1. Sea buckthorn
Sea buckthorn is a powerful natural tonic for the body. It reduces fatigue, restores vitality, and strengthens the immune defenses. And for good reason : with about 300 mg per 100 g, it is one of the foods richest in vitamin C.
Also read | Our tips for choosing the best vitamin C
Its berries also contain antioxidant compounds as well as fatty acids (omega-3, 6, 7 and 9). The omega-7s, rare in foods, have an anti-inflammatory effect, reduce cholesterol, and lower blood pressure.
Finally, sea buckthorn protects the heart and prevents cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis.
This study from the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences in Delhi (India), conducted directly on cells, shows the antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn berries.
This other study from the same institute, also conducted on cells, concludes that sea buckthorn is a safe and effective antioxidant plant.
2. Gotu kola
Gotu kola is a key plant of traditional Indian medicine, or Ayurveda. It is used to improve memory and cognitive functions. Asiaticoside is its main active compound.
As shown by this study, it slows brain aging and stimulates neuron regeneration.
In addition, it has beneficial effects on venous insufficiency and varicose veins, common in older adults.
3. Ginseng
Ginseng is an excellent remedy against fatigue. It improves tone, strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to infections.
The ginsenosides, the active molecules, are also antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. They notably contribute to the protection of brain cells against free radicals. Thus, they support cognitive functions such as concentration and memory.
This study by Daejeon University in Korea, conducted on 90 patients suffering from chronic fatigue, demonstrated that taking one gram of ginseng helps reduce physical and mental fatigue and oxidative stress.
Finally, ginseng is known to be a natural aphrodisiac. It awakens sexual desire and fights the age-related decline in libido.
Also read | How to choose the best ginseng
This study conducted by the School of Medicine at Kyung Hee University in Seoul showed that consuming ginseng for 8 weeks significantly improved erectile dysfunction in 86 men.
4. Ginkgo biloba
The ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest plant species.
It is an ally for older adults to relieve age-related conditions: arthritis, cognitive disorders, memory loss…
It primarily acts on the brain to improve brain function, particularly memory. It helps oxygenate 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, shows the effectiveness of ginkgo biloba leaf extract on several age-related conditions (cognitive disorders, memory loss, depression in seniors…).
5. Astragalus
The astragalus is a plant used in Chinese medicine. It is recommended to strengthen 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 older adults.
Finally, it supports and improves cardiac function. It prevents the formation of clots in the arteries and reduces levels of bad cholesterol.
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 efficacy of astragalus in the treatment of an ischemic heart disease (disease of the coronary arteries related to insufficient oxygenation of the heart).
