In 2020, the global brain health supplement industry was valued at approximately 7.21 billion USD and is estimated to be worth in excess of 10 billion USD by the end of the decade. The reasoning for consuming brain health supplements is not restricted to one particular purpose; brain supplements are said to enhance memory, boost concentration levels, regulate depression/mood, aid with sleep/recovery and reducing stress/anxiety, all whilst minimising the effects of ageing.
Three of the finest brain supplements on the market include Ashwagandha, Vitamin D and Ginkgo Biloba.
What Is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a traditional Indian medicine dating back as far as 6,000 BC and literally translates as ‘smell of horse’ due to the root of the plant itself smelling like that of a horse.
Ashwagandha has the properties to directly reduce markers of neuro-inflammation. In turn, this makes the brain less receptive to stressful events in day-to-day life. Thus seeing ripple effects stemming from reduced stress such as drops in blood pressure & heart rate to boosts in social functioning & motivation.
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Health Benefits Of Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is largely considered to be the Swiss Army knife of the brain supplement world, offering up its versatility and assisting in a whole host of physical and mental inhibitions. The ancient medicinal herb is responsible for:
Reducing Anxiety
Ashwagandha is regarded as a natural combatant of anxiety, and is sold widely in health stores within the United States. There have been some studies conducted which show that Ashwagandha root extract naturally reduces the body’s cortisol levels: too much cortisol has been linked to higher levels of anxiety.
Fighting Depression
Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a herb which can assist the body in lowering stress levels and having a positive effect on its user’s mood.There have been also some studies completed that suggest that Ashwagandha can help fight depression.
Boosting Fertility And Testosterone In Men
The herb’s ability to decrease stress within the body also means that it can help boost fertility within males. The natural compounds within ashwagandha support the body’s endocrine system, which is itself a vital constituent of a healthy reproductive system.
Supporting Muscle Growth
Ashwagandha has also been suggested to support muscle growth and recovery following periods of intense training. It has the capacity to lower cortisol levels which in turn are responsible for diminishing one’s anabolic state needed for effective muscle growth.
Boosting General Brain Function
Ashwagandha is also thought to majorly improve cognitive ability and cerebral processing speeds; by calming the mind it allows for improved focus and more consistent concentration.
What Is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a crucial human nutrient that helps to absorb calcium & magnesium to help maintain strong bones, as well as helping to remove old, worn bone and build new bone in its place.
A lack of Vitamin D can lead to bone deficiencies such as Rickets and Osteomalacia. Vitamin D, otherwise known as the ‘sunshine vitamin’ is hard to come by in countries such as Iceland and Norway due to the long and dark winter months. Exposing human skin to direct sunlight allows for the absorption of Vitamin D directly from the sun’s rays.
In the UK, people should get all the Vitamin D they require from the sun during March & late September. However, similarly to Scandinavian countries, people living in the UK must source Vitamin D from elsewhere during the winter months.
Alternative Vitamin D sources come from oily fish, red meat, egg yolk and liver, although it is advised that those living in the UK also take Vitamin D supplements during winter as it isn’t possible to receive all the Vitamin D required through these foods alone.
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Vitamin D Health Benefits
It is fairly well documented that Vitamin D helps to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which in turn helps to keep bones, teeth and muscles in healthy working order.
Vitamin D Fights Disease
Vitamin D is associated with numerous positive effects including the ability to stave off disease and illness. The vitamin has been found to reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis, and also decrease the chance of the development of heart disease. It has even been suggested that by taking Vitamin D there is less likelihood of developing the flu.
Vitamin D Reduces Depression
Vitamin D has other properties that can help reduce depression within its users. It is supposed that Vitamin D helps alleviate mood and relieve stressful and anxious tendencies.
Vitamin D And Healthy Pregnancy
Vitamin D is an important supplement that helps improve the chances of fertility and supports the female reproductive system. Calcitrol, which is the active form of Vitamin D, controls several genes involved in embryo implantation. Low Vitamin D levels have been associated with certain pregnancy complications such as gestational hypertension and diabetes.
However, it is very possible to over-consume Vitamin D which would lead to a build-up in calcium which can lead to heart problems and kidney failure so it is important to consume in moderation.
What Is Ginkgo Biloba?
Ginkgo Biloba is a tree native to China that has been grown for thousands of years for a variety of uses, including enhancing brain performance in humans. It’s the only surviving member of an ancient order of plants, it can occasionally be referred to as a fossil. The extract is collected from the dried green leaves of the plant and can be made into a liquid extract, capsules, or tablet form. The supplement is extremely effective in treating a variety of medical ailments, from blood disorders to memory problems.
Ginkgo Biloba Health Benefits?
Here are some of the health benefits of Ginkgo Biloba:
Contains Antioxidants
Ginkgo Biloba contains numerous powerful antioxidants such as flavonoids and terpenoids, which is likely to be the reason behind a lot of the health benefits on offer.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Ginkgo Biloba is well known for its anti – inflammatory properties as well as its ability to improve blood circulation and heart health. In ancient Chinese medicine, ginkgo seeds were used to open up ‘channels’ of energy to vital organ systems including the lungs, brain, liver and kidneys.
Reduces Symptoms Of Psychiatric Disorders And Dementia
Finally, Ginkgo Biloba is also thought to reduce symptoms of psychiatric disorders and dementia; in particular Ginkgo Biloba has improved the cognitive functions of those patients experiencing dementia.
Are Ashwagandha, Vitamin D And Ginkgo Biloba Safe To Take?
The one thing all three supplements have in common is their mood boosting properties. In general, the multiple potential benefits associated with these compounds far outweigh the potential adverse side-effects, which usually arise from incorrect dosages or exacerbate pre-existing conditions.
Like every supplement however, there are special precautions that need to be taken when considering using these wellness products. For example, it is suggested that Ashwagandha may not be suitable for consumption when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Moreover, Ginkgo leaf extract is mostly safe for use, but potentially can cause some headaches and skin irritation to those who are already prone to such afflictions.
Recommended Dosage Levels
As we always suggest, the recommended dosage levels of such products will vary in relation to the individual consumer; age, weight, height, and existing medical conditions all play a part in determining dosage.
For our Destress Capsules, containing both Ashwagandha and Vitamin D, we recommend taking two capsules daily for optimum results.
Our Destress Oil includes all three of the wellness products mentioned in this article, we suggest placing a couple of drops under the tongue consistently throughout the day.
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