By Marc Courtiol According to the most recent studies, 95 percent of men and 90 percent of women have at least one headache per year. For most of us, though, headaches occur far more often than that. And an unfortunate portion of the population-about 12 million Americans according to recent figures-deal with headaches that occur [...]
Some nutrients widely believed to make your brain function better do just that–for a few hours. Caffeine is the most popular; people also use amino acids like phenylalanine, and herbs such as ephedra and guarana also provide a quick jolt of energy. However, they’re not likely to do anything for the long-term health of your [...]
WHAT IT IS Phosphatidyl serine is a phospholipid, a form of fat found in every cell in the body, but especially abundant in the brain. PS is closely related to other phospholipids, such as phosphotidyl choline, and functions in much the same way.
WHAT IT IS The ginkgo tree, native to China and now found throughout the world, has been around longer than any other species of tree on the planet, for about 300 million years. You’ve probably seen the ginkgo, with its cloven fan-shaped leaves that turn bright yellow in autumn. Ginkgo leaves have been used as [...]
WHAT IT IS Docosahexaenoic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid, an essential building block of brain tissue that is crucial for communication between neurons.
WHAT IT IS Choline is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, essential for memory and cognition. Also, it is a phospholipid that helps promote neuronal membrane fluidity, which is important for communication between brain cells. One form of this fat, phosphatidyl choline, is the active ingredient in lecithin–an emulsifier commonly found in processed foods, and [...]
WHAT IT IS Acetyl-L-carnitine is a molecule found naturally throughout the body that helps to transport fats into the mitochondria, the tiny energy “factories” in all living cells. ALC is closely related to carnitine, a natural amino acid that is also available as a nutritional supplement (ALC is considered the more potent of the two); [...]
WHAT IT IS Bacopa monniera, more commonly known as the Brahmi plant (which means “Creator” in Sanskrit), is one of the most popular brain tonics in the pantheon of Ayurvedic remedies. In India, people of all ages have been taking bacopa for over 5,000 years. REPORTED EFFECTS While ashwagandha is considered in India (like ginseng [...]
WHAT IT IS Ginseng is another adaptogen, used for thousands of years throughout Asia, Europe, and America. There are many types of ginseng, but some herbalists and physicians suggest that Siberian ginseng may be the most potent type, and Siberian ginseng is thought to be especially effective for improving cognitive function. REPORTED EFFECTS This herb [...]
WHAT IT IS Also known as “Indian ginseng,” ashwagandha is the aromatic root of Withania somnifera, a tall branching shrub with pale yellow-green flowers, cultivated in India and North America. REPORTED EFFECTS Ashwagandha is believed to nurture and clear the mind, calm and strengthen the nervous system, promote sound sleep, and rejuvenate tissues throughout the [...]