Supplements for the brain: 7 of the best supplements for the brain to improve cognitive
BEST supplements for the brain: Brain health is crucial for our ability to act, think and live well. Keeping the brain in tip top condition is therefore essential - these are the best supplements to keep the brain healthy.
Growing old is an inevitable part of life however certain supplements and methods can help reduce the decline of cognitive health and help you feel younger. Supplements are believed to help cognitive health by increasing blood flow to the brain and improving the brain's functions, memory and sharpness. These supplements claim to boost brain power and some supplements may even reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimers. Multiple processes cause us to age. Some are simple, such as the depletion of a vital substance called phosphatidylcholine in our cell membranes **B vitamins** In a study, B vitamins were given to people aged over 70 for a two-year period. The patients had previously suffered from mild cognitive impairment and found that those who had taken a combination of B vitamins, folic acid and vitamin B12 had a slower cognitive decline compared to those who had taken a placebo. It is advisable to not just rely on the food you eat but rather take a supplement for vitamin B, folic acid and vitamin B12. Ted Cooperman, president of ConsumerLab.com said: "About thirty percent of people over the age of 50 don't absorb B-12 properly from food." **Curcumin** This compound is found in turmeric hence the orange-isa colour. It provides a host of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some research has found that it may also benefit both thinking and memory. **Fish oil** Fish oil supplements contain two types of omega-3 fatty acids which has been linked to many health benefits and has been show to help reduce the decline of brain function. It has a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The DHA helps with the structure of the brain and taking DHA supplements has been linked with improving your thinking skills. EHA supplements help people suffering from depression. **Caffeine** The natural stimulant is found in not only coffee but also tea and dark chocolate. Caffeine works by stimulating the brain and the central nervous system, making you more alert. Studies have shown that caffeine makes you feel more energised and improves general brain function. **Phosphatidylserine** This supplement is a type of fat compound which is called a phospholipid and is found in the brain. Studies have shown that taking 100 mg of phosphatidylserine three times a day could help reduce age-related decline in the brain and preserve brain health. **Acetyl-L- Carnitine** An animo acid which is produced naturally in the body. It helps with feelings of alertness, improvement in memory and could help with dementia. **Resveratrol** This antioxidant occurs naturally in grapes, raspberries and blueberries. Taking resveratrol supplements can improve memory and brain function according to recent studies. Other ways of improving the brains function is to challenge the brain with new activities which helps build new brain cells and strengthen connections between them. Scientists say you should choose activities that are challenging and you enjoy doing. Participating in social activities and interacting with others exercises the brain cells and strengthens connections between them. Your brain needs a range of nutrients, fluids and energy to work properly.
Reference : Express.co.uk