Nutrition

How Vitamin B12, Antioxidants, Alpha GPC, Creatine and Omega 3 Contribute to the Brain Health

brainBrain supplements help our brains to function better. Supplements for brain can be natural or they can be drugs prescribed by docs. The reason doctors normally recommend natural brain supplements, is they don’t carry any risk.

In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most useful brain supplements. Our list begins with

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 deficiency could lead to brain damage. B12 is the largest vitamin and due to its massive size, our bodies couldn’t absorb it easily. B12 supplements are absorbed in the end if the smaller intestine. As we age, the ability to absorb Vitamin B12 reduces and we gradually become Vitamin B12 deficient.

Animal protein is a reliable source of vitamin B12 and those, who eat less meat are at the high risk of becoming deficient. Some of the brain diseases that result from vitamin B12 deficiency are Alzheimer's disease, myelin sheath damage, parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, osteoporosis, dementia, etc.

Meat, fish, poultry eggs and dairy products are excellent sources of vitamin B12. Other than animal products, soy milk is also a good source to obtain vitamin B12. A comprehensive diet needs to include at least one serving of shellfish, fortified soy products, crab or beef liver.

Antioxidants

Human brain consumes 20% of the total oxygen that body needs. This makes our brain vulnerable to damages caused by free radicals. Antioxidants nullify the damaging effects of the free radicals and protects our brain cells.

Antioxidants are found only in plant based foods. Blackberries and blueberries have the most concentrated amount of antioxidants. The most active antioxidant in berries is called Anthocyanins. Daily diet needs to include at least one serving of animal protein, two servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits. Unless someone maintains a dietary chart such as this, it’s difficult for his brain to get requisite antioxidants.

Alpha GPC

Alpha GPC is essential for the health of brain cell membranes. Choline is a compound in the body that synthesizes and transports the lipid. Choline is a B complex nutrient, which makes brain cell membranes healthy, but it is not as biolavailable as is Alpha GPC. Besides, Alpha GPC can cross the barrier between the brain and blood more easily than Cholin.

Alpha GPC has excellent potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, compared to Cholin. Intake of Alpha GPC ameliorates memory and cognition capability. The basic neurotransmitter in brain that facilitates memory and learning is called acetylcholine. Alpha GPC helps this compound.

Creatine

Creatine is an excellent brain health supplement. It’s actually a nitrogenous acid produced naturally inside animal bodies. The compound not only supplies energy to the cells of the body, but also facilitates the growth of muscle fiber. creatine has psychological as well as neurological benefits.

Creatine improves memory and attention span. The scientists have found out that creatine plays a key role in the homeostasis of brain energy. A daily intake of 5 gram of creatine can prevent cytosolic and mitochondrial energy in cells to condense. If you are taking any product, then follow the instructions on the product regarding the dosage.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are highly concentrated in fish oil, which is why, taking fish oil pills can fulfill the body’s need for Omega 3. Many are not fond of the idea of taking pills. They should rely on the natural sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Other than fish oil, this compound is also found in walnuts, beans, flaxseed and livestock animals that feed off of the pasture.

As we grow old, our cognitive abilities begin to decline and neurons in our brains start to die. we become susceptible to various neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, etc. Regular intake of Omega-3 Fatty Acids can help us fight those diseases by improving our ability to focus. Omega-3 also functions as a mood enhancer and prevents depression.

The five compounds discussed in this article are all very useful for the proper functioning of the brain and for overall health of the central nervous system. So make sure you are getting these supplements regularly.

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