WE know certain foods can improve the health of our gut, heart and bone. But what about our brains?
Just two per cent of us take action to care for it, a recent poll shows.
We look at supplements that can give the ol’ grey matter a boost
But what we eat – from green leafy veg to fatty fish, nuts and berries – can affect memory, concentration and brain health.
Jane Atkinson looks at supplements that can give the ol’ grey matter a boost.
BRAIN-PROTECTING PILLS
ViridianCognitive Complex Viridan, 60 capsules (take two daily) £37.30[/caption]
COGNITIVE Complex from Viridan is an advanced formulation of six neuro-protective nutrients (those that look after the central nervous system).
It contains amino acids and antioxidants including phosphatidylserine, acetyl-L-carnitine, l-theanine (50mg in here versus 10mg in the gummy), alpha lipoic acid, co-Q10 plus zinc.
It comes in an all-natural base of alfalfa, spirulina and bilberry. This formula assists normal cognitive function by protecting cells from oxidative stress.
It can then improve cellular fluidity and neurotransmitter response and promote a sense of relaxation.
A wonderful scientific mix and I love that Viridian never put in any bulking agents or nasties.
Cognitive Complex, 60 capsules (take two daily) £37.30, viridian-nutrition.com.
PERFORMANCE GUMMIES
NeurominsNeuro Focus Gummies from Novomins, £17.99 for 60 gummies (take two daily)[/caption]
NEURO Focus Gummies from Novomins contain ashwagandha, which can improve concentration, alpha-GPC to enhance cognitive performance, taurine to promote neuronal function, Lion’s Mane to enhance focus and L-phenylalanine for mental alertness.
Plus ginkgo biloba to improve blood circulation to the brain, guarana extract and green tea for alertness, curcumin for anti-inflammatory and l-theanine for clarity.
This is a great mix, combined with B vitamins and caffeine.
I normally like Novomins because sugar isn’t usually the main ingredient in their gummies. But in these it is.
Also I don’t like the taste. It’s supposed to be strawberry – but they tasted bitter to me.
If you can stomach the flavour it is a great mix of ingredients. £17.99 for 60 gummies (take two daily), novomins.com.
SUPERFOOD SEAWEED
SuppliedDoctor Seaweed Weed & Wonderful Focus+, two tablets a day, £32[/caption]
DOCTOR Seaweed Weed & Wonderful Focus+ contains – you’ve guessed it – seaweed which is now described as a superfood.
It is present in one fifth of meals eaten in Japan, which has the world’s second -highest life expectancy.
Often overlooked in the West, it is a great source of iodine.
Dietary deficiencies in the mineral have been shown to impact mental and physical health and thyroid function.
Iodine is found in white fish and dairy – but seaweed is the only plant-based source.
As well as Scottish seaweed it also contains omega 3 DHA, a vitamin B-complex and zinc, which all help mental performance.
A month’s supply (two tablets a day) is £32. See doctorseaweed.com.