Nutrients & Food for Healthy Brain
The food we eat can have a big impact on the structure and health of our brains. Eating a brain boosting diet can support both short & long-term brain functions. The brain is an energy-intensive organ, using around 20% of the body’s calories; so it needs plenty of good fuel to maintain concentration throughout the day. The brain also requires certain nutrients to stay healthy.
Phosphatidylserine (PS)
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid component. As a component of cell membranes, PS is found in almost every cell in the body. In particular, PS is more concentrated in neurons. Half of the total PS in the body is located in the brain (neurons).
Dietary Sources:
PS can be found in meat, especially organ meat, fish, small amount in vegetables & dairy products.
Mechanism of Action:
- Maintains cell membrane stability & fluidity.
- Enhances the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor, which tends to drop with age.
- Increases cell to cell communication:
- By increasing number of receptor sites for neurotransmitters
- Restores the release of neurotransmitters
- Activates enzymes involved in cell communication
Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylcholine is a phospholipid component. As a component of cell membranes, PC is found in almost every cell in the body. Body uses Phosphatidylcholine to synthesize acetylcholine which is important for memory & other bodily functions.
Dietary Sources:
PC may be found in a variety of foods, including meat, fish, egg yolk & soy beans.
Mechanism of Action:
- Increases acetylcholine levels in the brain
- Maintains healthy cell membranes
- PC along with PS supports myelin sheath that insulates neurons & aids the storage, recycling and action of neurotransmitters.
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid. It is a chemical precursor & a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters - Serotonin & Melatonin from Tryptophan.
Serotonin serves a number of functions but in the brain it is principally involved in mood[1]regulation. Higher the serotonin levels in the brain; happier we feel. Increasing serotonin levels help in relieving episodes of depression & anxiety while increasing Melatonin improves sleep.
Evidence suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living. The lifestyle & dietary practices of many people living in this stress-filled era results in lowered levels of serotonin. As a result, many people experience episodes of depression. All these can be corrected by raising Serotonin levels.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant-rich herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat ailments of the brain, heart & lungs. It is known to enhance brain health and treat a variety of conditions. Ginkgo biloba contains numerous compounds (flavonoids & terpenoids) which protect against aging-related issues by improving blood flow to the brain.
Mechanism of Action:
- Potent antioxidant property
- Improves cerebral blood flow by dilating blood vessels
- Decreases cortisol (stress hormone) levels
Cortisol is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. It has been termed as “the stress hormone”; because it is secreted in higher levels during stress. Higher & more prolonged levels of cortisol in the bloodstream (like in chronic stress) have been shown to have negative effects; such as impaired cognitive performance, lowered immunity, etc.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D regulates body’s inflammatory response and provides neuro-protective effect. Increased inflammation from pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-alpha has been associated with an increased risk for depression.
B-Vitamins (Folic acid, Vitamin B6 & B12)
Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12 & Folic acid are co-factors involved in metabolic conversion of homocysteine to methionine and cysteine; thus reducing hyperhomocysteinemia & risk of brain atrophy
Our Neurozan provides you with all the above nutrients which provide nutritional support for comprehensive brain health care.
