Mental and neurological disorders have been steadily increasing over the years and have now reached the highest levels in history. Issues from anxiety and depression to Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s impact hundreds of thousands of people. And while these conditions can’t be entirely prevented, science-based nutrition may help to protect our brains and improve their everyday performance.
Certain foods, known as nootropics, may improve cognitive performance and protect the brain from deterioration over time. And, while there are factory-made nootropics, Mother Nature provides a few of her own. Keep reading to learn more.
Sunflower Lecithin
Lecithin is a fatty substance found in many foods, and it makes up roughly one-third of our brains’ mass. Based on this fact alone, you can probably guess just how important lecithin is to achieve optimal brain health. Lecithin is found not only in sunflower seeds, but also in soybeans, egg yolks, and meat products. All of these are excellent sources of this healthy, brain-powering fat.
So why do we specifically mention sunflower lecithin? For starters, the other lecithin sources mentioned above can sometimes be genetically modified, while sunflower seeds never are. Additionally, the lecithin in sunflower seeds also contains a natural source of choline. Choline is a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that has a significant role in your brain’s ability to learn and memorize things, making it an essential nutrient for prime brain health.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, but it’s only recently that Western medicine has begun to recognize the value of some of these nature-made cures. Lion’s mane mushroom, in particular, has been shown in studies to improve the growth of axons and dendrite in the brain’s neurons; this could indicate the mushroom’s ability over time to slow down or reverse brain cell degeneration.
Another study among individuals suffering from mild cognitive impairment found that those who took lion’s mane mushroom powder three times a day saw significant improvements in cognitive function as compared to those taking a placebo. In fact, this food may even assist with anxiety and depression, based on the results of a third study conducted in Japan.
While the benefits of lion’s mane mushroom are still being discovered, these early results show that it can provide huge benefits for your brain’s performance and long-term health.
Gingko Biloba
Derived from the leaves of the gingko tree, gingko biloba has been studied extensively for its ability to improve mood, memory, cognition, and focus. In one study conducted among over 400 dementia patients, individuals receiving a gingko biloba supplement showed significant improvements and reduced cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms as compared to the placebo group. Even among healthy adults, data show that gingko biloba can improve mental and emotional health, motor performance, and overall quality of life.
If you’re looking for natural ways to improve your brain’s health, try the superfoods above, or look for supplements derived from these sources. If you are looking to try natural, brain-boosting supplements or any other natural supplements, such as probiotics for UTI treatment, contact BioPharma Scientific, LLC, at 877-772-4632 to learn more about our natural, science-based supplements and treatments.