Botanicals And Nutrients We think of mental stress as the overwhelmed sensation we feel when too much is going on, but there’s another form that can affect the brain: oxidative stress caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. Free radical oxidation wreaks havoc on cells and tissues, fueling chronic inflammation and even damaging DNA. There is a growing body of data showing that excess oxidative stress can contribute to dementia, Alzheimer’s and general cognitive decline. Resveratrol, a compound found in particularly high concentrations in red wine, has shown some promise in studies as a potent antioxidant. Research has shown that people who drink moderate amounts of red wine are at lower risk for Alzheimer’s. Animal studies have also shown that resveratrol reduces amyloid plaque. Another powerful antioxidant is honokiol, derived from Magnolia bark. Honokiol has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as a mild sedative. New research has shown that, as an antioxidant, honokiol is a 1,000 times more powerful than vitamin E. It’s also been shown in preclinical studies to be a powerful anti-inflammatory and neuro-protective agent to help support brain health and much more. Curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, has also been used in traditional Asian practices for many centuries. Again, modern research is confirming its benefits. In another powerful study from the Salk Institute, a drug created from curcumin reversed Alzheimer’s in mice. More research will need to be done to confirm this finding, but it’s a good confirmation of curcumin’s benefits for brain health. In addition, with what we know about the relationship between cardiovascular disease and dementia, we should also work to improve circulation. Found in a fermented soybean product called Natto, nattokinase promotes healthy blood flow. Another good supplement for circulation is the amino acid L-Carnitine, which is also an antioxidant.
Posted on: Wed, 29 Jan 2014 01:30:56 +0000
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