A 'new year' is something unique to all of us. It can be a time for new beginnings; a fresh start or even a time to reflect, whichever category you fall under we are almost certain that it comes with the typical 'New Years Resolutions'. Not so surprisingly, every year these resolutions tend to focus on our health.

Among the most common; quit smoking, lose weight, drink less, manage debt, manage stress, eat healthier and get fit – I think it's safe to say, we've got a lot of work ahead of us. But with the help of Dr. Oz, and the Top 14 Natural Supplements, we have a better chance of making it past the first week, and maybe even, the first month!

JUMP INTO WEIGHT-LOSS MODE

Konjac: Also referred to as Glucomannan, Konjac is a dietary fibre commonly added to many foods as an emulsifier and thickener. It comes from the Konjac Root, a plant primarily grown in Asia. It has been shown to have one of the highest molecular weights and is one of the most viscous of dietary fibres available. It works by absorbing water as it travels through the digestive tract, increasing the bulk of stool, and thereby supporting regular bowel movements. Many also use glucomannan as a weight-loss aid, as it leaves us feeling satisfied for a longer period of time, decreasing snacking, as well as eliminating excess water weight. [Read More]

Green Coffee Bean: Referred by Dr. Oz as a “miracle pill to burn fat” - what more could you ask for? By taking green coffee bean extract you can lose weight, without changing your diet or increasing your activity level. It works by inhibiting the release of glucose in the body and by boosting metabolism or the breakdown of sugar and fat in your body. Just remember, that its potential fat burning quality comes from the fact that these green coffee beans are not roasted – so, unfortunately, if you thought drinking a cup of coffee would you the same effect, it won't. [Read More]

Garcinia Cambogia: This was a hugely endorsed item this past year by Dr. Oz because it is a super fruit supplement that can be safely used by most people. Garcinia Cambogia is traditionally used in curries and stews in its native land of Indonesia, Asia, and Africa. However, it is recently popular for its potential weight-loss properties. With its active ingredient of hydroxy citric-acid (HCA), it has been shown to inhibit lipogenesis, meaning it can potentially prevent your body from making new body fat from food. [Read More]

Raspberry Ketones: Commonly explained as the substance that “tricks your body into acting like it's thin”, Dr. Oz made this weight-loss formula gain in popularity, and quickly. It works by, literally, tricking your body into thinking its thin, and increasing a level of a hormone naturally found in thinner people called, adiponectin. But before you run to the grocery store and stuff your face with raspberries, its good to know that naturally extracted raspberry ketones exist at about 1-4mg per kilogram of the red fruit. Seeing as this is still fairly new, and more studies need to be conducted, dosages are still unclear. [Read More]

Omega-7 SBT: Another member of the Omega fatty acids family, Omega-7 has just recently been put under the spot light by Dr. Oz. Along with its brothers and sisters, the Omega-7 and its substance of palmitoleic acid has shown in research to reduce high cholesterol, lower insulin levels, improve liver function and promote weight-loss. Sea Buckthorn oil is the richest plant in Omega-7's, however, it can be found in macadamia oil and pomegranate seed oil as well. [Read More]

Saffron Extract: Long used in traditional Persian medicine for treatment of depression, it has been brought to light for its belly-fat-busting abilities by Dr. Oz. He stated that saffron extract can “annihilate your urge to over-eat” however, given much research it has much more potential than just this small task. It is still good for the treatment of depression, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer. In a study with slightly over-weight women, it found that it reduced their urge to snack, including emotional eating. [Read More]

RECOVER IN A HURRY

Echinacea: One of National Nutrition’s bestselling herbs. Echinacea is super fuel for the immune system and is among Dr. Oz’s Top 3 Supplements for fighting against the cold and flu. This is one of the best supplements to take for prevention and increasing recovery time of cold and flus. In addition to boosting the immune system, echinacea kick-starts a bunch of healthy in actions in our bodies. Among its numerous benefits, it is antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-protozoal and anti-parasitic. Many therapists claim that it can also ease side effects of cancer treatments, although there is no scientific evidence to support it. [Read More]

Rhodiola: Considered a 'wonder plant', Rhodiola has been used for centuries to combat fatigue by increasing physical endurance and exercise performance, as well as a speedy recovery from illness. Today it is greatly used to boost strength and stamina, as well as a supplement that can help you cope with stress. It improves mental concentration, memory, and focus; essentially making you a 'better you'. There have even been links to it helping with mental exhaustion, which can be associated with work or in irregular sleeping [Read More]

WHO SAID YOU COULDN'T HAVE DESSERTS?

Coconut Palm Sugar: A delicious alternative to sugar, never tasted so good – or was this good for you! Coconut Palm Sugar is made from the concentrated dried nectar of coconut palm trees (who would have thought!). It requires very little processing and is considered a 35, on the glycemic index, making it a low glycemic sweetener, perfect for anyone with diabetes. Just be sure not to confuse this sugar with regular Palm Sugar, which is from a different source. [Read More]

Yacon: What was once an overlooked alternative sweetener, has been made quite popular by Dr. Oz after his infamous Yacon Syrup Project. This was when he took 60 women and asked them to have a tsp of yacon syrup before each meal. Who wouldn't love doing that! After only four weeks, 76% of the women lost weight. Not bad considering Yacon Syrup is also low on the glycemic index, so it can be enjoyed by diabetics. One of the reasons it aids is weight-loss is because it is high in inulin, a complex sugar that breaks down slowly into fructooligosaccharides (FOS). [Read More]

HEALTHY BODY, HEALTHY YOU!

CoQ10: Known as a very important fat-soluble antioxidant, CoQ10 enhances heart health and circulation. This is because CoQ10 helps the heart use oxygen and energy effectively. Our bodies naturally produce Coenzyme Q10 (which is one of ten types of coenzyme Q), but as we age, our production begins to decline. Specifically over the age of 40, but even more so over the age of 60, when our overall production level is only at 10% of what it use to be in your thirties. Before you start taking a CoQ10, you'll need to establish what type is for you; ubiquinone or ubiquinol. [Read More]

Curcumin: While several are familiar with the spice turmeric (curcumin) you may be unaware that it contains several benefits to our health. It contains antioxidants chemicals, called curcuminoids, used for neutralizing free radicals. Turmeric can thus be used to prevent infections, protect the liver from toxins, and may be useful for cancer. Not bad, considering most people only add it to their curry. Curcumin also has a natural anti-inflammatory agent which can help relieve pain, improve joint mobility and reduce pain and swelling associated with arthritis. [Read More]

KICK IT INTO HIGH GEAR

Chia Seeds: This superfood is an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, proteins, antioxidants, and both soluble and insoluble fibre, it's amazing that we only recently starting seeing this tiny seeds big potential. A study by Salba, a specific brand of chia, found that as little as 3.5oz of chia contained as much omega 3 as 28oz of salmon, as much calcium as 3 cups of milk, and as much iron as 5 cups of raw spinach. Chia seeds are also gluten-free. [Read More]

Savi Seeds: Although they look like a nut, taste like a nut and even smell like a nut, they're actually seeds. And for those of us who have certain allergies or food restrictions, especially when it comes to school or work, these make a perfect alternative. Savi seeds are also very high in Omega-3, one of the richest sources actually; considering they offer 13 times more Omega-3s than a single ounce of salmon. They're also a great source of protein, tryptophan (an amino acid), antioxidants and fibre!