Recent research confirms the highbush variety of blueberries contains potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Recent research confirms the highbush variety of blueberries contains potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

( Natural News ) When you think of healthy foods, blueberries may be one of the first to come to mind. There’s no doubt they offer substantial benefits for your health, but studies have shown that one variety in particular stands out on account of its potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties . The highbush variety is named for its rather tall plants, which can reach heights of eight feet; in contrast, the lowbush, or wild blueberry, is a shrub that doesn’t usually surpass two feet. These berries are bigger and more abundant than the lowbush varieties, although they are often not as quite as sweet as their smaller counterparts. They are native to the eastern and southern U.S. as well as eastern Canada. In fact, the North American continent produces more than a billion pounds of these nutritional powerhouses each year. What makes these particular blueberries so special? Researchers from the Universite Laval in Canada isolated the proanthocyanidins found in the berries to assess their effects on certain bacteria, like the Aggregatibacter actinomycertemcomitans that plays a key role in gum disease. They also examined their inflammatory responses, and their findings help to cement blueberries’ superfood status. They found that the blueberry compound reduced the growth of bacteria significantly and helped to minimize damage while also protecting cells from harmful inflammation and other negative effects. This effect was so powerful that the researchers believe the fruit could be used to create therapeutic remedies. Their findings were published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine . The power of the elements : Discover Colloidal Silver Mouthwash with quality, natural ingredients like Sangre de Drago sap, black walnut hulls, menthol crystals and more. Zero artificial sweeteners, colors or alcohol. Learn more at the Health Ranger Store and help support this news site. While […]

The healing benefits of gotu kola and its effects on your brain and emotional health

The healing benefits of gotu kola and its effects on your brain and emotional health

( Natural News ) In recent years, a famous herbal remedy from Asia called gotu kola has reached the West. Unfortunately, many people in the U.S. do not know about the extent of its healing properties. Its primary use in the West revolves around the herb’s skin healing properties, such as its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and insecticidal effects, but there is so much more to this plant than these. One of the most important attributes of gotu kola, which many people overlook, is its brain healing benefits . Gotu kola ( Centella asiatica ) is a member of the parsley family that grows extensively in Asia, South Africa, and Australia. It is a staple herb in Chinese, Indonesian, and Ayurvedic medicine because of its many health benefits. In fact, there are Oriental and Sri Lankan legends that boast on how eating gotu kola extends the life of people and even animals. Traditional uses of this herbal remedy, which can be taken as food or as a tea, include treating asthma, colds, diarrhea, fever, stomach ulcers, syphilis , and hepatitis. Moreover, practitioners of traditional medicine also use this herb to treat different brain disorders . Brain healing properties of gotu kola There are countless studies that demonstrate the brain healing properties of gotu kola. Some of the proven neuroprotective and mental health benefits of the herb include the following: Stimulating growth of new brain cells — Gotu kola triggers the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This protein is often called “brain fertilizer” since it promotes the formation of new brain cells while also maintaining old cells to keep them from dying . It works by increasing neuron branching, brain plasticity, and cell communication. In addition, gotu kola also stimulates the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), so that new nerve […]

Four plant-based options to help rejuvenate your entire body

Four plant-based options to help rejuvenate your entire body

( Natural News ) There are no shortage of options to rejuvenate your body in the world of plants. Whether it is a vegetable, fruit, herb, seed, nut, or superfood, there are solutions to help you rejuvenate your body and increase your uptake of precious enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other life supporting nutrients. Getting a good dose of plants in on a daily basis can be a struggle for some people, due to busy schedules and resistance to overhauling habits. If this is the case for you, there are always great options to get the most powerful plant based foods into a simple, single meal with little time invested. You will learn how to do that below, with these four plants leading the way. Hemp One of the most nutritious parts of the cannabis plant is the seeds. These precious little gems contain negligible amounts of THC, and as such will not create psychoactive reactions due to minuscule amounts. However, due to their incredible nutritional profile they are a boon to anyone looking to improve their health. When you consume hemps seeds, you can expect to get the following: 20 amino acids, including 8 essential amino acids your body can’t produce Essential fatty acids (EFAs) Optimal ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s (1:3) Gamma-linolenic acid Antioxidants, plant sterols, and phytonutrients Vitamin E Manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, and zinc Dietary fiber Thanks to this potent combination of nutrients, hemp seeds have been shown to support a healthy immune system, cardiovascular system, brain function, skin health, and digestive health. Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the extraordinary "sulforaphane" and "glucosinolate" nutrients found only in cruciferous healing foods. Every lot laboratory tested. See availability here. Chia Used by the Aztecs […]

Buying Nootropics

Buying Nootropics

By now, most everyone has heard of nootropics also called smart drugs. These substances and medications have been gaining a great deal of popularity recently. Many people have found them to be an incredible help in their daily lives. If you are just now discovering nootropics, here is a quick breakdown of what they are. A nootropic is a consumable substance that has been proven to aid in cognitive function. Many substances have made this claim, but not all of them meet the requirements to be considered an official nootropic. There are several requirements that must be met, but some of the most important include the fact that the substance must be completely natural, it must have scientific proof that it improves cognitive function in some way, and it must have very few to absolutely no side effects. Some nootropics can be found in things that are already being consumed on a regular basis, some can be bought as over the counter supplements, and some require a prescription. While it may be obvious where you will be able to get the type that comes on the form of a prescription, it can be difficult to know where to purchase the other varieties. This difficulty often requires the help of a simple guide to where and how to buy nootropics. Here, you will find exactly that, a guide to purchasing various types of nootropics. The first step in this guide may have already been completed in which case, you would be ready for step number two. This first step is to determine which nootropic you are looking for. Each supplement has a specific purpose. While they all must be shown to improve cognition, there several ways to accomplish this. Some of the benefits that you might find include increased alertness, […]

13 Foods for the Sake of Your Brain`s Health

13 Foods for the Sake of Your Brain`s Health

Steak Salmon. epicurious.com TEMPO.CO , Jakarta – Feeding our brain is a hot topic in the nutrition and wellness world, where Studies show that eating certain foods can help prevent Alzheimer and improve a person’s memory. Feeding your brain with high quality, unprocessed foods has been linked to incredible benefits that translate into a higher quality of life and increased productivity. Limiting processed foods that contain simple grains such as enriched flour may have a detrimental effect on your brain power. Focusing on whole foods that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals have been proven to help with memory, computing power, and preventing disease. Here are 13 great brain healthy foods according to www.lifehack.org, composed by nutritionist Julia Whelan: 1. Walnuts Good for both your heart and your brain, all nuts, in general, are good sources of healthy fats. Walnuts specifically are high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of the famous Omega-3 fatty acid. In fact, a study completed in 2015 linked increased walnut consumption with improved cognitive testing scores. 2. Salmon Fatty fishes such as salmon have gotten so much great attention related to their healthy fat content. Well here is another benefit to add to the list: Because salmon is such an abundant source of Omega-3 fatty acids, they are a good source of decreasing blood levels of beta-amyloid. Beta-amyloid is the protein that forms the dangerous clumps in your brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease. 3. Turmeric It is now known that the neurons in our brains can continue to form new connections throughout adulthood which were once believed to be impossible. One of the main drivers in the process of building these new pathways is called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The great news is that it is likely that turmeric can increase BDNF levels […]

Study: Fish oil helps fight arthritis, cancer, heart disease, depression by preventing inflammation – Are you getting enough?

Study: Fish oil helps fight arthritis, cancer, heart disease, depression by preventing inflammation – Are you getting enough?

( Natural News ) It’s no secret by now that omega-3 fatty acids are a highly beneficial nutrient. Many people are aware of the benefits of fish oil and other forms of omega-3 fatty acids, but actually getting enough of this valuable nutrient to reap its benefits still seems to be a difficult undertaking. One of the most important aspects of fish oil is its ability to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is an underlying issue in a host of different diseases and conditions. For example, taking a fish oil supplement is said to help mitigate arthritis , which is characterized by painful inflammation. Research has consistently shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help with other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Further, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall brain health. Several studies have demonstrated that taking a fish oil supplement may even help fight depression. The benefits of fish oil seem to know no bounds, but yet, research shows that most of us just aren’t getting enough . A new study published in the journal Nutrients shows that adults in most Western countries struggle to take in enough omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis. In fact, 98 percent of the study’s participants had sub-optimum levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. But in a world where fast food rules and nutrition is an afterthought, it probably comes as no surprise that the researcher’s results were so abysmal. As the researchers found, though most people knew that omega-3 fatty acids were great for their health , an astonishing few actually took in enough of the nutrient. 100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and more, all 100% organic […]

These 2 Natural & Non-Stimulant Brain “Drugs” Increase Focus, Energy, And Memory

These 2 Natural & Non-Stimulant Brain "Drugs" Increase Focus, Energy, And Memory

You don’t necessarily need caffeine to keep you going. As a writer, PhD student, and soon to be a father of 5 kids, I need focus . I think we all need focus in today’s information and fast-paced world. This need and desire for focus have led to an epidemic of caffeine consumption and addiction. Although I don’t have anything against caffeine, per say, I’m also interested in longevity and more healthier approaches to being focused, alert, and creative. Drinks to Lose Weight Smoothies to Lose Weight In my experimenting to be more focused and creative in my work, I’ve come across two really amazing supplements. Just to be up front, I have no affiliative relationships with either of these companies or manufacturers. INC. TODAY’S MUST READS: How to Make Pipelines and Sales Funnels Work for You I simply am a creative-type looking for an edge, and also looking to remain healthy and non-addicted. Here are two products I’ve used in the last 90 days that have made the biggest impact on my focus. What I love about each of these is that they are both natural and non-stimulant based. BrainGLOW is a product of the health company, Barlow Herbal. It is an entirely herbal product optimized for preventing mental fatigue and providing superior mind-sharpening power. It supports the immune system and also has powerful antioxidant properties. BrainGLOW contains: Ginkgo biloba Periwinkle Water Hyssop Ashwaganda Gotu Kola Chinese Ginseng Schizandra berry Skullcap I don’t really know what all of those listed above herbs do. But there are amazing resources I’ve briefly scoped online. This is a solid product. INC. TODAY’S MUST READS: Here’s 1 Thing Recruiters Say Makes Them Laugh at Your LinkedIn Profile (Not in a Good Way) I’ve taken 2-6 capsules of this product daily for 90 […]

All fun and games, and cognitive ability

All fun and games, and cognitive ability

Take a dance class, which challenges you to learn new steps and routines. Planting yourself in front of the television after you retire might be tempting after a hectic and challenging career, but research has shown that it isn’t good for you. Since cognitive decline can be a natural part of the aging process, you want to do everything possible to prevent that by regularly doing mental (as well as physical) workouts. Consider challenging yourself with brain teasers, memory games, arts and crafts, logic puzzles and other mental "workouts" like Sudoku, chess and trivia games. It is just as important to keep your brain in tiptop shape as your body! In fact, researchers have discovered that engaging in such mental gymnastics can often avoid, postpone or mitigate mental diseases like Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They have learned that seniors who have learned a new skill like quilting, knitting or even flying were much less likely to experience dementia than those who involved themselves in activities like reading. Keeping the mind active through cognitive exercise is as important as keeping the body active through physical exercise. It appears that those who challenge their brains to acquire new skills enjoy better brain health and cognition. Pushing the brain to learn a new skill or game can cause it to grow and not atrophy. For instance, growth in cognition can be seen in those seniors who engage in everything from board games to video games, as well as memory games, card games, word games and trivia games. Seniors can even challenge themselves to memorize shopping lists or items in a room or they can mentally add lists of numbers. Here are some other suggestions. You can turn to your computer, iPad or phone and use it as a resource for the following […]

Better than coffee? Yerba mate is an herbal tea that keeps your mind strong AND helps you lose weight

Better than coffee? Yerba mate is an herbal tea that keeps your mind strong AND helps you lose weight

( Natural News ) These days, a lot of people swear by the health benefits of yerba mate: The South American herb that’s giving coffee a run for its money, thanks to its ability to stimulate the mind without the nasty crashing and jittery effects. The findings of a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food adds another benefit to the beverage known as the “Drink of God” – researchers have found that long-term supplementation of yerba mate could reduce adiposity , that is, the condition of being overweight or obese, as well as improve obesity-related insulin resistance. Yerba mate and the obesity problem Obesity – the state where the body has built up excessive amounts of fat – is a dangerous condition that has swept across the world. In the U.S. alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly 40 percent of all adults in the country are either overweight or obese. If left untreated, this can result in complications which can affect major organs such as the liver and the heart. However, one of the more serious complications of obesity is insulin resistance (IR), a condition that occurs when the body does not properly respond to the hormone insulin . Insulin regulates the conversion of blood sugar (glucose) into energy that cells use to function. To note, obesity and IR are closely associated, with the latter being a key factor in the onset of Type 2 diabetes over time. Researchers indicated that a person’s diet was one of the driving factors for obesity. “Most notably, a high-fat diet (HFD) comprises one of the main environmental factors that contribute to obesity and related metabolic disturbances,” they wrote in the study . Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg […]

Chili peppers found to be a powerful natural cure for depression

Chili peppers found to be a powerful natural cure for depression

( Natural News ) Here’s a good reason to add some spice into your life: Chili peppers were found to be effective in managing symptoms of depression. In a study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Plants , chili pepper extracts were found to exhibit anti-depressive effects . Researchers from Kaduna State University in Nigeria aimed to determine whether methanol fruit extract of chili pepper possesses antidepressant potential. For the study, they conducted three tests in mice: Force Swim Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Open Field Test (OFT). In the FST and TST, the researchers randomly divided 30 mice into five groups: one group received saline, another group received antidepressant drug imipramine, and the three remaining groups were treated with 500 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg), 1000 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg of methanol extract of fruits of chili pepper, respectively. In the OFT, they divided 25 mice into five groups: one group received normal saline, another group receive diazepam, and the other three groups received methanol fruit extract of chili pepper at different doses (500 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 2000 mg/kg). The FST and TST showed that the chili pepper extracts substantially cut the immobility time of the groups of mice that received the extracts, in comparison to the group that received saline. The effect was dose-dependent as the 2000 mg/kg of chili pepper extract caused the highest reduction. On the other hand, results of the OFT suggested that the chili pepper extracts did not cause any stimulating effects. The researchers explained that the antidepressant activity of chili pepper extracts may be due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flavonoids and triterpene in the plant. Mother Nature’s micronutrient secret : Organic Broccoli Sprout Capsules now available, delivering 280mg of high-density nutrition, including the extraordinary "sulforaphane" and […]

You really should be drinking more organic tea: They have more nutrients than conventional ones

You really should be drinking more organic tea: They have more nutrients than conventional ones

( Natural News ) Most people know that drinking tea is good for them — just one cup a day already has a lot of benefits. However, to make the most of your daily cuppa, research suggests going for the organic kind , which has more antioxidants than the regular tea. The study, which appeared in the journal Biological Agriculture & Horticulture , linked these antioxidants to a bevy of health benefits, including a lower risk of disease and improved overall health. The study was a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture in China and Montana State University . The team, in particular, compared the biological components between organically and conventionally grown tea. The tea leaves were sourced from six farms in China that grew tea using both methods. The team found that organic tea contained more polyphenols than conventional tea. A compound that the team found to be more abundant in organic tea is EGCG, which stands for epigallocatechin gallate. Multiple studies have demonstrated the ability of EGCG to treat various diseases , making it one of the most potent antioxidants in green tea. The team also pointed out that organic tea had lower levels of free amino acids. This includes theanine, an amino acid that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Once it crosses the barrier, theanine exhibits its anti-anxiety effects by increasing dopamine production, as well as neurotransmitter activity. Studies have also shown that theanine and caffeine, which are both found in tea, can combine to provide a synergistic benefit and improve brain function . This deficit in amino acids, according to the authors, means that the soil used to grow organic tea did not have enough nitrogen. According to a study in Plant Physiology , nitrogen is essential for transporting amino acids from the […]

Ridding clutter from your life can make you more focused and productive

Ridding clutter from your life can make you more focused and productive

( Natural News ) Clutter can deprive you of your focus and reduce your productivity. The reverse is also true. According to Be Brain Fit , decreasing the amount of clutter around you reduces your stress levels. Material possessions have come to represent hopes and dreams. Throwing something away makes the person feel guilty about abandoning it. Furthermore, the fear of regretting the loss in the future stops many people from disposing of items. This leads to the build-up of clutter. One out of every three people are so afraid of the clutter in their home that they refuse to spend time there. But if they put in the effort to clear up the mess, they could save precious hours that would otherwise be wasted on looking for something lost in the clutter. (Related: The many ways stress makes you sick .) Having more of everything also includes stress A University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) study showed that physical clutter can disrupt concentration and cloud one’s judgement. It greatly affects the mood and self-esteem of a person. It is especially stressful for women. Their cortisol levels would sharply rise whenever they had to talk about the clutter at their home. The more items found in their homes, the greater the amount of stress they experienced. The UCLA study suggests that clutter floods your senses with too much information. It tires out your brain and distracts you from the thing you are supposed to be doing. The human brain naturally prefers organization over clutter. It doesn’t have to work as hard in an uncluttered space. When the brain feels relaxed, it is better able to concentrate. The rest of the body benefits from this. 100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, […]

Anxious? Consuming more wild cabbage can improve symptoms, according to a study

Anxious? Consuming more wild cabbage can improve symptoms, according to a study

( Natural News ) More than one-eighth of the world’s population suffer from anxiety, a mental health problem characterized by feelings of fear and uncertainty. Most of the time, the reasons for these feelings are either imagined or heightened by the brain. If these persist, anxiety disorders can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. Fortunately, there are many natural remedies for this condition. One of the plants that have shown great potential as a treatment for anxiety is the wild cabbage ( Brassica oleracea ). The anti-anxiety activity of this plant was first observed in mice by a group of Indian researchers. Although there are conventional medications for anxiety, such as benzodiazepines and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), these can cause further harm to individuals taking them. The Citizens Commission on Human Rights International identified hallucinations, delusions, confusion, violence, depression, and suicidal thoughts as some of the side effects of anti-anxiety medications. Moreover, it is also very difficult to stop using these medications. Because of these side effects, more and more people are being encouraged to switch to medicinal plants that are known to be safer. Wild cabbage is the source of the famous cruciferous vegetables , which include broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflowers. These vegetables are known for their high nutritional content and their many health benefits. One of the biological activities that are sought after from wild cabbage is its ability to neutralize free radicals, which can be attributed to the presence of phytochemicals like phenolic compounds. This antioxidant activity is important for treating diseases associated with free radical-induced oxidative stress, such as depression, nervous system impairment, and anxiety. 100% organic essential oil sets now available for your home and personal care, including Rosemary, Oregano, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Clary Sage and more, all 100% organic […]

Nootropics Market Analysis – What Factors will drive the Market in Upcoming Years

According to the latest report published by Credence Research, Inc. “ Nootropics Market – Growth, Future Prospects and Competitive Analysis, 2016-2024,” the global nootropics market was valued at USD 1,346.5 Mn in 2015, and is expected to reach USD 6,059.4 Mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 17.9% from 2016 to 2024. Browse full report: https://www.credenceresearch.com/report/nootropics-market This report gives a comprehensive survey of the Nootropics market in the US and its state as of 2018. It gives a complete analysis of the industry, its dynamics, and structure. The purpose of this research study titled ‘Nootropics Market – Growth, Future Prospects, and Competitive Analysis, 2016 – 2024’ is to provide investors, developers, company executives and industry participants with in-depth analysis to allow them to take strategic initiatives and decisions related to the prospects in the global nootropics products market. This report presents and analyzes the major trends prevalent in the global nootropics market and the market size and forecast. Based on application types: this report studies the global nootropics market into memory enhancement, mood and depression, attention and focus, longevity and anti-aging, sleep, recovery and dream enhancement, and anxiety applications. Market size and forecast for each mentioned segment for the period 2014-2024 is presented in the report along with respective CAGRs for the forecast duration 2016-2024. The global nootropics market is studied for the following applications: Memory Enhancement Mood and Depression Attention and Focus Longevity and Anti-aging Sleep, Recovery and Dream Enhancement Anxiety Get FREE Sample in PDF: https://www.credenceresearch.com/sample-request/58257 Market Insights Nootropics, also known as cognitive enhancers are drugs and natural extracts that improve cognitive functions such as memory, creativity, motivation in healthy individuals. Nootropics have been available in the market for several decades and were made of ingredients such as multivitamins and caffeine – substances that the FDA […]

Huperzine-A – A Powerful Natural Supplement for Improving Memory

Huperzine-A – A Powerful Natural Supplement for Improving Memory

Huperzine-A is a natural nootropic ingredient sourced from Chinese club moss (Huperzia serrata). Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have been using extracts of the plant for several centuries, but scientists didn’t manage to isolate the active component (Huperzine-A) until the 1980s. Huperzine A is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. That’s a fancy way of saying it prevents an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE) from breaking down an important neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. By shielding it from the enzyme is this way, Huperzine-A causes an elevation in acetylcholine and that’s where the magic lies. Acetylcholine is often referred to as “the learning neurotransmitter” and many scholars use Huperzine-A to boost their acetylcholine levels and attain improved cognitive abilities. Numerous studies suggest Huperzine-A is a nootropic that’s tolerated well and it shows promise as a treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease as well. Huperzine-A Benefits at a Glance Treats/may help prevent age-related cognitive decline Boosts cognition Improves learning capabilities Boosts short and long-term memory Improves mental energy Boosts brain cell longevity Protects the brain cells Improves neurotransmitter activity Boosts concentration and mental focus A Closer Look at How Huperzine-A Works Improving acetylcholine transmission in the brain not only enhances the memory, it boosts attention as well. Both these things are important to the learning process, so Huperzine-A can be a valuable ally for students who are busy cramming for an exam, or simply want to make the most of their time in class and learn as much as possible in a short space of time. When acetylcholine levels are elevated it also encourages greater neuroplasticity. This is often seen as a way of “rewiring” the brain. Neuroplasticity is a term used to describe the brain’s ability to reorganize itself physically and functionally in response to environment, behaviour, emotions, and thinking. A brain that has good neuroplasticity is […]

How Can Nootropics Help You Lose Body Fat?

How Can Nootropics Help You Lose Body Fat?

When we make the commitment to lose weight, the most successful way to succeed is simply to eat less calories than you burn during any given day. There are subtleties to a calorie controlled diet, however, especially if you are an active person who exercises a lot. The nutritional requirements and macro balances can be different to someone who is merely trying to drop a few pounds through calorie count alone. Furthermore, general health is of paramount importance because a person can lose weight but still eat garbage; calorie counting is just math to some people, after all. So really, losing fat is quite simple, yet not without its complexity at the same time. One thing remains a constant, however: your mindset. If it buckles, then so will your dreams of that ideal physique. In fact, whether you are trying to build muscle, burn fat, or just stick to something that requires a level of effort greater than your usual rhythm, your will to succeed is critical. Motivation, will power, focus, drive…call it whatever you want, but it’s the ticket to a win. Being stress-free – happy even – will help. Oh, and then there’s feeling full of beans at work and in your spare time, even though you are monitoring calories and working out regularly. For these reasons, nootropic ingredients are finding themselves in many supplements, be they fat burners, appetite suppressants, pre-workouts or muscle builders. What Is A Nootropic Ingredient? Ask the person who originally coined the term ‘nootropic’ and he – Corneliu Giurgea – would outline very specific parameters by which a substance could be defined as such. They would look something like the following: it should enhance learning and memory it should help protect the brain’s memories and learned behaviour from disruptive conditions (e.g. low […]

Music and your brain: Scientists seek to understand how your memory of music affects your brain

Music and your brain: Scientists seek to understand how your memory of music affects your brain

A team of researchers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EFPL) discovered how the memory of music affects the brain . The EFPL team carried out the study through the use of EFPL’s Defitech Foundation Chair in Human-Machine Interface (CNBI) to look at how the brain works when imaginary music is played in the head. In cooperation with a team of scientists from the University of California, Berkeley , the EFPL team analyzed the brain activities of an epileptic patient who was also an experienced pianist to examine the brain activity produced when a song is actually playing and when a song is being played mentally. According to Stéphanie Martin, lead author of the study and a doctoral student with the CNBI, they used the method known as electrocorticography, which involves inserting electrodes into the participant’s brain. This technique is also traditionally used to treat people with epilepsy who cannot take medication. Moreover, the electrodes can calculate brain activity with a very high spatial and temporal resolution which is necessary as nerve cells respond quickly. However, Martin said the “recording technique is invasive, and the technology needs to be more advanced for us to be able to measure brain activity with greater accuracy.” For the first task, the researchers asked the participant to play a piece of music on an electric piano with the sound turned on. At the same time, they recorded the participant’s brain activity and the music being played. For the second task, they asked the participant to play the same musical piece, but with the sound of the piano turned off. The brain activity of the participant and the music were also recorded. In the second task, the music was from the patient’s memory and the notes could not be heard. Support our mission […]

Berries are some of the best anti-cancer foods you’ll ever find

Berries are some of the best anti-cancer foods you’ll ever find

( Natural News ) If you’re constantly on the lookout for ways to reduce your cancer risk, welcome to the club. With so many different types of cancer to worry about and so few safe and effective treatments, prevention really is better than cure. Most natural foods possess anti-cancer benefits to some degree, but if you want to get the most benefits, you should head straight for the berry aisle at your grocery store or farmer’s market. Your first clue that berries possess remarkable properties is their color. Many fruits that are deep purple, red and blue get their shade from anthocyanins. These powerful antioxidants help fight free radicals and curb the oxidative stress and inflammation at the heart of many types of cancers as well as degenerative diseases. While they boast a lot of useful benefits, like preventing the buildup of plaque in arterial walls that can lead to heart disease, anthocyanins’ crowning achievement is their ability to prompt various types of cancer cells to kill themselves. They also have the power to interfere with tumors’ abilities to resist chemotherapy, helping make this often-ineffective treatment that much more useful. It’s no surprise, then, that acai berries, with their incredible antioxidant content, have been shown in studies to inhibit cancer. They can be especially useful when fighting colon cancer; a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that acai could suppress the growth and reproduction of colon cancer cells in humans by a remarkable 90 percent. That doesn’t mean you should seek acai at the expense of other berries, however. Bilberries might not be as glamorous as other superfoods, but they are still worthwhile, especially in those who have breast or intestinal cancer cells as studies have shown they can cause cell death in these cancers. […]

What’s the Deal with Nootropics, Anyway, and Are They Safe?

What’s the Deal with Nootropics, Anyway, and Are They Safe?

Nootropics have become something of a superstar on the health stage. But as these brain-boosting supplements continue to grow in popularity, it becomes increasingly important to address one of the biggest questions on our minds: are nootropics even safe? But to answer that, we first need to dive into a different question, which is what even are nootropics, really? On the surface, yes, nootropics are essentially any kind of drug, supplement, or even food that’s meant to enhance your mental capabilities in some way. It could be that your memory and learning are boosted, or that your brain functions more efficiently. Basically, a nootropic can be anything that gives your brain a positive boost in some meaningful way. Now, does any of this mean that mainstream (or non-mainstream, for that matter) nootropics going to be giving you Bradley Cooper-level capabilities a la Limitless? No. No, it doesn’t. Nootropics can work wonders on your brain power, yes, but within, well, limits. Plus, since there are plenty of classes of nootropics – even your morning cup of coffee can be considered a nootropic because of its effect on your alertness – it’s difficult to talk about these brain-boosting supplements as a single, homogenous thing. Which, naturally, carries over into safety. Of course, when we’re talking about nootropic safety, we’re probably not referring to your triple shot, almond milk latte. For the most part, concern around nootropic safety is linked nootropics that fall under the supplement umbrella, since these are the ones that tend to have a heightened effect for the purposes of boosting your brain activity. Ultimately, as more and more nootropic supplements pop up, the question becomes whether or not adding such a supplement to your daily routine is a safe way to improve your focus and cognitive function on […]

Need a Quick Burst of Brain Power? Do This

Need a Quick Burst of Brain Power? Do This

We’ve all been there… We’re working a tough mental task and we can’t quite muster the energy or the brain power to get it done. Maybe we can’t find the right words for an important email. Or we can’t recall how to handle the deductions on our tax returns. Whatever the problem, a new study may point the way to get beyond mental obstacles. Just a few minutes of light exercise gives you an immediate boost of brain connectivity and memory. That’s the conclusion of research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Science .1 Researchers at the University of California looked at 36 healthy college age men and women. They were given a difficult memory test. The subjects were shown pictures of common objects. They were later tasked with remembering the images. Dr. Michael Yassa was the study co-leader. He said the researchers used “very tricky similar items” to see if subjects would remember whether it was “this exact picnic basket versus that picnic basket.” The subjects were also asked to do 10 minutes of light exercise until they were at 30% of their peak oxygen intake. Activities included yoga, slow walking, and tai chi. Their memory was tested again.2 When the subjects exercised before the test, their memory was better. The experiment was run again with 16 of the volunteers. This time, their brain activity was monitored. After exercising, scans showed improved communication between the hippocampus and cortical brain regions. Both are important in memory storage and retrieval.3 Follow the Daily Routine of Geniuses The take-home message? The next time you have trouble with a mental task, take a quick break and exercise. It doesn’t need to be strenuous. But it should raise your heart rate. Do it for a minimum of 10 minutes. […]

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