The placebo effect or pseudo-scientific effect of supplements is well-discussed in the scientific community. While some supplements may have potential health benefits, they might lack the evidence to support them, and a few others may be worthless.

However, there are certain exceptions, with some even being as effective as medical drugs. Here are a select few supplements that fit the criteria:

Curcumin

Curcumin is a spice that gives the well-loved curry its characteristic yellow color. This vibrant spice is a staple in every Indian household. It has been utilized for therapeutic practices for centuries.

A majority of turmeric’s healing properties are due to the presence of a compound called curcumin. Abundantly researched, curcumin has become a prominent supplement in the modern world. 

On a cellular level, curcumin helps fight inflammation and prevents the rise of an inflammation-boosting molecule, NF-kB.

Its effects have been comparable to some anti-inflammatory drugs, minus the side effects, which is a huge plus.

In a comparative study between consuming diclofenac and 500 mg of curcumin daily, 40 Rheumatoid arthritic patients showed better results with curcumin.

Curcumin gives several health benefits ranging from cancer to heart health due to its rich sources of antioxidants.

Curcumin may have the ability to fight depression as well, with its effects being comparable with Prozac, an antidepressant.

Curcumin’s poor absorption rate can be curbed by pairing it with piperine or black pepper, which is known to increase its absorption rate by 2,000%.

Berberine

Berberine is an active compound found in a selection of plants. It has many health benefits, decreasing glucose levels being one of them.

It assists in lowering glucose levels by decreasing liver glucose production and improving insulin resistance.

It even matches the effect of a commonly used drug for diabetes, metformin.

The nutrient could reduce the fasting blood sugar levels by 20% and HbA1c by 12% in 112 diabetic patients.

Berberine has several therapeutic benefits, from reducing cholesterol to dipping high blood pressure levels. It also exhibits antibacterial properties and may reduce one’s risk of developing heart failure and cancer.

With its wide array of biological functions, berberine is one of the most effective supplements.

Heed the advice of a qualified physician before ingesting berberine to avoid unnecessary drug interactions.

Garlic

This popular root vegetable is widely used in multiple cuisines and has a history that dates back thousands of years.

Many of garlic’s healing assets are due to a specific active compound, allicin, known for its role in cardiac health.

An estimate of 10-15% of cholesterol may get lowered by garlic.

High blood pressure triggers heart attacks, strokes, and critical cardiac issues, which garlic is capable of reducing. Aged garlic has a prominent effect on decreasing elevated blood pressures. A study established a decline of 8.4 mm Hg of systolic blood pressure and 7.3 mm Hg of diastolic blood pressure due to garlic consumption. 

Around 210 people formed two groups, one taking atenolol, a pharmaceutical drug for high blood pressure, and the other consuming garlic. The results showed that the effects of garlic were better and more effective.

Garlic also hosts immunity-boosting properties and may keep a cold away. Evidence shows that it could reduce the duration of a common cold by 73% and its recurrence by 63%. 

Red Yeast Rice

Statins are pharmaceutical drugs manufactured to decrease cholesterol levels. Despite the many adverse effects, they are one of the most prescribed medicines.

Red yeast rice also appears to have the same biological effect as statins, with almost no side effects.

It is due to monacolin K, the active ingredient in Lovastatin, which is also in tiny amounts in red yeast rice.

An analysis of 91 studies showcased a dip of 34 mg of total cholesterol, 28 mg of LDL cholesterol, 35 mg of triglycerides, and a spike of 5 mg of HDL cholesterol, the healthier type of cholesterol from consuming red yeast rice.

A study of 5,000 people from China experienced a 45% decrease in the risk of developing a heart attack after ingesting red yeast rice.

The effectiveness of this ingredient lies in the quantity of the active ingredient present, which can differ from brand to brand.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labels foods containing this potent ingredient as a drug instead of a supplement due to its powerful healing properties.

Due to its potency, a prescription is necessary so that you take the appropriate dosages.

Conclusion

Though effective, supplements cannot replace the benefits of a supportive, healthy lifestyle with nutritious food, exercise, and sound sleep.

Supplements can be an additional boost to your immunity and health with a suitable recommendation from a qualified physician.

Consult an expert before taking any supplements.