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Veterans Day Tribute – A Sailor Who Served His Country
Veterans Day is the one day each year when we remember and honor those who risked their lives for the preservation of our freedoms. For those soldiers fortunate enough to return home, we recognize what they endured on our behalf: time away from their families and physical or emotional scars. On this special day, our acknowledgment of their many sacrifices is the least we can do to thank veterans for their service to our country. Growing up, Veterans Day always had special significance for me since my father, John Rowe, served in the navy from 1962-1964. He was a signalman on a destroyer. He was also part of history (keep reading). As a kid, I remember seeing some of my dad’s navy mementos when my mother was cleaning out the closet. I can still remember how his insignia patch felt on my fingertips, the thick stitching that stood out from the smooth cotton fabric. I remember running around the house wearing dad’s sailor cap Gilligan style – down over my ears. One day, Dad showed me how to make a “Dixie Cup” hat in the fashion that sailors wear. Pushing in the top to make a dog bowl shape, he flipped the hat over and placed it on my head…with the diagonal seam in the back, of course. Dad taught me how to give a proper naval salute, which is nothing like the ones frequently seen on TV or in the movies. Ironically, dad’s hero, John Wayne, was one of the sloppiest saluters in movie history (more on John Wayne in a minute.) Parents always look larger-than-life to kids, but my dad had an impressive physique and was a giant from my perspective. It wasn’t until my teen years that I learned dad had been a boxer in the navy. Perhaps it’s because he was a tough Irishman from NJ, but in a dozen bouts, he never lost a fight. Some of my father’s habits changed as a result of his time in the service. For instance, as my family sat down to dinner one evening, I observed dad mixing peas and carrots into his mashed potatoes. Curious, I asked him why he did that. He said that you always had to mix your veggies into the mashed potatoes while out to sea; otherwise, the first time the ship listed, all the peas would roll off the tray. To this day, he still mixes his peas and carrots into his mashed potatoes. Dad always enjoyed regaling stories of his navy days with family, friends or even new acquaintances. One of my favorite stories was when his destroyer was part of a convoy in the Mediterranean Sea during a typhoon. Leading the escort group was the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Enterprise (something I’m particularly proud of as a lifelong Star Trek fan). Dad said because the ships were riding massive swells, he was only able to get off a few dit-dahs (Morse code) at a time to other ships. At that rate, it could take hours to send or receive a single message. The entire ship’s company ate rations or cold hot dogs as the wind and waves continued to pound against the ship. After six agonizing days, the storm finally relented and the crew got a hot meal…and some decent sleep. Fortunately, there’s more to navy life than sea storms. One of the fringe benefits of being assigned to a ship is that you get to visit many ports of call around the world. Of the many destinations he visited, my dad said Barcelona, Spain was the most beautiful place he ever saw while in the navy. Unfortunately, it was also the site of one of the biggest missed opportunities of his life. As fate would have it, John Wayne was in Barcelona shooting a movie, “Circus World” (1964), when the destroyer was docked there to take on supplies and grant the crew some well-earned shore leave. Some of my dad’s buddies went ashore to visit the movie location. During a break in filming, John Wayne came aboard the destroyer and was taken on a tour of the ship. Regrettably, my dad missed out on seeing his favorite actor because he was suffering from the effects of the previous night’s liberty. As promised, here’s the historical part of my father’s naval service. His destroyer was part of the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. At one point during the 13-day confrontation, a Russian U-boat charged the line and the destroyer’s deck gun was trained on the challenging ship. Its bluff called, the Russian ship turned and headed back the way it came. Fast forward to November 22, 1963. It’s an indelible date in our nation’s history and was a particularly terrifying day for those on my dad’s ship. Upon receiving news that President Kennedy had been shot, the destroyer was placed on high alert. My dad remembers that he and his shipmates thought they were headed for war. Their fears were allayed when the ship received the full news story from home. Though some memories have been lost to time, my dad still remembers numerous experiences he had in the navy. In many ways, those years shaped him into the husband and father he became. Though he was only a seaman and only served full-time for two years, I still see my dad as a hero. He served his country during a turbulent time in our nation’s history, and I’m deeply indebted to him for his service. Well, that’s my father’s story. But what about you? Do you know someone who is currently serving or has served in the military? Perhaps a friend of a family member? If so, there’s no better time to honor them than Veterans Day. BrainMD would like to thank all the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve both near and far, in order to protect our freedoms and our safety. We’re able to continue the work we do because of you. Thank you for your service!
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What Are the Benefits of Taking Omega-3 Supplements?
When it comes to the benefits of omega-3 supplementation with fish oil, there’s absolutely no conflict between mind and heart—the evidence shows it’s one mighty supplement that benefits both. What Are the Benefits of Omega-3 Supplements? First, the most important fact to remember about omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) is that they are indeed essential, meaning that your body needs to get them from your diet. Unfortunately, with today’s modern diet, which is light on omega-3-rich foods (fish, grass-fed meats, nuts, seed and dark leafy greens) and heavy on foods with saturated fats and oils (corn, safflower, soybean, sunflower, cottonseed, peanut, etc.) that are rich in omega-6 EFAs—we are falling short. Way short. A Harvard School of Public Health study published in 2011 found that omega-3 deficiency is likely the sixth biggest killer of Americans, and maybe the underlying factor of roughly 96,000 premature deaths each year!1 Our brains, hearts, and bodies appear to suffer when we don’t get enough of these healthy fats. In terms of brain and heart health, omega-3s derived from wild cold water fish oil (or grass-fed animal fat and other kinds of seafood) are best because they are loaded with two particular brain- and heart-healthy EFAs called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Literally, thousands of scientific studies have been conducted using fish oil rich in these two nutritional dynamos—with mostly promising results. Your Brain Needs Fat Fat plays an important structural role in our brain cell membranes, which are fatty by nature. In fact, DHA makes up a full quarter of all brain fat, and it is the brain’s preferred fat for building brain cell membranes. DHA’s shape is highly flexible, which is needed for efficient cellular communication. However, when your brain doesn’t get adequate amounts of DHA through the diet, it’s forced to use inferior fats, such as saturated and trans fats. Brain cell membranes can become more rigid with these less flexible fats, which can slow information processing and overall brain function. In an omega-3 deficient world, some pretty cool stuff can happen when the brain gets enough DHA. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study of healthy young adults whose diets were low in DHA found that supplementation with the fatty acid improved memory and reaction time.2 DHA also benefit seniors experiencing mild memory problems associated with aging. After one year, elderly subjects taking a DHA-concentrated fish oil supplement showed significant improvements in short-term and working memory compared to those taking placebo.3 Memory is just one aspect of cognitive function that Omega-3 supplementation supports, however. A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials found it also enhances attention and processing speed.4 But let’s not forget EPA. Although it doesn’t play the structural role that DHA does, it helps support mood and emotional balance. It’s thought that EPA may help by reducing inflammatory processes in the brain and by balancing out metabolic pathways. A recent meta-analysis of 19 different trials in people with blue mood “demonstrated a significant clinical benefit of omega-3 …treatment compared to placebo.”5 In this regard, EPA appears to be more effective than DHA.6 Omega-3 supplementation has also been found effective in people who are prone to mood swings and helps alleviate occasional stress.7,8,9 Omega-3 Supplements Benefit Brain & Heart With World Heart Day upon us on September 29, it would be remiss not to mention the numerous heart-healthy benefits to be had from EPA and DHA. Seriously, when health authorities such as the American Heart Association recommend at least two oily fish meals per week (which equates to roughly 500 mg per day of EPA and DHA), a full gram per day for those with coronary heart disease—and even more for those with high triglyceride levels—there’s good reason. Let’s start with inflammation. Studies indicate that DHA and EPA from fish oil may support healthy inflammation levels in the body.10 Keeping inflammation levels in check supports a healthy vascular system. Then there’s blood pressure and heart function. Research has also correlated adequate amounts of DHA and EPA with healthy blood pressure levels.11 And while still inconclusive, some studies have shown that EPA and DHA may play a role in healthy heart rhythm.12 Last, let’s not forget triglycerides. Having a high level of triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) in your blood, can increase your risk of heart disease. A very strong body of research suggests that DHA and EPA help to maintain healthy triglyceride levels.13 For omega-3 deficient Americans concerned about heart health, this is really good news. Taking an EPA- and DHA-rich fish oil supplement and/or simply eating more fish may make a difference. A study published just this month found that omega-3 deficient subjects with cardiovascular disease showed reduced cardiovascular risk factors and improved lipid profiles after a period of supplementation with DHA and EPA.14 What to Look for in High-Quality Omega-3 Supplements If you want the heart and health support benefits that taking a quality fish oil supplement high in EPA and DHA can bring, keep these shopping tips in mind: Because fish can accumulate toxins such as mercury, dioxins, and PCBs, it’s extremely important that the product be highly purified. Fish oil spoils easily; look for a product that is manufactured according to the highest quality standards. Choose a product that has high amounts of EPA and DHA. Some inferior quality brands are lacking in one or the other or sometimes both. Look for at least 500 mg of each. Here’s to a sound mind and a strong heart! References: 1Danaei G, et al. The preventable causes of death in the United States: comparative risk assessment of dietary, lifestyle, and metabolic risk factors. PLoS Med. 2009 Apr 28;6(4) 2Stonehouse W, et al. DHA supplementation improved both memory and reaction time in healthy young adults: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2013 May;97(5):1134-43. 3Lee LK, et al. Docosahexaenoic acid-concentrated fish oil supplementation in subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): a 12-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2013 Feb;225(3):605-12. 4Mazereeuw G, et al. Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cognitive performance: a meta-analysis. Neurobiol Aging. 2012 Jul;33(7):1482 e17-29. 5Grosso G, et al. Role of omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of depressive disorders: a comprehensive meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PLoS One. 2014 May 7;9(5):e96905. 6Martins JG. EPA but not DHA appears to be responsible for the efficacy of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in depression: evidence from a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Am Coll Nutr. 2009 Oct;28(5):525-4 7Sarris J, Mischoulon D, Schweitzer I. Omega-3 for bipolar disorder: meta-analyses of use in mania and bipolar depression. J Clin Psychiatry. 2012 Jan;73(1):81-6. 8Buydens-Branchey L, Branchey M, Hibbeln JR. Associations between increases in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following supplementation and decreases in anger and anxiety in substance abusers. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psych. 2008 Feb 15;32(2):568-75. 9Buydens-Branchey L, Branchey M. n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease anxiety feelings in a population of substance abusers. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Dec;26(6):661-5. 10Duda, MK, et al. Fish oil, but not flaxseed oil, decreases inflammation and prevents pressure overload-induced cardiac dysfunction. Cardiovasc Res. 2009 Feb 1;81(2):319-27. 11Miller, PE, et al. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Hypertens. 2014 Jul;27(7):885-96. 12Ramadeen, A, et al. How Are n-3 LCPUFAs Antiarrhythmic? A Reassessment of n-3 LCPUFAs in Cardiac Disease. Cardiol Res Pract. 2012;2012:746709. 13Bradberry JC, Hilleman DE. Overview of omega-3 Fatty Acid therapies. P T. 2013 Nov;38(11):681-91. 14Shaikh NA, et al. Efficacy of a unique omega-3 formulation on the correction of nutritional deficiency and its effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors in a randomized controlled VASCAZEN® REVEAL Trial. Mol Cell Biochem. 2014 Sep 4. [Epub ahead of print]
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What Can I Do to Get Better Grades?
Do you feel like you should be getting better grades? Does schoolwork stress you out? Are you spending more time studying than the A students in your class, but aren’t getting the same results? If you answered yes to any of those questions, Dr. Daniel G. Amen’s new book, Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades, was written with you in mind. Packed with simple, practical tips, the book will help make studying easier so that you’ll actually start to enjoy the learning process. With schools becoming more competitive and technology becoming increasingly distracting, today’s students face a minefield of obstacles to academic progress. Doing well in school isn’t just a matter of smarts or more studying: it takes good habits, practical tools, and a healthy brain. Brain Basics The human brain is the most complex and wondrous organ in the universe. Your ability to succeed in school comes from many different areas of your brain. If you want to perform better in the classroom, you must first learn about your brain. Did you know: The brain has about 100 billion neurons (brain cells) Each neuron is connected to other neurons by up to 10,000 connections The brain has more connections than there are stars in the universe A piece of brain tissue the size of a grain of sand contains 100,000 neurons and over a billion connections talking to one another The brain weighs about 3 pounds, yet it uses 20 to 30 percent of the calories you consume, 20 percent of the oxygen you breathe, and 20 percent of the blood flow in your body Optimize Your Brain Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades takes you on a brief tour of your brain, to familiarize you with each brain region and its specific functions and potential problems. Even subtle brain issues can get in the way of achieving your academic goals. The great news is that you aren’t stuck with the brain you have. Learning how to optimize your brain is the first step to becoming a better student. Know Your Brain Type The preparation for learning begins before you ever crack open a book or set foot inside a classroom. It starts with your brain. If your brain is healthy, it will be much easier for you to learn. If your brain is unhealthy, it will be harder for you to advance in your studies. Understanding your brain type is critical to getting the help you need. In Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades, Dr. Amen outlines 16 different brain types and details the “dos and don’ts” of the 5 primary brain types. To discover your brain type, take the free Brain Health Assessment and share it with your family and friends at school. It only takes 5 to 7 minutes. Get Organized Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades guides you in how to create an organizational structure that will increase your effectiveness and reduce your study time. Included are 3 effective organization principles designed to help you maximize your study sessions. Comprehensive Guide The book covers a wide range of topics including helpful note-taking methods and proven test-taking tips. Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades also dedicates an entire chapter to how memory works and provides 6 tools for building a better memory. Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades offers science-based strategies that can help you study more effectively, learn faster, and stay focused so you can achieve your academic goals. This practical guide will help you: Discover your unique brain type and learning style Kick bad habits and adopt smarter study practices Get more out of your classes with less overall study time Memorize faster and remember things longer Increase your confidence and beat stress Not Just for School Whether you want to learn a foreign language before going on vacation, take a finance course so you can increase your investing know-how, or simply ace your tests with less effort, you can benefit from the insights in this book. The principles in Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades are practical and can be applied to almost any learning situation. Since technology has completely changed the way students learn, Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades offers many tech tips to help unleash your learning potential. 3 Tech Tips to Help You Become a Successful Student 1. Daily Encouragement Program Siri, Alexa, or another digital assistant to give you encouragement at regular intervals throughout the day or right before a big test. A simple “You’re doing great!” can give you a much-needed confidence boost. 2. Maximize Your Productivity Download a productivity app and use it to analyze how much time you spend on your homework versus on social media. To maximize your productivity, use a Fitbit or other tool to track how much of your day you dedicate to sleeping, eating, studying, working, or participating in sports or leisure activities. 3. Don’t Miss a Word If a teacher speaks too rapidly for accurate note-taking, record lectures on your smartphone and use voice transcription to create a first draft of your notes. Be sure to go through the transcription to correct any mistakes. For underachievers, stressed-out studiers, and students from middle school to college and beyond, Change Your Brain, Change Your Grades gives you the knowledge and tools you need to get the best out of yourself. For more about Dr. Amen’s other books, or our full catalog of brain health supplements that can boost focus, energy, and memory, please visit us at BrainMD.
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Benefits of Turmeric for Your Brain & Must-Try Recipes!
In today’s stressful world, we can get remarkable help from the food we eat that can make a positive impact on our body's health. At BrainMD, we offer supplements with breakthrough ingredients for improving brain health while also promoting a sharper memory. In this blog series, we’re taking a closer look at our ingredients’ origins, uses, and recipes, so you can incorporate them into your diet. What is Turmeric? Turmeric is a popular ingredient that’s been used for thousands of years as a spice, medicinal herb, and even for spiritual support. Traditional Asian societies used it for practically all their medicinal needs. Hundreds of millions of people in other countries include turmeric in their daily diet, and it’s recommended that we do the same. Turmeric is a tropical plant and a member of the ginger family. The turmeric root sold at food markets is an underground stem or rhizome. From the outside, turmeric looks a lot like ginger, but when you break them in half, turmeric’s interior is gold, while ginger’s is green. Turmeric originates from India and has been used as a spice in dishes for thousands of years. The turmeric root is dried, ground into powder, and added as a major constituent of yellow curry sauces. Due to its long and cosmopolitan history as a spice, turmeric is found in many different foods. But turmeric powder can only deliver limited amounts of curcumin in a meal. After the three active curcumin substances were discovered a few decades ago, scientists focused on exploring how they worked in the body and used modern techniques to confirm their surprisingly broad range of health applications, including turmeric for your brain and memory. What is Curcumin? Curcumin is an abbreviated name for a combination of the three main ingredients of turmeric known to improve health: polyphenol curcuminoids called curcumin, demethoxy-curcumin and bis-demethoxycurcumin. Polyphenols occur in many plants and are adequate antioxidants, but these curcuminoids are exceptionally powerful and have a diverse range of cell-level molecular actions. Curcuminoids have sparked intensive clinical investigation for applications to practically all aspects of human health. In addition to supporting the brain, curcumin has benefited the eyes, heart and circulation, joints, intestinal tract, skin, prostate, muscles, nerves, and numerous other human tissues. The key to getting the maximum benefit from curcumin is to ensure that it is adequately absorbed once you take the supplement. Benefits of Longvida Curcumin for Your Brain & Memory The only factor that limits curcumin’s health-giving potential is that all three of the active substances are poorly absorbed in the body. That’s why BrainMD uses Longvida® Optimized Curcumin Extract in our Brain Curcumins supplement to ensure your body will make the most of this powerful ingredient. Longvida curcumin is a sophisticated curcumin concentrate formulated for ultrahigh absorption and is known to improve human brain function. Since many curcumin supplements are not supported by adequate human research, we chose the Longvida curcumin ingredient for our Brain Curcumins because it is backed by competent clinical trial investigation. BrainMD’s scientific-medical team developed Brain Curcumins using a specially concentrated extract of all three curcumin substances from turmeric as the main ingredient. This Longvida curcumin ingredient was developed at UCLA to add incredible antioxidant power to your cells. It also regulates the inflammatory response and generally helps counter everyday stressful, emotional, chemical, and physical challenges. A double-blind clinical trial found that it helps maintain a healthy mood and cognitive functioning in people under mental strain. The clinical trial also established that this specific curcumin ingredient can help us keep a positive mood when under stress, stay alert and calm while under mental strain, and reduce the fatigue we can develop after a mentally challenging task. Some of the subjects who received Longvida curcumin in this trial showed better working memory (such as multitasking) just 1 hour after taking it. In this trial, cholesterol measures also improved. In another trial, this ingredient was found to have powerful circulation benefits. Since the chemical composition of every curcumin ingredient is so specific, it isn’t appropriate to transfer results from clinical trials with one ingredient to make conclusions about another ingredient. That’s why the BrainMD team waited until the necessary brain-focused clinical trial was completed and published, before developing our Brain Curcumins supplement. The Curcumin and Cumin Confusion While these two ingredients may sound similar and are even included together in many recipes, they are completely different. Curcumin is derived from turmeric in the ginger family while cumin is related to the parsley family. 2 Simple Turmeric Recipes to Try Turmeric is easy to incorporate into a healthy diet. Add a pinch of turmeric powder to your favorite dishes, from scrambled eggs to roasted vegetables, and try our recipes for Smooth Sweet Potato Soup and Cauliflower Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Smooth Sweet Potato Soup 1/2 cup Onion, Diced 1/3 cup Celery, Diced 3 Tbsp Leeks, Diced 2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced 6-7 cups Low Sodium Vegetable Stock 1 1/2 lbs. Sweet Potatoes, Peeled and Diced 1 stick Cinnamon 1/4 tsp Nutmeg 1 tsp Real Salt (Optional) 1 tsp White Pepper 1/2 cup Almond Milk or Coconut Milk 2 Tbsp Fresh Sage, Finely Chopped 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds (Optional) 1/8 cup Cranberries, for Garnish (Optional) 1 Pinch of Cinnamon, for Garnish 1/2 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder Cauliflower Garlic Mashed Potatoes 1 head Cauliflower 2 cups Vegetable Broth or Water 1/4 cup Soy Milk or Unsweetened Almond Milk 1 Tbsp Earth Balance Spread 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning 2 Cloves of Garlic, Minced 1 tsp Fresh Rosemary, Finely Chopped 2 tsp Cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoon water) Real Salt and Pepper, to Taste 2 Tbsp Finely Chopped Chives (Optional) 2 cups Spinach 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds, Raw 1/2 Teaspoon of Turmeric Powder Remember, you can take an effective daily dose of curcumin in the supplement Brain Curcumins. You might also want to try Serotonin Mood Support to give you an added boost in mood throughout the day. As the leader in brain-directed supplements, BrainMD offers the highest purity ingredients in our memory products. For more information about Brain Curcumins or our full catalog of brain healthy supplements, visit the online store at BrainMD.
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7 Natural Ways to Help Support Your Memory
Did you know that as you physically age, your brain can stay sharp? Your behavior and habits can either positively or negatively impact how well your brain functions as you get older. The good news is it’s never too late to take better care of your brain. Being mentally and physically active and avoiding unhealthy habits can help support your memory. If you’re experiencing brain issues or find that your memory isn’t what it used to be, here are 7 practical ways to help keep your brain healthy. 7 Natural Ways to Support Your Memory Take a Trip Traveling helps the brain by exposing it to new places and faces. Using maps exercises the brain’s visual-spatial abilities and helps stimulate your memory pathways. In addition to breaking up the sameness of your daily routine, taking a trip can provide a whole new set of experiences, some of which may become cherished memories. Avoid Toxins Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse all increase your risk for memory problems. Drinking even one beer or glass of wine a day can potentially damage your brain and make it toxic. Studies consistently demonstrate that smoking marijuana can negatively affect the functioning of various regions of the brain. Brain-healthy Foods Did you know that food can play an important role in supporting a healthy memory? Sadly, the Standard American Diet (SAD) is filled with foods that increase your risk for a variety of physical and mental problems, including memory issues. Instead of eating foods saturated with refined carbohydrates and sugar, choose lean proteins, healthy fats that include plenty of omega-3s, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Aim for a diet that’s heavy in antioxidant-rich, plant-based foods and has high-quality protein with good amino acid balance. New Learning Set aside some time every day for new learning. Studies indicate that stimulating brain pathways you haven’t been using regularly can help improve your brain health. Some examples are: learning a new language or musical instrument, trying a new kind of dance or other complex physical activity, or taking up a new hobby like chess or painting. Brain researchers emphasize that the “use it or lose it” principle applies to the brain. When the brain stops learning it can start fading, so be intentional about learning new things. Get Regular Exercise Physical activity is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain healthy. Exercise can boost blood flow, deliver oxygen and other nutrients to the brain, and may increase your levels of dopamine. Walking at a brisk pace can help you clear your mind, decrease anxious feelings, improve your mood and burn some calories all at the same time. Meet New People Since people tend to become more like those they spend time with, it’s good to work on developing friendships with positive and interesting individuals. You can trade ideas, learn new information and broaden your perspective by associating with different kinds of people. Spend time with people who inspire, encourage and challenge you. Coordination Activities Doing coordinated physical activities – like dancing, tennis, or table tennis – can boost activity in the cerebellum. Though it only accounts for 10 percent of the brain’s total volume, the cerebellum contains about 50 percent of the brain’s neurons, and is involved with both physical and thought coordination. Try to work a coordination activity into your daily routine. Your brain has the most energy-hungry cells in your body and can benefit from nutrients that are proven to support overall brain function. One of the best ways to support your memory is with proper nutrition, especially using nutraceutical ingredients that are specifically designed to keep your mind sharp and efficient. Brain & Memory Power Boost Brain & Memory Power Boost promotes the brain’s energy generation, supports the connectivity and overall functioning of its 200 billion cells, and defends against free radicals and other toxic effects on the brain.* BrainMD designed this supplement to help increase mental sharpness and all the brain’s higher functions to help you think fast on your feet.* Here’s what others are saying about Brain & Memory Power Boost: “I am a 55-year-old elementary school teacher so I have to stay sharp dealing with kids. I noticed that sometimes I would forget very basic things. For example, one day while I was writing on the whiteboard, I completely forgot how to spell the word “what.” After laughing at myself and asking the kids for help, I continued with my lesson. However, I was becoming more aware of these awkward and embarrassing moments. So, I started taking Brain & Memory Power Boost every day, I thought, why not try them. After a few weeks, I noticed a complete change. I felt like my mind was clearer and I could memorize things a lot easier. It doesn’t make you smarter but it definitely makes your memory feel much clearer, and sharper.” – Karen Sharpen Your Memory Since your memory is what allows you to revisit and treasure the most special moments in your life, be sure to fortify your brain with the nutrients that can strengthen and restore it.* At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about Brain & Memory Power Boost and our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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6 Tips To Give Your Memory A Boost
“My memory is no good, but that is normal at my age.” We actually hear this lie from people who are thirty-five, forty-five, fifty-five, sixty-five, and older. The truth is that most memory problems are not due to your age, but your bad habits. We recently heard this same lie from Todd, a fifty-three-year-old high-level business executive who told us his memory was terrible. “I am sure it is just my age. I am just getting older,” he said. “I often have no idea where I put my keys and sometimes find them in the refrigerator, next to the eggs. This is definitely NOT normal. It is one of the little lies people tell themselves to justify their memory problems and bad habits. The denial prevents them from getting the help they need. It is time to wake up and take memory problems seriously! Is it really possible to rescue your memory if it is troubled? Absolutely! But in order to do so, you have to have a smart plan. And the first step of that plan is to stop thinking that your memory problems are normal! 6 Steps to Sharpen Your Memory 1. Drink water. This may sound so simple, but it is so important. Your brain is 80% water, so avoid anything that dehydrates it – such as caffeine or alcohol. Being dehydrated by just 2% impairs performance in tasks that require attention, immediate memory skills, and physical performance. 2. Get good sleep. Sleep rejuvenates all the cells in your body, gives brain cells a chance to repair themselves, helps wash away neurodegenerative toxins that build up during the day, and activates neuronal connections that might otherwise deteriorate due to inactivity. Research has demonstrated that sleep deprivation can cause dramatic memory deficits. Practice good sleep hygiene to optimize your sleep habits. 3. Avoid toxins. Smoking and drug and alcohol abuse increase your risk for dementia, so if these are a problem for you, stopping immediately decreases these risk factors. Even a glass of beer or wine per day can be harmful to the brain and can make it look toxic. And recent research demonstrates that marijuana negatively affects the hippocampus, the brain’s major memory center. 4. Supplement with a multiple mechanism approach. When we get sick or age, it is never just one biological mechanism that fails us; it is generally multiple mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to utilize a multiple mechanism approach to improving brain health. BrainMD’s Brain & Memory Power Boost is formulated with seven brain boosters which help promote brain energy, support important neurons, and defend against free radical damage to the brain. Together they help power up mental sharpness and cognition so you can think fast on your feet again. 5. Eat a brain-healthy diet. The standard American diet (SAD) is filled with pro-inflammatory foods that increase your risk for a variety of medical conditions. It is also associated with a smaller hippocampus, one of the major memory structures in the brain. Instead, choose lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of produce, while eliminating refined carbohydrates and sugar. Aim for eating a diet that’s 70 percent plant-based foods and 30 percent high-quality protein, with healthy fat mixed in. 6. Get moving. Physical exercise is perhaps the single most important thing you can do to keep your brain and body healthy over time. It not only boosts blood flow and other positive nutrients to the brain – it actually stimulates “neurogenesis,” the ability of the brain to generate new brain cells. Additionally, research has shown that exercise can actually increase the size of the hippocampus (the brain’s major memory center). “Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.” -Elie Wiesel
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6 Ways to Get Your Health Back
There's just something about a new season that evokes the desire to make changes. It's a time when many focus on fresh starts with the new school year, new clothes, new routines, and new goals. While we're quick to start new things, why do we tend to overlook our health? Now is the perfect time to do some internal resetting – it’s a great opportunity to check-in and see if there are any bad habits we've developed over the last few months. As you clean out your closets and dresser drawers, why not clean up your health habits too? Here are 6 tips to help you get back on track with your health this season. 6 Tips to Get Back on Track with Your Health 1. Purge Your Pantry If you eat the standard American diet, your kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer contain foods that are terrible for your health and your weight. The best thing you can do for yourself and your family is to do a clean sweep of your entire kitchen and get rid of all the foods that sabotage your health. Doing so makes it easier for you to make conscious eating decisions, or better decisions even when they’re not so conscious. It helps prevent impulsive, mindless snacking as you change your eating patterns. When you purge your pantry, you’ve only had to make one healthy decision—not to have unhealthy foods in your house—rather than having the discipline to make dozens of decisions throughout the day to avoid foods that are sitting right there in your kitchen. Once the bad food is gone, stock your pantry with brain-healthy choices. 2. Switch Up Your Produce Did you spend the winter eating apples, bananas, and root vegetables? Is the monotony making it hard to stick to? It is the perfect time to switch things up and reinvigorate your love for fruits and veggies with some variety. Fresh fruits and vegetables abound in spring or summer. Head to your local farmer’s market or grocery store and try asparagus, mushrooms, apricots, or berries. Never tried a steamed artichoke? Or stir-fried snow peas? Maybe you’ve had green beans, but what about haricots verts (French green beans)? Try some sweet cherries or a nectarine as a treat after dinner. Now you can eat from an expanded spring-inspired rainbow. 3. Venture Outside If you’ve spent much of the winter on the treadmill or in the gym, it is time to go outside. Research shows that exercising outdoors comes with a variety of health advantages over working out inside including improved energy levels and decreased stress and anger. Another study found that being outdoors has an overall positive effect on vitality – your sense of enthusiasm, aliveness, and energy. 4. Let The Sunshine In Our vitamin D status tends to take a dip in the winter months, due to lack of sun exposure. Your body gets vitamin D in two ways: via sunlight (the sun’s ultraviolet rays must hit your skin in order for your body to manufacture vitamin D) and from your diet. There are a small number of foods, such as fish, eggs, and some mushrooms that can provide vitamin D. Another option is to incorporate a Vitamin D supplement to ensure you’re getting to levels you need. Unfortunately, many Americans—even those who eat a good diet—are vitamin D deficient. And there is research linking vitamin D deficiency to over 200 diseases. 5. Declutter Your Mind It is easy in today’s fast-paced world to harbor negative emotions, like anger, resentment, sadness, and jealousy. But these emotions are detrimental to your health and peace of mind. What you may not realize is that these emotions begin with your thoughts. This season, make a conscious effort to challenge the automatic negative thoughts that steal your happiness. Stress levels are dramatically decreased for those who learn to control their thoughts, rather than letting their thoughts control them. You might even want to look into the benefits of hypnosis for your brain. 6. Fill Your Mind With Good Not only is important to clear your head from stressful thoughts, but it’s also equally as important to challenge your brain on a daily basis. New learning and mental exercises themselves will help keep your brain sharp, but learning about ways to improve your brain is like the sugar-free icing on the fat-free cake! Try listening to a new podcast that will encourage mental engagement and provide you with diverse information and strategies to better your brain. We, not surprisingly, recommend The Brain Warrior’s Way Podcast. Some of our guests have great podcasts as well; consider Dave Asprey’s Bulletproof Radio and Pedram Shoji’s The Urban Monk Podcast. As you check off your growing to-do list, don’t forget to make yourself, and especially your brain, a priority as well! What Listeners Are Saying About The Brain Warrior’s Way Podcast: “A Wealth of Knowledge by Strixbee - Each podcast focuses on one specific topic. While discussing it Dr. Amen brings all his years of experience in the field to bear. So not only are the podcast's topics highly relevant but even the little things Dr. Amen mentions in passing are eye-opening.”
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Latest Research: Can Curcumin Support Your Memory?
Memory, weight, and mood issues are national health concerns that continue to grow. The answer is not to see them as individual or separate problems, but rather as different outcomes of the same unhealthy lifestyle. When it comes to memory issues, there’s good news and bad news. The Bad News: Memory Issues Are Common Here are some alarming statistics: Someone is diagnosed with serious memory issues every 7 seconds. Per recent statistics, millions of people living in America will have extreme memory issues at some point in their lives. Tens of millions more will experience other forms of recall struggles or cognitive decline. People who have family members with severe memory challenges may have a higher risk for memory problems themselves. Those who have a parent or sibling with memory issues are 3.5 times more likely to develop similar symptoms. Some of the most common risk factors for memory problems include weight issues, heart problems, smoking, using drugs or alcohol, sleep irregularities, and low estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid levels. And, lest you think that only your memory is at stake, insulin resistance has been linked with weight issues as well, with a wide array of behavioral and mood challenges including panic attacks, restlessness, and severe attention issues. Long before symptoms develop, your brain may have already started deteriorating, years or even decades before you realize it! A UCLA study found that 95 percent of people with severe memory issues aren't diagnosed until they're in the moderate to severe stages of the disorder. Yet the brain of someone with extreme memory problems at age 59 likely started to show signs of deterioration by the time they turned 30. No matter your age, memory symptoms should be taken seriously. Developing noticeable memory decline in your forties, fifties, sixties, seventies, or even eighties is NOT normal. It’s a sign of impending trouble. The Good News: Memory Can Be Improved Despite the natural aging process, you have a choice in how fast your brain ages. Your behavior and habits can speed up or slow down the rate at which your brain declines with age. Being mentally and physically active, eating nutritious foods and avoiding unhealthy habits can help you maintain optimal brain health and ward off serious, long-term memory struggles. The best way to prevent memory loss or cognitive decline is to eliminate all the negative risk factors. And the good news is that most of them are either preventable or treatable! The Latest Research on Curcumin Even though there’s no known cure for severe memory loss at present, there are effective methods for treating the problem. Recent research has shown that curcumin has a potential role in prevention of neurodegeneration by boosting cell survival pathways. This is an exciting development and possible intervention for those dealing with extensive, long-term memory issues. Turmeric & the Brain: Benefits of Curcumin Turmeric is a curry spice that's been used in India for thousands of years because of its rich flavor and medicinal properties. Turmeric comes from the Curcuma longa plant. The dried root of the plant is ground into the yellow turmeric powder. Turmeric’s health benefits are numerous: it helps in the digestion of fat, maintains healthy blood sugar levels and benefits the brain. The most important ingredients in turmeric are called curcuminoids. The most active of which is called curcumin. It’s a substance associated with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has been found to support working memory, calmness, and satisfaction in coping with mental strain. It also promotes cardiovascular health and lessens physical fatigue. Also, curcumin is attributed to increasing the brain hormone BDNF, which improves the function of neurons, encourages their growth, and strengthens and protects them. One of the key features of a brain affected by significant memory loss is the buildup of clumps of a protein called amyloid-beta. The latest studies on turmeric show that curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and has the potential to help clear these plaques. Take Memory Problems Seriously While it’s true that memory issues are common with age, they’re not inevitable. In the presymptomatic stage, when memory problems are minor, help is likely to be most effective. If you’re struggling with your memory, even if it seems inconsequential, now is the time to wake up and take memory problems seriously. Being serious about brain health has no age limit, especially when a better brain can help improve your focus, mood, and memory. You can create a brain-healthy life by learning how to love and care for the most important part of your body…your brain. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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How to Make Memory A Priority
Do you often forget where you left your car keys? Do you struggle to remember words, names, faces or numbers? Maybe you’re finding it more and more difficult to keep up with conversations…or you’ve forgotten important appointments…or you can’t make your favorite dish anymore because the recipe is too difficult to follow. If one or more of the above examples apply to you, a parent or grandparent, it’s time to consider making memory a priority with vitamins and other nutrients that your brain needs in order to make and retrieve memories. Your future and the future of your loved ones depends on it. In a fast-paced, high-stress society, many things can ruin your health and memory. Obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, and eating a poor diet are all associated with an increased risk of catastrophic memory loss. With an ever-expanding elderly population in America, memory problems are posing serious emotional and financial challenges to our society. Top 5 Methods for Improving Your Memory 1. Avoid Toxins Smoking, alcohol and drug abuse all increase your risk for memory problems. Even one beer or glass of wine a day can damage your brain and make it toxic. Recent research demonstrates that smoking marijuana can negatively affect the hippocampus, the brain’s major memory center. 2. Memory Boosting Food The Standard American Diet (SAD) is filled with foods that increase your risk for a variety of medical problems. It’s also associated with a smaller hippocampus, one of the major memory structures in the brain. Instead of eating foods saturated with refined carbohydrates and sugar, choose lean proteins, healthy fats, and lots of produce. Aim for a diet that’s 70 percent plant-based foods and 30 percent high-quality protein, with healthy fat mixed in. 3. Drink Your Vitamins Rather than taking handfuls of capsules from stacks of vitamin bottles, get a big dose of memory-boosting power from Bright Minds Memory Powder. This robust formula of 34 nutrients the brain needs is a highly concentrated, memory-targeting daily supplement system. With carefully crafted and clinically proven ingredients, Bright Minds Memory Powder is a tasty, citrus-flavored drink mix that can be added to water, juice or even a fruit smoothie. The potent mix of vitamins, minerals, conditionally essential nutrients, and related plant nutrients in Bright Minds Memory Powder can: Enhance Blood Delivery - The better the brain’s circulation, the more oxygen and nutrients it can receive to support memory all through life. Ginkgo, resveratrol, lutein, zeaxanthin, CoQ10, as well as vitamins and minerals in this powder, promote healthy blood flow to the brain. Boost Energy - The brain weighs just 2-3 pounds, yet it uses at least 20 percent of all the body’s energy. PS (PhosphatidylSerine), acetylcarnitine, B vitamins, magnesium, chromium, alpha-lipoic acid, CoQ10 and other nutraceuticals in this formula provide the building blocks for energizing memory processes. Promote Brain Connectivity - The brain’s trillions of nerve cell connections (called synapses) rely on PS for their electrical activity. The numerous antioxidants in Bright Minds help protect these synapses against damage. Additionally, methylfolate, methyl-vitamin B12, choline, and other methyl support nutrients in the formula support synapse maintenance and protect the brain against damage from homocysteine buildup. Improve Neurotransmitter Support - Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers that travel across synapses in the brain and knit together the tens of billions of nerve cells. Huperzine A, acetylcarnitine and choline promote the pathways that rely on acetylcholine, a key memory transmitter. PS, Vitamin D3, all the B vitamins, magnesium and other minerals support the production, release, and synapse actions of multiple neurotransmitter systems across the brain. 4. Keep Your Brain Clean The brain has a special waste management system to help eliminate toxins that build up during the day, possibly including the amyloid plaques thought to be responsible for serious memory loss. It's believed that during the day, your brain is so busy managing your life that this cleaning system is pretty much turned off. Without sufficient healthy sleep, the cleaning crew doesn’t have enough time to do their job and trash builds up, contributing to brain fog and memory problems. This makes getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night absolutely vital. 5. Jog Your Memory Literally. Physical activity increases blood flow to your whole body, including your brain, and helps keep your memory sharp. Exercise delivers extra oxygen to the brain and can also stimulate the growth of new cells and blood vessels in the brain. At BrainMD, we're committed to promoting, optimizing, and supporting brain health naturally. Your memory is what allows you to treasure and revisit the most special moments in your life. Make it a priority to fortify your brain with the dozens of nutrients that can help strengthen, and even restore, some of the memories you've lost. To learn more about the brain-healthy supplements that can help boost your memory, please visit our online store at BrainMD.
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When Memories Fade: My Grandmother's Story
The Beginnings At first, it seemed harmless. Years ago, my grandmother started repeating conversations and asking questions multiple times. My grandma had always been a little absentminded. So my family and I thought these were just normal senior moments of forgetfulness. We shrugged it off as just a part of getting older. We all assumed that would be the extent of it, but as time wore on things definitely got worse. Realization I finally allowed myself to accept that my grandmother was having a bigger problem when she asked me over to her house for dinner, and when I showed up, she looked completely surprised. She had no idea why I was there. Moments like this would happen, but she was still functioning fine on her own. Then one day we received a call, she had been at the store and had a fall. The doctor’s determined she had fainted from dehydration. She had forgotten to drink water all day. As a result of her fall she had broken her back and hit her head pretty hard, so regardless of her mental state, she couldn’t live on her own anymore. The Really Hard Part When she moved into an assisted living, I visited her frequently, and things weren’t too different. But soon the visits became emotionally draining. It was difficult to see her depressed and frustrated from her own confusion. It was hard for me. Then I started getting random phone calls from her. She would ask me why I hadn’t picked her up, saying things like she was at the movies by herself and I never came to get her. Eventually, that confusion turned to anger. Anger because she couldn’t remember or understand what was going on. She would lash out at me, and say hurtful things. She would threaten me with self-harm. She even became physically aggressive during some of these moments of confusion. One day we got another call, she had taken a plant from someone’s room and was, “going to a wedding.” When trying to walk out the front door of the facility, the staff tried to stop her, and she began hitting them. The idea of her made-up event and accidental theft would have been comical if it weren’t so tragic… She was moved to a psychiatric facility for a while after that. Eventually, my grandma progressed further into her memories, so far gone that the anger subsided. Over the course of several months, she began not recognizing me during my visits. Sometimes she would remember, but the other times she thought I was my sister, or my mother, or her own sister. She would tell us stories from decades ago as if they had just happened. She would inform us that my grandfather or her parents were coming to visit, or taking her on a trip, though they had long since passed. It wasn’t long after that point that we lost her. What I Wish I Knew To watch a once vibrant and nurturing woman lose her shine and need professional care, was one of the most painful parts of losing her. Had I known more in the early days of her repetitive questioning and forgetful moments, I would have done so much more for her. I would have given her important nutrients to nourish and support her brain, and I would have made sure she took them every day. Instead of just visiting or running errands, I also would have worked harder to keep her mentally and physically active. I would have played brain strengthening games with her, encouraged her to read and join a book club, and found ways to get her to socialize. If I had it to do over again, I would have tried anything and everything. The Point So, my purpose in telling this story: To encourage anyone who can relate to this, to please educate yourself. Read books like Dr. Amen’s “Memory Rescue,” participate in communities that educate and support you on brain health, and start doing whatever you can to keep the ones you love from fading.
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Memory Month: Supplement Success Stories
The New Year has finally arrived and now is the time to get serious about your health goals. Regardless of which resolutions you made, protecting your brain should be at the top of the list. Optimizing brain function and performance is absolutely essential for starting off the New Year on the right foot…and for maintaining healthy habits throughout the year. If you’ve been struggling with cognitive decline, brain fog or poor recall, now is the perfect time to get help since January is Memory Month at BrainMD. With the recent release of Dr. Daniel Amen’s book Memory Rescue and the launch of the new memory-targeted daily supplement system Bright Minds Memory Powder, BrainMD is committed to helping you boost your memory and keep it sharp all year long. Using the most rigorous criteria for selecting the highest quality nutrients, BrainMD offers a line of brain-directed, clinical strength supplements that can help to improve, preserve and boost your memory. We’ve had countless success stories over the years…here are just a few of the individuals whose lives have been vastly improved by our memory products. Memory Supplement Success Stories Brain & Body Power MAX “Awesome product. I purchased this vitamin pack for my mother. She is in her late fifties and has been struggling with her brain function for the last several years. I have been doing tons of research to find some way of helping her. Between this supplement and other dietary changes, she is now doing so much better. I would recommend this product for anybody. I am getting my mom back.” – Joshua Brain & Body Power MAX provides your brain and body with amino acids, vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts and neuro-nutrients at advanced levels. This all-in-one supplement system makes it easy to stay healthy on the go with portable packets for your purse or pocket. Brain & Memory Power Boost “I am a 55-year-old elementary school teacher so I have to stay sharp dealing with kids. I noticed that sometimes I would forget very basic things. For example, one day while I was writing on the whiteboard, I completely forgot how to spell the word “what.” After laughing at myself and asking the kids for help, I continued with my lesson. However, I was becoming more aware of these awkward and embarrassing moments. So, I started taking Brain & Memory Power Boost every day, I thought, why not try them. After a few weeks, I noticed a complete change. I felt like my mind was clearer and I could memorize things a lot easier. It doesn’t make you smarter but it definitely makes your memory feel much clearer, and sharper.” – Karen Brain & Memory Power Boost promotes brain metabolism, supports neurons and defends against free radical damage to the brain. It can help power up mental sharpness and cognition so you can think fast on your feet again. Neuro-PS “I have had challenges with my memory. I have seen improvement after taking Neuro-PS. Neuro-PS helps me to think more clearly and allows me to stay focused at work instead of losing track every few minutes of what I was doing.” – Debbie Neuro-PS provides phosphatidylserine (PS), a nutrient concentrated in the brain and clinically proven to improve mental focus. In double-blind clinical research trials, PS enhanced recall of names, faces, words, and numbers, and improved verbal fluency. PS is better documented for these benefits than any other nutrient. Omega-3 Power “With a new improved memory, I have a renewed desire to learn; enjoying studying vocabulary and grammar, finance, psychology and Spanish without experiencing brain strain. At 73 I have never felt better, or been more mentally alert and physically productive.” – Jerry The omega-3 fatty acids in Omega-3 Power are essential for your brain cells to make the trillions of connections that enable peak cognitive, mood, and behavioral performance. Additionally, Omega-3 Power enhances recall and overall mental balance. Since your memory is what allows you to treasure and revisit the most special moments in your life, be sure to fortify your brain with the nutrients that can strengthen and restore it. At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality supplements to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. *These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical or healthcare advice from a physician, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new health regimen.
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Ginkgo Biloba: Benefits Memory & Circulation
Which Herbs Do the Best Brains Take? The key to getting a youthful brain could be as simple as a single herb. Not just any herb, though. I am not referring to any that might be growing in your garden and I definitely don’t mean marijuana. Ginkgo biloba is a powerful Chinese herb that is used to help aid cognition. This powerful antioxidant is best known for its capacity to improve circulation, slow down the aging process, enhance memory, and concentration. Ginkgo is one of a few top nutrients for your brain health we’ve identified and has been thoroughly researched to support memory function. Ginkgo: Study Shows Improved Memory in 52 Weeks Ginkgo has been widely publicized since a U.S. study by the Journal of American Medical Association in 1997. This study was done to assess to efficiency and safety of Ginkgo biloba in patients with memory issues over the course of 52 weeks. Among other metrics, the results found that the participants receiving the Gingko Biloba had a significant improvement versus the placebo group. They also found no difference between the Ginkgo group versus the placebo group in terms of adverse events. The study concluded that this form of Ginkgo biloba, “was safe and appears capable of stabilizing and, in a substantial number of cases, improving the cognitive performance and the social functioning of patients struggling with memory issues for 6 months to 1 year.” A 20 Year Study on Ginkgo Biloba In 2013, a more recent study was published in PLOS One to look at Gingko Biloba extract and its effect on cognitive decline. This study was done over a 20-year period. Results found that ginkgo prevailed once again, demonstrating that cognitive decline was significantly lower in participants who used EGb761 (the same Ginkgo extract as the 1997 study) than those who did not. Based on these scientific studies, along with others that show Ginkgo improves blood flow on brain SPECT scans, we believe it can aid those struggling with memory issues. Also, we already know that it is beneficial for brain health due to its power to increase blood flow, therefore, increasing brain function. When it comes to overall brain health, there are several mechanisms for memory at play. This calls for multiple ingredients to reach total brain support. Ginkgo Biloba extract is found in BrainMD’s Brain & Memory Power Boost, formulated with seven brain boosters which help promote brain energy. As one of our flagship products, the supplement harnesses the circulatory benefits found in Ginkgo Biloba and combines those benefits with ingredients to promote mental sharpness.
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