HEALTH SPECIAL ........FEED YOUR BRAIN WELL

FEED YOUR BRAIN WELL

A healthy mind is the key to a healthy body. A brain fed on nootropics will go a long way in keeping you in good shape…

You don’t need rocket science to know that more than anything it is your brain that craves for the morning tea. A brain booster, that shot of caffeine goes straight to the brain and gets you going. Caffeine, therefore, like many other natural herbs and foods, classifies as nootropics. Yes, an age-old science, nootropics is becoming a cool concept among healthy eaters around the world. Also, with more mental and psychological complications on the rise, people want to do what it takes to prevent the onset of brain diseases and age gracefully.

MENTAL NUTRITION

As per clinical definition, for any substance to be called a nootropic, it must a) enhance memory and learning ability, b) help the brain function under disruptive conditions, c) protect the brain from harmful chemical damage, d) lack any sedative, stimulant or toxic effects. Just like the body improves with proper nutrition and exercise, so can the brain with proper brain training techniques and mental nutrition.

HOW DO NOOTROPICS WORK?

They work brillaintly in a stressful environment. They cut out the noise and help you focus. Nootropics may improve various aspects of memory performance and information processing. Stress is a brain depressant and impairs cognition. Nootropic adaptogens help to keep brainpower charged throughout a long tiring day.

NATURAL BRAIN FOODS

Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulatory anti-sleep compound shown to reduce tiredness, thereby waking you up and giving you quite a buzz. It’s one of the first true nootropics... but one shouldn’t overdo it either.

L-Theanine: L-Theanine is an extract from Matcha tea and green tea, and promotes relaxation without sedation. There are many benefits associated with L-Theanine including reduced anxiety and improved sleep quality.

Bacopa: Bacopa Monierri or Brahmi has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to improve intellect, memory and anxiety for thousands of years! It reduces anxiety, keeps you calm and enhances your memory. Bacopa works by blocking stress signals in your brain.

Ginseng: Ginseng is a root extract shown to improve mood and cognition by virtue of its anti-fatigue effects, especially in individuals who already experience mental fatigue.

Omega 3s: Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, krill or algae oil, is shown to reduce inflammation, improve cognition, mood and cardiovascular health, as well as help protect your brain. Fish oil is shown to improve cerebral blood flow and oxygenation (blood flow in your brain).

Tyrosine: An amino acid found in eggs, turkey, beef, seaweed, soybeans, and Swiss cheese, it is necessary for the production of neurotransmitters that play significant roles in mood regulation. Low levels of these neurotransmitters are linked with depression, apathy, fatigue, and lack of concentration.

— Inputs from Manjari Chandra, senior nutrition consultant.

Supriya.Sharma2@timesgroup.com

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