The western world is gradually becoming aware of the celebrated, ancient dietary supplements that have been used in China and India for thousands of years. Some of them are more mysterious than others.
So, are you willing to consume a fungus that grows on caterpillar larvae? If you are not too afraid to try it, more information about that above-mentioned supplement is available here.
What if someone told you the dried fungus cordyceps sinensis, which grows on the larva of the caterpillar, is reputed to have amazing health benefits for anyone willing to consume something so bizarre? Recent studies on this legendary fungus have revealed, according to researchers, “a great number of fungal species present in the mycobiota [. . .] and many of them may represent undescribed lineages” (Zhang et al., 2010). This naturally occurring substance has been around for ages, but it is still quite new to the western scientific community.
Your interest in this odd nutritional option probably depends on how far you are willing to go to find the supplements that will optimize your health. Three Chinese athletes used it before the 1993 National Games in Beijing, and they broke five world records in one day. People all over the world are using it to combat aging, fatigue, memory loss, and a host of other ailments for which it is supposed to be beneficial. Cordyceps is taken as an aphrodisiac, strong antioxidant, and immune booster.
Even the growing market for energy/concentration supplements is beginning to incorporate the use of cordyceps sinensis extract into the formulas used for their products. The profound effectiveness people are experiencing with this “magical” fungus has even inspired one company to go beyond the energy supplement market and enter the realm of nutritional therapy by creating a dietary supplement that combines cordyceps with other powerful ingredients such as co-enzyme Q-10, Maca Powder, and 12 other active ingredients to provide 21st century nutrition enthusiasts with an experience unlike anything that has ever been available before: “BrainEffect Premium” (http://www.brain-effect.com/en)
References:
Wang YH, Ye J, Li CL, Cai SQ, Ishizaki M, Katada M. (2004). An experimental study on anti-aging action of Cordyceps extract. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15506292
Zhang Y, Zhang S, Wang M, Bai F, Liu X (2010) High Diversity of the Fungal Community Structure in Naturally-Occurring Ophiocordyceps sinensis. PLoS ONE 5(12): e15570.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Two Meditation Options: Take the first step...
This is my blog post with three great options for people to get started optimizing brain health with meditation. The most important thing to do is take the first step -- take that small step of including 5 minutes of meditation by following one of these methods:
OPTION ONE: Rhythmic Breathing
Sit with the back straight so that upright skeletal structure enables the muscles of the back and shoulders to relax. Put some attention on the breathing, and gently increase the length of each inhalation and exhalation. When you are relaxed and ready, begin counting to 8 every time you inhale and every time you exhale. That's it. That's all you have to do. Continue this powerful practice until you hear the ding of your meditation timer.
OPTION TWO: Progressive Relaxation
Sit with the back straight so that upright skeletal structure enables the muscles of the back and shoulders to relax. Put some attention on the breathing, and gently increase the length of each inhalation and exhalation.Then, bring your attention to the top of the head, and imagine a feeling of warmth, lightness, and energy. Let that feeling flow down the sides of the face, the back of the neck, into the shoulders and arms. As that feeling washes over the arms, you can feel completely energized and relaxed. The feeling of breathing in and out takes up a lot of your attention. That relaxation continues to wash over the trunk of the body, down to the waist and legs, down to the feet. Let this process of progressive relaxation take several minutes while you concentrate on your breathing.
OPTION ONE: Rhythmic Breathing
Sit with the back straight so that upright skeletal structure enables the muscles of the back and shoulders to relax. Put some attention on the breathing, and gently increase the length of each inhalation and exhalation. When you are relaxed and ready, begin counting to 8 every time you inhale and every time you exhale. That's it. That's all you have to do. Continue this powerful practice until you hear the ding of your meditation timer.
OPTION TWO: Progressive Relaxation
Sit with the back straight so that upright skeletal structure enables the muscles of the back and shoulders to relax. Put some attention on the breathing, and gently increase the length of each inhalation and exhalation.Then, bring your attention to the top of the head, and imagine a feeling of warmth, lightness, and energy. Let that feeling flow down the sides of the face, the back of the neck, into the shoulders and arms. As that feeling washes over the arms, you can feel completely energized and relaxed. The feeling of breathing in and out takes up a lot of your attention. That relaxation continues to wash over the trunk of the body, down to the waist and legs, down to the feet. Let this process of progressive relaxation take several minutes while you concentrate on your breathing.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Our "magic" caterpillar mushroom is becoming expensive.
Our favorite "miracle" supplement is becoming expensive because of rapidly increasing demand. It is no surprise that cordyceps sinensis is increasing in value, because in addition to its beneficial effects on alertness, energy, and overall health it also has anti-aging effects that are being supported by empirical evidence from scientific experiments. Lab mice were treated with three doses, and it was shown to significantly improve learning and memory, improve activity of red blood cells, brain and liver (Wang et al., 2004). The anti-aging effects are probably caused by antioxidant and the removal of free radicals.
The product called Brain Effect Premium is still available for £39,90, but the cost of cordyceps extract has increased by almost 1,000% since it was discovered by the western world in the early 90’s – around the same time that the Internet became available. In fact, in July of 2010 thieves attacked an employee at a Chinese apothecary and stole three jars worth approximately £23,000.
References:
Owsianik. (2010). Bird’s nests, fungus stolen in high-end B.C. heist. Available: http://jennaowsianik.com/2010/07/20/birds-nests-fungus-stolen-in-high-end-b-c-heist/
Wang YH, Ye J, Li CL, Cai SQ, Ishizaki M, Katada M. (2004). An experimental study on anti-aging action of Cordyceps extract. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15506292
Zhang Y, Zhang S, Wang M, Bai F, Liu X (2010) High Diversity of the Fungal Community Structure in Naturally-Occurring Ophiocordyceps sinensis. PLoS ONE 5(12): e15570.
The product called Brain Effect Premium is still available for £39,90, but the cost of cordyceps extract has increased by almost 1,000% since it was discovered by the western world in the early 90’s – around the same time that the Internet became available. In fact, in July of 2010 thieves attacked an employee at a Chinese apothecary and stole three jars worth approximately £23,000.
References:
Owsianik. (2010). Bird’s nests, fungus stolen in high-end B.C. heist. Available: http://jennaowsianik.com/2010/07/20/birds-nests-fungus-stolen-in-high-end-b-c-heist/
Wang YH, Ye J, Li CL, Cai SQ, Ishizaki M, Katada M. (2004). An experimental study on anti-aging action of Cordyceps extract. School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing. Available: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15506292
Zhang Y, Zhang S, Wang M, Bai F, Liu X (2010) High Diversity of the Fungal Community Structure in Naturally-Occurring Ophiocordyceps sinensis. PLoS ONE 5(12): e15570.
BrainEffect Video In German
Here is the original video about BrainEffect, my favorite nutritional supplement for optimizing cognitive performance. This video is in German, but even if you do not understand the language you still might want to check it out. It's just a really cool product and company, and the video is quite trippy. Do not operate heavy machinery after watching!
I use this product and recommend it! If you want to try it, visit the website.
I use this product and recommend it! If you want to try it, visit the website.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Plant extracts, premium nutrients, and braineffect.
-
I noticed that it is hard to find a list of nutrients that support brain function, so I put one together here. Below is a list of useful plants and a brief description of each. I’m also providing links to sites where you can find more information, but at least this will get you started.
A product called BrainEffect Premium has all the ingredients described below, so I’ll link you to the product page in case you are ready to try a supplement and do not want to buy these ingredients separately: http://www.brain-effect.com/en
Acerola
Acerola is a fruit with a lot of vitamin C, and it also has vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Because of the high Vitamin C Content, it has been used to by people suffering from scurvy, the common cold, and other conditions for which vitamin C is known to be beneficial. At WebMD.com it is mentioned in relation to tooth decay, gum infection, depression, hay fever, collogen disorders, and improving physical endurance.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-608-acerola.aspx?activeIngredientId=608&activeIngredientName=acerola
Ascophylum Nodosum Ascophyllum Nodosum is brown seaweed, also known as “rockweed” and “Norwegian Kelp.” It is often found in the northern Atlantic. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals as well as a lot of iodine. In fact, one of the disadvantages is that it may contain too much iodine and that high doses can be unsafe for that reason.
http://www.dietspotlight.com/ascophyllum-nodosum-review/
Ginkgo Biloba Extract Ginkgo has antioxidant and neuroprotective values, and it has been used by people with cerebral insufficiency, cognitive impairment, dementia, peripheral vascular disease, premenstrual syndrome, schizophrenia, tinnitus, and vertigo. During the last ice age, which began two million years ago, Ginkgo Biloba almost became extinct. We are lucky it did not become extinct, because its flavonoids function as free radical scavengers, it has a number of valuable benefits, and it is one of the most widely used medicines in Europe, but in the United States it is still sold only as a nutritional supplement.
http://www.drugs.com/npp/ginkgo.html
Green Coffee Extract Green coffee beans have anti-oxidant properties similar to those in green tea and grape seed extract. They have “polyphenols,” which function to reduce free radicals in the body. Green coffee bean extract includes Chlorogenic Acid, the compound responsible for many of the health benefits associated with coffee.
http://www.raysahelian.com/greencoffee.html
Green Tea Extract Green tea extract is taken from the green tea leaves as a way of collecting the catechins and antioxidants that are associated with various health benefits. Many believe that it is useful for improving cardiovascular circulation and reducing bad cholesterol (LDL). Some claim that green tea extract can help with appetite suppression, improved oxidation of fat. The recommended composition according to a write up at Suite101 is 55% EGCG and 90% polyphenols. (see link below). “A daily dose correlates to approximately two cups of green tea per day, or 200-400mg of EGCG per day.” Suite101: Green Tea Extract: Benefits and Possible Side Effects | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/green-tea-extract-benefits-and-possible-side-effects-a243279#ixzz1LVmiARXw
Guarana Extract
Guarana is a shrubbery native to northern Brazil and Venezuela. Guarana is also known as Brazilian cocoa, paullinia, cupana, guarana bread, zoom and guarana gum or paste. Usually, it is ingested as a powder or mixed juice or water. It is used as a stimulant, often by people interested in weight loss because of its metabolism-boosting effects. It is also reported by many to boost energy and performance. Other common uses of Guarana are for cardiovascular health, stress relief, pain control, digestive problems, and migraine headaches.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/192137-what-is-guarana-extract/#ixzz1LVm6EIa4
L-Carnitine
Carnitine is created naturally by the body and helps to turn fat into energy. It is produced in the liver and kidneys and stored in muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it helps to reduce oxidative stress and often is taken by sufferers of Alzheimer's Disease, Memory Impairment, Male Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm
Maca Powder
The “Superfood of the Andes,” maca is an adaptogen that is known for a calming effect produced by calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12 , and fatty acids, and these support the nervous system. It also supports digestion with calcium, vitamins B1 and B2, B12, and fatty acids. It also has phosphorus, which is necessary for the production of fuels Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). Additionally, it supports the function of the adrenal glands! The sterols, calcium, and vitamin C help build muscle mass and its starches support physical endurance. It has such a wide variety of benefits that it is no wonder Maca has been called a superfood.
http://www.macaroot.com/benefits/index.html
Omega 3 Powder
Omega-3 is a long-chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that are essential for human health. Widely renowned for its variety of health benefits, it has been used to support: brain activity; heart and circulatory system; visual capacities; nervous system; immune system; and cell communication.
I'll add to that list as I gather more information. If you want to contribute, please contact me at brainhealthreview@gmail.com
***A product from Germany called BrainEffect Premium has all the ingredients described above, so if you want to skip past the research and order a product that offers all-of-the-above, here it is. For your convenience I’ll list the amount of each active ingredient:
Guarana-extract 400mg
Caffeine (from Guarana) 60mg
Omega-3-powder 50mg
Ascophylum Nodosum 50mg
Maca-powder 200mg
Green-tea-extract 60mg
Acerola 60mg
Ginkgo-Biloba-extract 50mg
L-Carnitine 180mg
Green-coffee-extract 10mg
I noticed that it is hard to find a list of nutrients that support brain function, so I put one together here. Below is a list of useful plants and a brief description of each. I’m also providing links to sites where you can find more information, but at least this will get you started.
A product called BrainEffect Premium has all the ingredients described below, so I’ll link you to the product page in case you are ready to try a supplement and do not want to buy these ingredients separately: http://www.brain-effect.com/en
Acerola
Acerola is a fruit with a lot of vitamin C, and it also has vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin. Because of the high Vitamin C Content, it has been used to by people suffering from scurvy, the common cold, and other conditions for which vitamin C is known to be beneficial. At WebMD.com it is mentioned in relation to tooth decay, gum infection, depression, hay fever, collogen disorders, and improving physical endurance.
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-608-acerola.aspx?activeIngredientId=608&activeIngredientName=acerola
Ascophylum Nodosum Ascophyllum Nodosum is brown seaweed, also known as “rockweed” and “Norwegian Kelp.” It is often found in the northern Atlantic. It contains a lot of vitamins and minerals as well as a lot of iodine. In fact, one of the disadvantages is that it may contain too much iodine and that high doses can be unsafe for that reason.
http://www.dietspotlight.com/ascophyllum-nodosum-review/
Ginkgo Biloba Extract Ginkgo has antioxidant and neuroprotective values, and it has been used by people with cerebral insufficiency, cognitive impairment, dementia, peripheral vascular disease, premenstrual syndrome, schizophrenia, tinnitus, and vertigo. During the last ice age, which began two million years ago, Ginkgo Biloba almost became extinct. We are lucky it did not become extinct, because its flavonoids function as free radical scavengers, it has a number of valuable benefits, and it is one of the most widely used medicines in Europe, but in the United States it is still sold only as a nutritional supplement.
http://www.drugs.com/npp/ginkgo.html
Green Coffee Extract Green coffee beans have anti-oxidant properties similar to those in green tea and grape seed extract. They have “polyphenols,” which function to reduce free radicals in the body. Green coffee bean extract includes Chlorogenic Acid, the compound responsible for many of the health benefits associated with coffee.
http://www.raysahelian.com/greencoffee.html
Green Tea Extract Green tea extract is taken from the green tea leaves as a way of collecting the catechins and antioxidants that are associated with various health benefits. Many believe that it is useful for improving cardiovascular circulation and reducing bad cholesterol (LDL). Some claim that green tea extract can help with appetite suppression, improved oxidation of fat. The recommended composition according to a write up at Suite101 is 55% EGCG and 90% polyphenols. (see link below). “A daily dose correlates to approximately two cups of green tea per day, or 200-400mg of EGCG per day.” Suite101: Green Tea Extract: Benefits and Possible Side Effects | Suite101.com http://www.suite101.com/content/green-tea-extract-benefits-and-possible-side-effects-a243279#ixzz1LVmiARXw
Guarana Extract
Guarana is a shrubbery native to northern Brazil and Venezuela. Guarana is also known as Brazilian cocoa, paullinia, cupana, guarana bread, zoom and guarana gum or paste. Usually, it is ingested as a powder or mixed juice or water. It is used as a stimulant, often by people interested in weight loss because of its metabolism-boosting effects. It is also reported by many to boost energy and performance. Other common uses of Guarana are for cardiovascular health, stress relief, pain control, digestive problems, and migraine headaches.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/192137-what-is-guarana-extract/#ixzz1LVm6EIa4
L-Carnitine
Carnitine is created naturally by the body and helps to turn fat into energy. It is produced in the liver and kidneys and stored in muscles, heart, brain, and sperm.According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it helps to reduce oxidative stress and often is taken by sufferers of Alzheimer's Disease, Memory Impairment, Male Infertility, Erectile Dysfunction, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/carnitine-l-000291.htm
Maca Powder
The “Superfood of the Andes,” maca is an adaptogen that is known for a calming effect produced by calcium, phosphorus, vitamins B1 and B12 , and fatty acids, and these support the nervous system. It also supports digestion with calcium, vitamins B1 and B2, B12, and fatty acids. It also has phosphorus, which is necessary for the production of fuels Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P). Additionally, it supports the function of the adrenal glands! The sterols, calcium, and vitamin C help build muscle mass and its starches support physical endurance. It has such a wide variety of benefits that it is no wonder Maca has been called a superfood.
http://www.macaroot.com/benefits/index.html
Omega 3 Powder
Omega-3 is a long-chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids that are essential for human health. Widely renowned for its variety of health benefits, it has been used to support: brain activity; heart and circulatory system; visual capacities; nervous system; immune system; and cell communication.
I'll add to that list as I gather more information. If you want to contribute, please contact me at brainhealthreview@gmail.com
***A product from Germany called BrainEffect Premium has all the ingredients described above, so if you want to skip past the research and order a product that offers all-of-the-above, here it is. For your convenience I’ll list the amount of each active ingredient:
Guarana-extract 400mg
Caffeine (from Guarana) 60mg
Omega-3-powder 50mg
Ascophylum Nodosum 50mg
Maca-powder 200mg
Green-tea-extract 60mg
Acerola 60mg
Ginkgo-Biloba-extract 50mg
L-Carnitine 180mg
Green-coffee-extract 10mg
****These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
None of the information or substances described here are intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Mindfulness: Meditation for busy people.
Try this experiment, and you'll observe something strange in the way people think about meditation.
Why people don't practice...
Part of the reason people do not practice meditation for enhancing brain function may be that they do not know exactly how to go about it. For that reason, I am going to write post that offers some simple techniques that will enable you to "take the first step" in making time for meditation.
Another reason people do not practice might be that they are BUSY and they think they can only practice meditation when they are sitting with their legs crossed and their eyes closed. This is not true. Seated breath meditation is quite powerful, but you can also practice meditation while you do things.
Mindfulness: Meditation while doing things...
Google around for any book by Thich Nhat Hanh. He and other brilliant teachers have explained "mindfulness practice" as a kind of meditation that can be carried with you throughout the day. What would be the point of practicing meditation if that meditative state of mind could not be carried into the rest of the day?
At you scan from left to write reading these lines, you can put some attention on the feeling of inhaling cool air, the feeling of exhaling warm air, the way your posture feels, the stability of the posture. You can feel the bottom of the feet, the palms of the hands, the looseness of the lungs, and a heavy arm hanging freely with a gentle stretch on the shoulder. In this ongoing moment, you can experience meditation.
The best way to learn about mindfulness meditation is to find books and articles by Thich Nhat Hanh, Eckharte Tolle, H.H. The Dalai Lama, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Jon Kabat Zinn, and many others who write about mindfulness.
- Ask ten people if they think daily meditation practice is a worthwhile, healthy, beneficial thing to do.
- Ask them if they actually find time to practice meditation every day.
Why people don't practice...
Part of the reason people do not practice meditation for enhancing brain function may be that they do not know exactly how to go about it. For that reason, I am going to write post that offers some simple techniques that will enable you to "take the first step" in making time for meditation.
Another reason people do not practice might be that they are BUSY and they think they can only practice meditation when they are sitting with their legs crossed and their eyes closed. This is not true. Seated breath meditation is quite powerful, but you can also practice meditation while you do things.
Mindfulness: Meditation while doing things...
Google around for any book by Thich Nhat Hanh. He and other brilliant teachers have explained "mindfulness practice" as a kind of meditation that can be carried with you throughout the day. What would be the point of practicing meditation if that meditative state of mind could not be carried into the rest of the day?
At you scan from left to write reading these lines, you can put some attention on the feeling of inhaling cool air, the feeling of exhaling warm air, the way your posture feels, the stability of the posture. You can feel the bottom of the feet, the palms of the hands, the looseness of the lungs, and a heavy arm hanging freely with a gentle stretch on the shoulder. In this ongoing moment, you can experience meditation.
The best way to learn about mindfulness meditation is to find books and articles by Thich Nhat Hanh, Eckharte Tolle, H.H. The Dalai Lama, Dr. Deepak Chopra, Jon Kabat Zinn, and many others who write about mindfulness.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A product review by my favorite (only) nephew:
I take full credit for my nephew's newly enhanced brain function. Here is his review of the most imortant supplement for cognitive enhancement. :-)
To my friends at Birkbeck… Cheers, now you want to be me! To Laura… THANKYOU for sharing your braineffect “academy pills” LOL. To the rest of you… please try this product because it is all good stuff: Guarana, Omega-3, Green tea, ginkgo, other stuff… and a little dose of caffine. Here is my Braineffect Academy Review: I used to say I would only use it if I had to stay awake all night writing a report, but now I know its something I SHOULD be taking anyway because it has plant extract and vitamins that support brain health. Well, caffine is bad for me. But now I don’t even drink coffee anymore. So, I’m serious here people. Don’t let your brain be dumb.-- Niel Parker, brilliant scholar.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)