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Top Brain Enhancing Superfoods! August 17, 2011 |
Superfood Evolution Ezine -- Issue #020
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Hello friends, Welcome again to Superfood Evolution! A big thank you to all my Superfoods-for-Superhealth site visitors for your attention and support! Here we go with my monthly newsletter #20. Many of you expressed great interest in learning more about superfoods, superhealth and achieving optimal states of aliveness! So, here it is by popular demand! It is my intent to uplift and empower your true health potential to create the best life ever for you and your family. "You are what you eat" is the first rule of thumb here, the rest just falls into place!
Top Brain Enhancing Superfoods!If you are someone who suffers from depression, insomnia, mood swings, inability to focus, lack of drive, or anxiety, then you might be interested to learn that these symptoms may indicate that your brain chemistry could be out of balance. Often the reason for this is because your brain is not receiving the nutrition it needs to perform at optimal levels. For example, if you are not getting the adequate amount of neurotransmitters in the form of amino acids you may suffer from any of the above symptoms. The research and work of Dr. Hyla Cass suggests that these problems can be corrected with the right combination of nutritional supplementation.
In addition, in today's high tech world things are moving fast and our cognitive activity is at an all time high compared to generations of the past. It has also been proven that we are not even close to tapping into our potential of brain power. Scientists and others in the psychological, sociological fields have asserted that humans use maybe 1-10 percent of their brain.
In some ways I believe that the human brain is actually evolving and expanding to interact with the world in a different way (a better one). This personally makes me want to feed it the best fuel I possible can to nourish this growth potential. There are certain superfoods known to be especially beneficial to neurotransmitter health and brain function, performance and development. Many of these foods can be easily added to any diet or used as supplementation when appropriate.
This particular part of the body is of interest to me personally and I have done much research and study on how to not only keep it healthy, but to repair it after damage, such as a seizure or head injury. It is important to keep our neurological systems high and clear, so that we can use our minds in more focused ways to attain our own life potential and purpose. Nurturing the mind with brain enhancing superfoods allows you to live without the use of artificial stimulants and caffeine that rob the nerves, adrenals and neurological functions over time. Balanced nutrient support may also prohibit the use of prescription medication for neurological related problems. Here are my top brain foods that will help you achieve a healthier "state of mind" throughout your life.
TOP Brain Superfoods1) Essential Fatty Acids - Omega Fatty Acids, DHA, EPA - are important for maintaining healthy function of the brain and retina. DHA is a building block of tissue in the brain and retina of the eye. It helps with forming neural transmitters, such as phosphatidylserine, which is important for brain activity. In addition, the brain needs EFA's for proper neurological functioning. A deficiency in these fatty acids results in depression and reduced mental capacity. DHEA, a hormone that is produced in the adrenals, gonads and brain is important in brain development and especially important for pregnant women.Examples: chia seeds, hemp seeds, krill oil, and flax oils
2) Lions Mane Mushroom - This medicinal mushroom was proven effective for its ability to efficiently stimulate neuron growth, improving muscle-motor response pathways in Parkinson's and repairing neurological trauma in stroke victims. In studies conducted in Japan, by Dr. Hirokazu Kawagishi, it was discovered that this mushroom stimulates the synthesis of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
3) Lecithin - contains the nutrient choline that is imperative for brain development of children. Choline is also important for adults and is generally only found in animal products, legumes and seeds. Processed non- GMO soy lecithin as well as sunflower seed lecithin are good vegan sources of choline. Bee pollen is an excellent brain food supplying 15% natural lecithin; all essential amino acids, b vitamins and folic acid.
4) Algaes Marine Phytoplanton - stimulates optimal neurotransmitter production that supports the improvement of memory and brain power. Blue Green Algae - high levels of a compound called phenylethylamine (PEA) are present in blue green algae. Commonly referred to as the "molecule of love", also found in raw chocolate to a much lesser degree. This molecule enhances mood, balances depression and provides mental clarity and alertness. DHA, omega fatty acids, phospholipid choline, B vitamins and maintains a unique profile of health promoting molecules that provide superior brain function. Spirulina - full-spectrum protein source that is important in balancing brain chemistry, helping to ensure a proper ratio of amino acids such as tryptophan, which creates serotonin.
5) Anti-oxidants - all berries, especially camu camu berry, are known for their high anti-oxidant levels that boost brain functions.
Camu camu berry - heightens brain performance and shields against "brain fog", dementia and reduces and eliminates build up of plaque on brain nerves associated with Alzheimer's. Ginkgo biloba is a powerful herbal antioxidant that works specifically on cognitive brain capacity. Carnosine - is one of the most potent antioxidant supplements available. It is found in highest concentrations in the brain and muscle, both tissues that rely on it heavily.
6) B12 and B vitamins - are essential for optimal brain, nervous system and metabolism actions. The nerves are surrounded by an insulating fatty sheath, called myelin. B12 plays a vital role in the metabolism of fatty acids essential for the maintenance of the myelin sheath. Prolonged B12 deficiency can lead to nerve degeneration and irreversible neurological damage.
7) Chinese Herbs Schizandra and Rhodiola are regarded to be the prime brain tonics of Chinese herbalism. Goji berries - Help our bodies produce choline, an essential nutrient that combats free-radical damage linked to neurological degeneration. (Also found in lecithin, see above) Deer Antler - contains pantocrin and is known to be one of the top Chinese brain tonics, increasing mental acuity, central nervous system stimulating qualities. 8) Mucuna - Mucuna pruriens is an Ayurvedic herb that contains l-dopa, which naturally increases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter essential to healthy brain chemistry.
ASK A Question Section!
If you have a question about superfoods, super nutrition, diet or superfood recipes.... ask it HERE. In next issue of Superfood Evolution Ezine I will select four and, to the best of my ability, answer them directly. 1) Shokuh Heidari asks.... I have a question about kombucha. I know the juice after 10 days becomes too acidic, what can I do to prevent this from happening?
Shira's ANSWER: When it comes to kombucha, it is basically done fermenting when you like the taste of it. This usually occurs after a week or so. Most people don't care for it after it reaches high acidic levels. So, before this occurs, is a good time to refrigerate the kombucha liquid. This will stop it from fermenting and becoming too acidic or vinegary. Make sure to harvest and save your mushroom for the next batch. 2) Trevor Duvall asks.... How can I go about ordering products from your site?
Shira's ANSWER: Many of the products I personally recommend are provided with links usually at the bottom of my site pages, just click them and it will take you to the product. The other way is to order directly through Earth Shift Products or Mountain Rose Herbs. These banner links are on every page, they are my main suppliers.
3) Kourosh asks.... I am going to start eating seaweed, Fo-ti root, goji berrys, Micro-Algaes and camu camu berrys, kefir, and miso. Just wondering if they will effect each other. Thank you and hope you can help.
Shira's ANSWER: Well, yes and no. Some combinations are good and some not so good. For example, fo-ti and goji blends well together, but I wouldn't drink kefir and miso at the same time. If you mean, will they generally effect each other in the course of a day? Then I would say only in the best of ways.
4) Minia West asks.... I am planning on taking massive amounts of medicinal mushrooms for a medical condition I am currently challenged with. I plan to specially focus on Coriolus extract. How do you recommend I take them for the most benefit?
Shira's ANSWER: Medicinal mushrooms can be taken alone with water. For greater effectiveness, however, you can add them to drinks with other superfoods and spices to help drive them into the body tissues. I like to drink them in a warm liquid tea with sweetener and other superfoods like shilajit or camu camu berry, which help to increase their potency. Products of the MonthBRAIN BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS:
Chia Seed Oil, 7oz - Andreas' Oils Chia seeds are a source of nutritious oil and brain food. This product is the first of its kind to provide a high quality cold pressed oil that is highly stable at room temps. Oil from the chia seed contains a very high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids - over 60%. It's easy to digest and because of the special processing technique is stated to last for more than a year. See our website page for more on Omega fatty acids and chia seeds. ------------------
Ginkgo biloba - CircuForce™ Brain Power This is a Healthforce Nutritionals blend of Ginkgo extract, Siberian Eleuthero, and Gotu Kola extracts. This, in my opinion, is a great combination of herbs creating a high potency product known for its effective results that nutritionally support oxygenation, circulation, brain function, and much more!
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E3 BrainOn - 6 Bottles (frozen Liquid) 192 Servings E3Live BrainOn contains the active ingredient in wild-harvested AFA that both promotes mood balance and enhances focus. In fact, no other product competes with BrainON in terms of promoting joyfulness and brain clarity benefits with no side effects. This blue green algae supplement improves brain health like no other. --------------
Krill Oil, 60 Caps - Dr. Mercola
Krill oil is a rich source of omega-3s with DHA and EPA, along with protective antioxidants and phospholipids, promoting your health with vital 3-pronged brain support. Dr Mercola's is one of the best quality krill oils on the market.
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Non-GMO Lecithin Powder, 375 gm, Healthforce Nutritionals
This is the best soy based lecithin you will find anywhere! Dr. Sheridan's products are of the highest quality and made specifically for maximum effectiveness. Lecithin, as we mention above, nutritionally supports the nerves, the brain and memory.
Walnut - The Top Brain Food Nut
Walnuts are the top nut for brain health, having significantly high concentrations of DHA (Omega-3's), which keeps the brain flexible and fluid. Just a quarter cup of walnuts provides nearly 100% of the recommended daily intake of DHA. Its kinda cute how walnuts even look like little brains!! Walnuts also contain lecithin, which as we mentioned above, produces the neurotransmitter choline, improving brain power and memory by fastening signal transmission. Some studies have linked low consumption of Omega-3s to depression and decreased cognitive function. Using walnuts in moderation can be a great way to boost your spirits as well as your IQ. Most Popular PAGESTOP viewed pages last month on Superfoods~for~Superhealth.1) Top 10 Superfoods - Learn about the top 10 superfoods that will maximize health, performance, and longevity. Ultimate health can be YOURS now with nutrient dense foods like reishi, bee pollen, maca root and more!
2) Chips and Crackers - Try these raw chips and cracker recipes that are a great alternative to more highly processed varieties. They are incredibly crunchy, salty, oily ....much tastier and way more nutritious!
3) Protein Bar Recipe - Try our protein bar recipe made from scratch. In just a few steps you can have the best protein bar available and ready to take with you anywhere. Combines protein rich nutrition with superfoods tailored for your special energy requirements.
4) Herbal Stimulants - Try herbal stimulants that do not exhaust and deplete the body over time, but work to enhance deep energy that is long lasting and life supporting. Discover these many herbal energizers!
5) Seed Cheese Recipes - Experience these seed cheese recipes for yourself. A raw tangy cheese-like texture made from sunflower, pumpkin or other seed/nut combo's. Seed cheese is a easy to make fermented food and great dairy alternative. 6) Herbal Tea Alchemy - Concoct and brew magical potions with herbal tea alchemy that will super boost your health to new levels. Learn how to make amazing herbal tea preparations as the base in tasty blended drink recipes and much more. 7) Raw Food Diet - Discover how the raw food diet can help you to loose weight, heal disease, detoxify, remineralize, alkalinize and renew your health and energy.
Recipe of the Month:Superfood Brain Smoothie
It is summer where I currently reside and wild blackberries are abundantly found growing in beautiful natural places, soaking up the sunlight and ripening to perfection. They are buzzing with life-force and anti-oxidant rich brain nourishment. I have been making this delicious smoothie lately that blends up all our brain food favorites into one amazingly powerful smoothie. This one is ideal for a hot summer days to get those cognitive juices flowing.
I like to make this smoothie for several weeks in a row if I am able. Some of the superfood ingredients (chinese herbs and lions mane) are especially beneficial when taken over a period of time. The longer the better for the most effective results. For those who want a bit more brain power, add the Ginkgo Powder Extract by Healthforce, its the best out there. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
DVD/BOOK of the Month:The Longevity NOW Conference - April 2011
The Longevity NOW Conference - April 2011 Get the latest 'Longevity Now Conference' DVD set while copies last. Its a gold mine of info in a 16 DVD set filmed live this year in Cosa Mesa, Ca. Join 15 longevity experts in the comfort of your own home as they explore the cutting edge health strategies on the topic of super immunity and detoxification. You'll discover:
... and much more!!
Live Raw
"Live Raw" - Raw Food Recipes for Good Health and Timeless Beauty, by Mimi Kirk For all of you new to the raw food diet, this is a new book that just hit the shelves and is getting raves reviews for its simple, easy to follow, yet delicious recipes. Mimi Kirk was recently voted sexiest vegetarian woman over 50. Her genuine good humored encouragement shines throughout the pages along with beautiful color photos. In this new raw food recipe book she fills you in on some secret ingredients to looking and feeling your best at any age. Thanks for joining me on my twentieth edition of Superfood Evolution. If you would like to subscribe or tell a friend click here.
Until next month... Here's to your Superhealth! Much love, Shira
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Woodstock Fruit Festival - August 18-25, Phoenicia, NY
