Save Your Brain with This Trio of Super Nutrients
December 11th 2010 00:18
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Cognitive decline and memory loss are considered a normal function of aging by millions of people. A “senior moment” is the term coined to describe momentary forgetfulness that some people experience from time to time. Yet these lapses in memory are not normal and are a strong indicator of brain decline that typically progresses over a period of several decades.
Our brain requires nutrition, healthy blood flow and oxygen, just as any organ does, in order to remain “plastic” and able to function at optimal capacity. Years of dietary abuse and exposure to toxic household and environmental chemicals can cause brain stress, inflammation and insulin resistance — all of which are known to contribute to brain decay. However, research has shown that certain key super nutrients have the capacity to improve brain health and lower the risk of cognitive decline.
Memory Decline Is Not a Normal Part of Aging!
The brain receives 20% of your body’s supply of freshly oxygenated blood. When this supply is restricted through narrowing of the arteries and inflammation, the brain experiences stress and cognition is diminished. Any nutrient that can specifically target and increase the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain can slow or even reverse brain decline and restore memory and learning abilities.
Vinpocetine Increases Blood Flow to the Brain
Vinpocetine is an extract from the periwinkle plant that has demonstrated the ability to improve healthy blood flow and cognitive function. It helps protect the brain cells from excess stress and boosts brain energy levels. The results of a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that vinpocetine inhibits the inflammatory action of chemical messengers (NF-kappaB) that cause neuronal stress by 42%. This allows for improvements in circulation to the brain and arterial relaxation by increasing levels of nitric oxide.
Curcumin Reduces Brain Stress
The normal process of metabolic function creates free radicals that are damaging to the brain. You can limit the effects of free radicals on the brain by eating a natural diet filled with fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds and limiting stressful situations. You can also protect your brain from stress with super nutrients such as curcumin. Research has shown that curcumin can help keep free radicals at bay by absorbing the impact of these damaging particles.
The results of information published in the journal Neurotoxicity show that curcumin deactivates one of the most damaging free radicals known as peroxynitrite by boosting antioxidant defenses in the brain and lowering inflammatory responses. This allows for proper electrical signaling by the neurons that can improve cognitive function as well as the formation of short term memories.
DHA Is Required for Optimal Brain Function
The omega-3 fatty acid, DHA, continues to gain importance for its ability to rejuvenate brain cells and prevent cognitive decline. Not only is this essential fat required for neuronal and synaptic connections, but research also confirms that it actually affects the genes that are responsible for the development of neural stem cells.
Research published in the journal Neuroscience details how DHA helps to maintain brain plasticity and can prevent the decline that often leads to vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This study demonstrated that a DHA-enriched diet along with regular exercise significantly improved spatial learning abilities that improve cognitive function and learning while reducing the risk of neurological disorders.
Too many people take brain health for granted and accept a steady decline in memory and learning to be normal and acceptable. While the brain remains physically well protected, it’s still susceptible to many of ravages brought about by poor diet, stress and the environment. Natural nutrients including vinpocetine, curcumin and DHA have been shown to ward off cognitive decline, improve memory and ensure vibrant brain health through advancing age.
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