When most people think of aging, they think of gray hairs and wrinkles. Because we live in a society so obsessed with the visible signs of age, we tend to forget that we age on the inside, as well.
Take the brain, for instance. As we age, the brain undergoes physical changes in size and composition, resulting in slower cognition, impaired memory, decreased ability to learn, and weakened sensory perception.
But the way your brain ages isn’t necessarily tied to chronological years, as your lifestyle plays a key role, too. Physical activity, a healthy diet, and low-to-moderate alcohol intake are all associated with better brain health.
Nutritionist and acclaimed author Michael Colgan, Ph.D. says that these 5 ingredients target the biochemical pathways to help combat brain aging:
- Turmeric is an Indian plant commonly consumed as a dietary spice in curry-rich foods and is rich in curcumin. Studies have shown that curcumin can help slow cognitive decline by reducing oxidative stress in the brain, and alleviating muscle soreness.
- Piperine is a bio-enhancer. This means that it promotes the bioavailability (the degree and rate at which a substance is absorbed) of certain bioactive compounds (that which has a biological effect).
- R-alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that has the ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and protect against oxidative stress in the brain.
- Acetylcarnitine is often paired with R-alpha-lipoic acid, and have been shown to work together in supporting brain health. On its own, however, acetylcarnitine is also shown to support better mood and improve memory in laboratory animals.
- Citicoline is the precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is necessary for the communication between brain cells. This compound is also a potent neuroprotectant, meaning that it’s protective of brain cells.
Together these ingredients, along with others such as green tea, Mucuna pruriens (African beans), and L-carnosine, work together to support healthy brain function, increase cognition, and delay some of the internal symptoms of aging.
No matter what age, it is never too late—or too early—to invest in the health of your brain!
