Where it comes from: Yohimbe is derived from the bark of a west African evergreen tree. Yohimbine is an active chemical (an alkaloid) found in said bark and is cultivated into supplement form. Yohimbine hydrochloride is a standardized form of yohimbine that is available as a prescription drug in the United States. These terms are all related but are interchangeable. What it’ll do for you: “Yohimbe dilates the blood vessels and can lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Patrick M. Fratellone, an integrated physician with a practice in Manhattan. “So experts figured, if it can do that, it must give you an erection and treat erectile dysfunction.” Some proponents say that yohimbe extracts are powerful antioxidants that can prevent heart attacks, act as a stimulant and an anti-depressant, and an aid to weight loss. Here, a closer look at the key benefits: Treats erectile dysfunction: In some countries, the extract is used as a prescription drug to treat erectile dysfunction. A 2002 study in Germany found that pro-erectile effects of the bark extract may predominantly be caused by the yohimbe. Read More

Where it comes from: Vitamin C—or ascorbic acid—is an essential nutrient. It protects the body against oxidative stress (thanks to antioxidant properties) and aids in tissue repair and helps bones grow and repair themselves. Dietary sources include fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits such as oranges. It’s also popular in supplement form. What it’ll do for you: Vitamin C helps produce collagen, a connective tissue that holds muscles, bones and other tissues together. It protects you from bruising by keeping capillary walls and blood vessels firm. It helps your body absorb iron and folate from plant food sources. It keeps your gums healthy, helps heal cuts and wounds and works as an antioxidant to inhibit damage to body cells. But the most touted benefit of vitamin C is that it protects you from infection by stimulating the formation of antibodies and so, boosting immunity. Read More

Where it comes from: Melatonin is the major hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland, located in the brain. The body has an internal clock that controls the natural cycle of sleeping and waking hours—it also controls how much melatonin your body makes. Normally, melatonin levels rise in the mid to late evening, remain high for most of the night, and then drop in the early morning hours. Light also affects how much melatonin your body produces. A minimal amount of melatonin is found in foods such as rice, barley, sweet corn and oats. Melatonin is also sold as capsules and tablets. What it’ll do for you: Melatonin helps the brain determine day and night to regulate sleep cycles and circadian rhythm. It’s believed that melatonin supplements can reduce jet lag, regulate sleep-awake cycles, stop or slow the spread of cancer, prevent and treat migraines and enhance sex drives. Here, a look at the two types of people who could benefit the most from melatonin supplements: Night-shift workers Due to melatonin’s impact on the sleep-awake cycle, it’s often used among night-shift workers. Read More

Where it comes from: Potassium is a mineral that's crucial for life—it’s necessary for the heart, kidneys and other organs to work normally. Certain foods, such as bananas, avocados, nuts (like almonds and peanuts), citrus fruits, leafy vegetables, milk and potatoes, are high in potassium. Potassium supplements are available in liquids, tablets, or capsules. What it’ll do for you: “Potassium is one of the major minerals responsible for regulating fluids and mineral balance in and out of body cells,” explains Sari Greaves, RD, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association and Nutrition Director at Step Ahead Weight Loss Center in Bedminster, NJ. It also helps transmit nerve impulses and helps muscles contract. But potassium is probably most known for regulating the heart (possibly preventing strokes) and maintaining normal blood pressure by blunting sodium's effect on blood pressure. “Laboratory studies support the claims that potassium is beneficial when it comes to blood pressure control and preventing strokes but more research is needed,” adds Greaves. Suggested intake: The Adequate Intake for adults is 4,700 milligrams daily. People who eat a healthy diet should get enough potassium naturally. Read More