1. Seabuckthorn
Seabuckthorn is a powerful natural tonic for the body. It reduces fatigue, restores energy, and strengthens the immune system. And for good reason: with about 300 mg per 100 g, it is one of the richest foods in vitamin C.
Read also | Our tips for choosing vitamin C well
Its berries also contain antioxidant compounds and fatty acids (omega-3, 6, 7, and 9). The omega-7, rare in foods, have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
Finally, seabuckthorn protects the heart and prevents cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis.
This study by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences in Delhi (India), conducted directly on cells, shows the antioxidant activity of seabuckthorn berries.
This other study from the same institute, also conducted on cells, concludes that seabuckthorn is a safe and effective antioxidant plant.
2. Gotu kola
Gotu kola is a key plant in traditional Indian medicine or Ayurveda. It is indicated to improve memory and cognitive functions. Asiaticoside is its main active ingredient.
As shown in this study, it slows brain aging and stimulates neuron regeneration.
Moreover, it has beneficial effects on venous insufficiency and varicose veins, common in the elderly.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is an excellent anti-fatigue. It improves energy, strengthens the immune system, and increases the body’s resistance to infections.
The ginsenosides, the active molecules, are also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. They notably contribute to the protection of brain cells against free radicals. Thus, they support cognitive functions like concentration and memory.
This study from Daejeon University in Korea, conducted on 90 patients suffering from chronic fatigue, demonstrated that taking one gram of ginseng helps reduce physical fatigue, mental fatigue, and oxidative stress.
Finally, ginseng is known to be a natural aphrodisiac. It awakens sexual desire and combats age-related libido decline.
Read also | How to choose the best ginseng
This study conducted by the Kyung Hee University School of Medicine in Seoul demonstrated that the consumption of ginseng for 8 weeks significantly improved erectile dysfunction in 86 men.
4. Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is among the oldest plant species.
It is an ally for the elderly to relieve aging-related disorders: arthritis, cognitive disorders, memory loss…
It mainly acts on the brain to improve brain functions and notably memory. It contributes to the oxygenation of neurons.
This study conducted by the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil on rats confirms the antioxidant power of ginkgo biloba extract.
This meta-analysis aggregating several studies on ginkgo biloba highlights the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba leaf extract on several age-related diseases (cognitive disorders, memory loss, depression in seniors…).
5. Astragalus
Astragalus is a plant used in Chinese medicine. It is recommended for toning the body due to its stimulating and energizing action.
It is an adaptogenic plant capable of boosting the most tired and fragile bodies, such as those of elderly people.
Finally, it supports and improves heart function. It prevents clot formation in the arteries and reduces bad cholesterol levels.
This study from the College of High Altitude Military Medicine in China, conducted on mice subjected to physical exercise, showed that astragalus has a clear anti-fatigue effect and promotes recovery.
This study from Jinzhou Medical University in China, conducted on 92 patients, demonstrated the effectiveness of astragalus in the treatment of ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease related to insufficient oxygenation of the heart).
