Disease. Antioxidants (Basel). 2017 Nov 16;6(4):91. doi: 10.3390/antiox6040091. PMID: 29144438; PMCID: PMC5745501. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5745501/
- Abdull Razis AF, Ibrahim MD, Kntayya SB. Health benefits of Moringa oleifera. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2014;15(20):8571-6. doi: 10.7314/apjcp.2014.15.20.8571. PMID: 25374169. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25374169/
- LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; 2012-. Lion’s Mane. [Updated 2024 Jan 5]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK599740/
- Szućko-Kociuba I, Trzeciak-Ryczek A, Kupnicka P, Chlubek D. Neurotrophic and Neuroprotective Effects of Hericium erinaceus. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Nov 3;24(21):15960. doi: 10.3390/ijms242115960. PMID: 37958943; PMCID: PMC10650066. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10650066
- Docherty S, Doughty FL, Smith EF. The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults: A Double-Blind, Parallel Groups, Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2023 Nov 20;15(22):4842. doi: 10.3390/nu15224842. PMID: 38004235; PMCID: PMC10675414. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10675414/
- Nancy Lovering. (2024, August 27). Health benefits of Lion’s mane. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/health/supplements/
Comments (0)