Certain foods have been found to have a powerful effect on our brain health.
In this blog we’ll explore six of them and define exactly what is an adaptogen, superfood, and nootropic. And how can we add them to our diet?
What Are Adaptogens?
Adaptogens by definition are plants with the properties to adapt to the needs of the human body and help insulate it from different kinds of stress. They can be used to support your general health and wellbeing. The ability of adaptogens to change the body's response to stress is a big one.
Some of the most popular reported benefits of adaptogens include the lessening of stress levels and the control of hormone reactions for a sense of balance. Adaptogens are also used to treat insomnia and as natural aphrodisiacs, as well as to support the immune system. They have also been shown to help people cope with stressful situations and ease chronic pain.
What Are Superfoods?
Superfoods is a more common term for foods that can bring significant health benefits to the body because of their nutritional density. This is because they contain a large proportion of nutrients and other beneficial substances such as antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The idea behind superfoods is to eat lots of different kinds of these healthy foods so that the body gets the right combination of nutrients and other substances.
What Are Nootropics?
Natural nootropics are ingredients that may improve brain function, especially in connection with motivation, creativity and memory.
Let’s take a closer look at the 6 main brain-healthy ingredients that are infused into our Super Brain Blend instant coffee. It is the combination of these 6 ingredients that makes our Super Brain Blend instant coffee such a powerful antioxidant, and so many studies have shown that coffee can help your body fight off diseases like Alzheimer’s disease.
Six Brain Healthy Ingredients
1. Turmeric
Turmeric was originally used centuries ago in India.
Turmeric gives Indian curry its yellow color and where the gold color in the Golden Latte comes from. It is the rhizome of a perennial herb belonging to the ginger family. The plant grows in the tropics and subtropics worldwide, but is most widely grown in tropical India. The plant has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also used as a dye in traditional Indian textiles.
What is a Golden (Turmeric) Latte?
A Golden Latte is also known as a Turmeric Latte is based off the Indian and Ayurvedic-inspired called Golden Milk. In the West, it is called "Turmeric Latte" because it uses turmeric as an ingredient. It’s also called "golden milk" because it's based on an ancient recipe from India. It’s basically a rich beverage made with turmeric and milk. The benefits of drinking this tea include a strong antioxidant effect and its ability to boost the immune system. There are a variety of recipes online that you can use to make your own. Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for a long time to help people stay healthy and fight off illnesses.
It’s an ancient healing drink praised for its anti-inflammatory properties.
In its most basic form, Golden Milk is made of turmeric and a milk of choice. The most popular milks in the U.S. are coconut or almond milk. Its most famous use is to color the yellow dye in India’s national flag. The health benefits of turmeric have only recently begun to be understood. There are many possible health benefits to turmeric, including lowering cholesterol, improving immune function, easing arthritis pain, fighting cancer, and protecting brain cells from damage from turmeric.
There are many different recipes and variations of a Golden Milk Latte but the main brain-healthy ingredients are turmeric, cinnamon, and black pepper. Cinnamon has been known for its antioxidant properties for years and is believed to help maintain the integrity of cell membranes and protect against Alzheimer's disease. Black pepper is thought to have a positive effect on memory and concentration. The combination of these three ingredients is thought to boost brain function.
Many recipes include a mixture of honey, ginger, and/or vanilla with coffee.
Turmeric is filled with curcuminoids—the most vital is curcumin.
It’s recognized by many as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant.
But it’s difficult for the body to absorb turmeric. Its absorption may be assisted by black pepper.
When it comes to brain function, curcumin may improve levels of the brain hormone BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor). (1) It is believed that BDNF plays an important role in the development and function of the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain involved in memory formation and retention. In addition, curcumin has been shown to reduce the levels of amyloid beta protein, which is believed to play a key role in Alzheimer’s disease. The curcumin molecule has antioxidant properties and can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are molecules that can cause cell death.
Studies indicate this hormone may expand the growth of new neurons in the brain and central nervous system and fights against degeneration in the brain. It is also known as a neuro-protective agent, which means it protects neurons from cell death. This is important because when neurons die, they can no longer pass on the signals that control our thoughts and actions. The result is that the brain loses its ability to function normally. This can happen as a result of a traumatic injury or a stroke, for example. In Alzheimer's disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, the brain's neurons keep dying, which eventually leads to dementia.
2. Cinnamon
There are two different kinds of cinnamon that come from tree bark—Ceylon cinnamon, which many consider the true cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon is the inner bark of a cinnamon tree. It has a milder, sweeter flavor than true cinnamon, which comes from the outer bark of the tree.
There’s also Cassia cinnamon, the type most commonly used today and that you can find in your local grocery store.
It’s better to use Ceylon cinnamon since it’s been reported that Cassia cinnamon may cause problems in larger amounts.
The smell and flavor of cinnamon comes from its oil.
Cinnamon is high in what is called cinnamaldehyde, which seems to be filled with anti-oxidants and may serve as an anti-inflammatory.
In a report contained in the National Institute of Health’s U.S. National Library of Medicine (2), it’s mentioned that,
“In addition to being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, lipid-lowering, and cardiovascular-disease-lowering compound, cinnamon has also been reported to have activities against neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.”
3. Black Pepper
Black pepper comes from ground black peppercorns, the berries of the piper negrum plant. The piper nigrum is a vine native to India and southern China. It has been cultivated for thousands of years for its aromatic, spicy seeds, which are harvested and dried when ripe. The seeds are then ground into a powder.
Black peppercorns are full of piperine, which seems to be high in anti-oxidants. This is the same compound that gives black pepper its pungency. The antioxidant effects of piperine are thought to be due to its ability to inhibit enzymes that are involved in inflammation and the oxidation of fat in the body.
In one study, it appears that black pepper improves brain function. (3)
As mentioned earlier, black pepper also appears to help in the absorption of curcumin from the turmeric plant.
4. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s Mane is a mushroom that grows on the trunks of hardwood trees. It is also known as "hair fungus," "fungus lion," "mane mushroom," "hair fungus," or "king’s mane mushroom." This mushroom is used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including asthma and diabetes. It is also said to have been used to treat mental illness and insomnia.
It’s used in many Asian food dishes and has been utilized for age-related mental decline. In fact, one study showed that people who ate more than four servings of fish per week were 25% less likely to develop dementia than those who ate fish fewer than once a month. This is likely because fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked to a decreased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also likely that fish is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and the high protein content is a bonus.
Lion’s Mane may improve the development and function of the central nervous system. (4)
5. Chaga Mushrooms
Chaga is a fungus—a mushroom—that appears as a woody growth. Chaga mushrooms grow in moist, cool areas of birch forests, such as in Scandinavia, northern Canada, and Siberia. Although they have a strong, pleasant flavor, chaga are not particularly sought after and are considered to be a waste product. Chaga mushrooms are made into tea and used as a dietary supplement. They are often called chaga mushrooms or Russian tea because of their use in Russia.
It’s used in many Asian medicinal remedies.
Chaga may stimulate the immune system and the central nervous system. (5)
6. L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid that is found in green and black tea as well as Bay Bolete mushrooms. It was originally discovered in the seeds of Camellia sinensis (the tea plant), but it is also found in many plants, including some mushrooms.
It was discovered by Japanese scientists in the late 1940s. It was first found in the seeds of Camellia sinensis, which is the plant that makes tea. It can also be found in many plants, including some mushrooms.
L-Theanine appears to boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain that promote relaxation and lowers levels of brain chemicals that cause stress and anxiety. (6) L-Theanine appears to boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain that promote relaxation and lowers levels of brain chemicals that cause stress and anxiety. It is present in many types of tea, including green tea, black tea, and matcha. Although it is commonly used as a supplement, L-theanine is also found naturally in many foods, including bananas, coffee beans, and peanuts. L-theanine is considered safe when taken in small doses. However, it is not recommended to take more than 100 milligrams (mg) per day because higher doses can cause side effects.
L-Theanine seems to promote relaxation and appears to help relieve stress, without making a person drowsy.
It’s a good choice for those who want to relax but don’t want to be sleepy.
Along with caffeine, L-Theanine may help increase mental focus. (7) Research has shown that L-theanine also increases gamma brain waves, which are associated with higher cognitive function.
How to Get These Ingredients Into Your Diet
With our Super Brain Blend, you can enjoy your own instant tasty version of a Golden Latte. You can also enjoy your very own version of a delicious latte, just like those you enjoy at your local coffee shop. Our Super Brain Blend is made up of ingredients such as coffee, green tea, matcha, and matcha green tea. This drink contains more than 20 nutrients and antioxidants that help improve brain function. It’s also free of artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.
But it’ll be better because our instant coffee is infused with not just three but six powerful brain-healthy adaptogens, superfoods, and natural nootropics to keep your mind energized and sharp. That means we’ve got a higher concentration of nutrients that will help boost your energy, sharpen your focus, and keep you on an even keel all day long. We’ve also added a few special ingredients to help make sure you get the most out of your caffeine jolt. It’s instant coffee without the wait!
Instant Coffee Saves You Time
No work is required. You only have to add water.
Instead of buying and prepping all the ingredients required to make a Golden Latte, an instant packet empowers to enjoy the benefits anywhere you go. It’s like having your own personal barista at your fingertips. You can now enjoy the benefits of a freshly brewed, single-serving cup of coffee anytime and anywhere.
Whether your life is on the go, you’re traveling, busy at work, on the plane, camping, or hiking, convenient coffee packets can help keep you on your superfood regime.
Two Bonus Brain Healthy Ingredients
Non-Dairy Coconut Creamer
Coconut belongs to the palm family. They are most common in the tropics and subtropics. Palm trees are found growing in wet and dry climates. Most palms are native to equatorial regions, but there are some species that grow in colder regions as well.
It’s lactose free and a good source of plant-based protein. Lactose is an important sugar found in dairy products like milk. It’s also found in many types of plants, especially in some grains and legumes. Lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose by an enzyme called lactase, which is produced by the body.
Coconut is a popular choice with vegans. It's also a good source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and zinc.
Coconut is packed with many different kinds of vitamins and minerals. It contains a variety of nutrients such as vitamin E, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Coconut oil is also a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are metabolized differently from long-chain triglycerides, and this can help people who struggle to use carbohydrates or have a harder time losing weight. Coconut has also been shown to have a positive impact on blood sugar levels.
Coconut in its various forms contains Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT), a type of saturated fat. It is the medium-chain triglyceride content of coconut oil that makes it such an effective weight loss tool.
MCT has been shown to help with weight loss and enhanced brain function. (7) MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides. Medium-chain triglycerides are molecules with shorter chains than long-chain triglycerides. They consist of mostly saturated fatty acids (SFA) and have been used in the treatment of many diseases, including obesity, diabetes, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.
A recent report from the BBC in the United Kingdom reinforced the idea that coconut contains mostly Medium-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids (MCFA)—in other words, MCT, which has shown evidence of many health benefits. (8)
Caffeine
Caffeine is a chemical found in coffee, tea and cola. It is a xanthine alkaloid and a stimulant, which is why it is found in most soft drinks and energy drinks. In coffee, caffeine is present as the free base, caffeine-N-oxide, or theophylline, and in tea, caffeine is present as theophylline, theobromine, or theophylline-N-oxide. A byproduct of brewing is caffeine-N-oxide, which is made up of alkaloids like theobromine and theophylline that are found in nature.
Caffeine appears to stimulate the central nervous system, the heart, muscles and even blood pressure. Caffeine works by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and norepinephrine in the brain. This causes the release of dopamine and serotonin, which can increase feelings of happiness, relaxation, and energy. Caffeine can also help the heart work better by increasing the force of contraction and cutting down on heart rate and blood pressure, which can help the heart work better. (9)
Truck drivers and college students love it for mental alertness. In the past, researchers have studied the effects of caffeine on driving. They found that drinking coffee before driving can improve your ability to concentrate while driving. This is because caffeine causes your heart rate to increase and your blood pressure to rise. This is why many truckers and long-haul drivers use caffeine pills to stay awake while driving. Caffeine pills also have an additional benefit: they make you feel less anxious. However, caffeine pills are not good for everyone.
In Summary
Whether you’re young or old, we all need to be mindful of our brain health. Your brain is constantly growing and changing throughout your life. In fact, there are new brain cells being added every day, and some of those cells can even be replaced. This process, called neurogenesis, occurs naturally as you age. However, many things can interfere with this process. For example, if you don’t get enough sleep, you might have fewer new brain cells.
Our brain makes us who are. The nutrition we feed it plays a major role in our levels of mental energy, focus, creativity, happiness, and quality of life.
Whether or not you decide to try our Super Brain Blend instant coffee, we encourage anyone to explore the natural nootropics, adaptogens, and superfoods.
Grateful Earth is here to help you improve your overall wellness. We believe that the most effective way to achieve better health is through lifestyle change. That's why we created our Super Brain Blend.
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