Discover the nutrients that boost brain health, memory and function.

“The brain is the operating department of the human body, whereby it is responsible for initiating the signals for every action and every thought that you are about to take,” explains Manal Chouchane, a member of BioCare’s clinical nutrition team.

“Imagine if such an important organ within the body was not given the fuel that it needs to help it function well, or indeed, was given the wrong fuel? Yes you guessed it, it would cause chaos!”

Therefore, it is extremely important to support brain healthy and function, read on to discover the vital nutrients needed…

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species and has a long history of use in treating memory issues. Research suggests that supplementation with an extract of ginkgo biloba may help with memory loss and cognitive impairments.

“Ginkgo biloba leaves are used to improve cognitive function and memory,” commented Julie Lamble, nutritional biochemist and senior nutritionist for Lifeplan Products Ltd. “It is a unique antioxidant, able to pass the blood brain barrier, protecting brain cells and helping to improve blood flow to the brain and also to the extremities.”

Jenny Bodenham, nutritionist at Higher Nature, recommends choline, ginkgo and theanine to support concentration levels: “Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine which in turn is integral to the brain’s ability to sustain attention.

“Ginkgo is thought to enhance cognitive performance but also to reduce anxiety, whilst theanine, the amino acid found in green tea, has been found to aid alphawave production in the brain thereby promoting relaxation whilst maintaining focus and clarity.”

Try these:
BioCare – Ginkgo Biloba provides a potent 50:1 concentrated whole leaf plant extract that supports circulation to the brain and cognitive function.

Lifeplan – Ginkgo Biloba contains 120mg of ginkgo extract of which 24% min flavone-glycosides, enhanced with rutin and vitamin E.

Nature’s Plus – AgeLoss Brain Support contains several nutrients that support brain function, including ginkgo biloba, thiamin, vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron and zinc.

B Vitamins
According to Tim Gaunt, director of technical sales at Natures Aid, “many of the B-complex vitamins play key roles in supporting brain health.”

Lamble agrees: “The B vitamins are very important in brain health. Vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid are involved in the methylation cycle, which is important for DNA repair, reducing inflammation, immune response, detoxifying hormones and heavy metals.

“Without these nutrients high levels of the chemical homocysteine build up in the body and can lead to degenerative diseases. The B vitamins have been shown to help memory loss and reduce the risk of dementia.”

Bodenham believes that vitamin B5 is of particular importance: “Vitamin B5 is particularly useful for contributing to mental performance.”

As well as supplementation, you can increase B vitamin intake through your diet. “Consume foods such as whole grains, whole wheat oats, brown rice, chicken, fish, eggs and leafy greens, all of which are rich in B vitamins,” advised Rob Clark, nutritionist at Natures Plus.

Try these:
Higher Nature – Brain Nutrients a complete formulation to support a healthy functioning brain. Brain nutrients contains vitamins B3,B5 and B12 to support mental performance combined with a blend of phospholipids, and amino acids

Lifeplan – Alzaid providing vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid, is a one a day supplement which helps to maintain a healthy brain and nervous system and has been formulated to the 2002 Oxford study on anti-aging.

 

Omega-3 and 6
According to research, essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and 6, help improve brain function, memory and the ability to learn new things, as well as promote normal brain growth and development.

“The brain has a very high requirement for omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids,” said Gaunt, “and with the modern diet in the UK often supplying sufficient omega-6, it is essential that we supplement with omega-3 fatty acids.”

“An adequate intake of essential fatty acids helps to support brain function,” confirms Clark. “Two or three 3-ounce servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, herring or mackerel each week should be part of your healthy eating plan.”

Bodeneham also advises a diet rich in omega-3: “Top up levels of omega-3 fatty acids, found in nuts, seeds and oily fish, as they are vital for optimum brain function. If you’re not keen on fish, consider taking a supplement to keep omega-3 fatty acid levels topped up.”

“Just like the rest of the body, the brain also needs a constant supply of energy and nutrients to function optimally,” commented Katherine Pardo, nutrition team manager at Nutri Advanced. “Without important nutrients like essential fatty acids, and B vitamins, nerve function and brain energy may suffer, and overall ‘brainpower’ may become reduced.”

Try these:
BioCare – Mega EPA is a high potency omega-3 from pure fish oil, which is recognised to support brain function. Brain tissue contains high concentrations of omega-3, and these essential fats are associated with healthy cognitive function.

Higher Nature – Keep Sharp provides a mix of emulsified omega-3 fish oil and nutrients, with no fishy taste. Also contains CoQ10 which produces energy in the cells and zinc which contributes to normal cognitive function.

Natures Aid – Krill Oil contains phospholipid omega-3 which is the optimum and the most readily utilizable form of omega-3 for brain power.

Nutri Advanced – Eskimo-3 Brainsharp has been specially formulated to help support cognition, memory and brain health. It contains omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, as well as vitamins D and E and Coenzyme Q10.