In this case, your mother was right. “Eat your vegetables, they’re good for you” is good advice at every stage of life – and even better advice for slowing or preventing age-related mental decline.
The Power of Leafy Greens
Leafy greens such as kale, swiss chard and spinach are nutritional bargains as they are nutrient-dense and bring highly beneficial components to a healthy brain diet. Most are loaded with magnesium, which supports optimal biochemical reactions in the brain for proper functioning. A published study1 also credits spinach and swiss chard for keeping dementia at bay, according to Best Health Guide.
In the study, researchers monitored 950 adults for five years. Some consumed servings of green vegetables twice a day; others were not. Surprise — those who consumed green vegetables remained mentally active for longer in life. Their age-related brain decline was slower, even when taking genetics, disease, or a family history of Alzheimer’s into account. Green vegetables contain loads of vitamins A and K, as well, which are vital for strong, healthy bones.
Super Greens are Superheroes
Another way to protect and increase your cognitive function is with green supplements. For those who struggle to get enough green nutrition through diet, a daily dose of a greens supplement with ingredients like spirulina, barley grass and algae could be just what you need.2 You simply mix a little with water or add it to your next smoothie and away you go.
Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae rich in protein, antioxidants, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, copper, iron, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, as well as small amounts of many other nutrients your brain and body require.
Barley Grass is rich in vitamins A, C, and B, as well as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous. It’s high in absorbable protein with 20 amino acids, including 8 essential aminos our bodies are unable to produce on its own. Barley grass is high in enzymes, chlorophyll, and antioxidants as well.
Chlorella is another nutrient-dense algae and is a complete protein source containing all nine essential amino acids. It’s a good source of iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, antioxidants, and omega-3s and small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper, potassium, calcium, folic acid, and other B vitamins. Of its many benefits, Chlorella is shown in studies to help the body detox by binding to heavy metals and other toxins – a definite benefit for improved cognitive function in addition to benefits in immunity, cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, better blood sugar levels, respiratory health and improved eye and liver function.
The Champion of Antioxidants for Brain Health: Phytoplankton
One of the most exciting sources of cognitive support in the green nutrition arsenal is marine phytoplankton, the microalgae that is responsible for the production of 50 percent of our oxygen and serves as the basis for nutritional life in the ocean.3
The magic aspect of phytoplankton is SOD – superoxide dismutase – which is the first essential enzyme in the antioxidant pathway, making it the first line of defense against oxidative stress, which is the cellular deterioration that accelerates aging and age-associated degenerative disease. SOD, then, is the “super antioxidant” that is one of our most powerful weapons for memory and cognitive support at every age.
For GreenFilled products, the fundamental ingredient is TetraSOD® a unique form of marine phytoplankton that is grown and harvested under patent-protected technology that accumulates 30-fold more SOD activity than any other marine phytoplankton strain on the market today (30,000 IU/g SOD activity).4 TetraSOD® is the most concentrated SOD source in the market.
In all, it should be evident to every anti-aging enthusiast that when it comes to cognitive function, green is king. Choose your sources carefully, and your greens will help you age gracefully all around.
1”20 Brain Foods that will Boost Your Focus and Productivity,” from BestHealth.guide, May 15, 2018.
2 “5 Energizing Green Superfoods That Can Do Wonders for Your Health,” from OnBetterLiving.com
3 “What Makes TetraSOD Unique?” from TetraSOD.com
4 “Marine Phytoplankton: The History” from TetraSOD.com
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