Supplements That Can Help Boost Brain Power
Would it not be great if you could just pop a pill and remember
everything for an exam? Realistically, there are no supplements
that can boost your brain power to such astounding levels. But,
studies have shown that regular intake of certain supplements
increases the ability to memorize. There are many herbs,
supplements and foods that can improve your brain; the effect
of which can mean improvement of memory, learning,
concentration, attention, reasoning, social skills, decision
making, and focus. If you can combine these ‘brain foods’ with
sufficient rest and exercise, you will have boosted your
brainpower in no time.
The brain requires a variety of nutrients to produce
neurotransmitters – these are substances that control mood,
behavior, and mind. Studies have proved beyond doubt that
nutritional supplements increase IQ and enhance learning
ability. ‘Smart nutrients’ (cognitive enhancing supplements)
are natural substances that improve human intelligence.
Ginkgo Biloba:
This substance has been used for thousands of years in Eastern
cultures and is perhaps the most well-known of all memory
enhancing herbs. It works by diluting the blood vessels in the
brain and enhancing blood flow to the brain; thus supplying
lots of oxygen to the brain. It also gets rid of harmful free
radicals that damage brain cells. However, the results are not
immediate. Taking the supplement continuously for a few weeks
will start yielding results.
Green Tea and Black Tea:
Recent research has shown that these common constituents of the
kitchen are very effective in combating the dreaded Alzheimer’s
disease. The most significant result seems to be that these
prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine. This is a key chemical
involved with memory and is lacking in Alzheimer’s patients.
The effect of green tea is more lasting than that of black tea,
which lasts only for a day.
Sage and Rosemary:
A recent study shows that students who took sage performed
better at a memory recall test. Scientists believe that sage
contains substances that may increase levels of a chemical that
transmits messages to the brain. Rosemary also helps stimulate
the memory and alleviate mental fatigue. It also strengthens
mental clarity. How exactly these substances help the brain
remains ambiguous.
Vitamin B Supplements:
A healthy diet should provide you with all the vitamins that
are needed by the body. But at times of stress and fatigue, the
body gets depleted of Vitamin B. This deficiency prevents the
functioning of acetylcholine. Vitamin B also helps carry oxygen
to the brain and this does away with harmful free radicals. Some
natural foods like liver, eggs, soybeans, lentils, and green
beans are rich in Vitamin B. Vitamin B Supplements also help to
boost the level of these vital vitamins in the body.
Iron deficiency:
The most common deficiency in most parts of the world is linked
to iron deficiency. Poor concentration, diminished intelligence,
and a short attention span are all attributed to iron
deficiency. Iron helps carry oxygen to the blood and its
deficiency leaves the brain sadly lacking in oxygen. Iron
deficiency can be detected by a simple blood test. Iron-rich
food like lean meat, beans, iron-fortified cereals, and iron
supplements help raise the levels of iron. But absorption of
iron becomes possible only in the presence of vitamin C.
Garnishing iron-rich food with lime juice is one of the most
effective and natural ways to ingest
Vitamin C with iron.
Water is an often overlooked but important necessity of the
brain. The brain is 70% water, and a dehydrated brain works at
a slower pace. Therefore it is necessary to keep the brain
hydrated with plenty of water.