It is becoming increasingly popular to take supplements
containing herbs and vitamins for better memory and longer life.
Not only are well known traditional remedies for specific aging
problems being used, but there is a lot of investigation and
research being carried out in Asia and Europe on the natural and
herbal remedies of yesteryear.
There have been several new remedies suggested over recent
years for short and longer term loss of memory, and most of
these are also recommended to improve intelligence and mental
capability. The so-called `smart pill' ginkgo biloba is a case
in point, and this plant is under constant investigation with
regard to its effect on Alzheimer's sufferers.
KAVA KAVA
The number of different herbs and plants, and the type of
chemicals they contain, is massive, including various nutrients,
antioxidants, hormones, enzymes and amino acids. The list of
herbs under investigation is almost unlimited, though you have
to be careful with some of them. Kava kava, for instance, helps
stress and anxiety, and has been shown to have a positive effect
in suppressing the growth of cancer cells.
For other reasons, however, it is banned for sale in parts of
Europe, including England, though the reasons for this are
currently under review. It is commonly used throughout the
Pacific for its soporific effect, but can cause skin and other
problems if overused. Where it can be purchased, however, its
use is thought to prevent the onset of some cancers including
leukaemia.
HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE
Another supplement that is contentious in its use is the Human
Growth Hormone. This is used as a supplement in adults
suffering from GH deficiency, and has been promoted as an
anti-aging supplement. Whether or not it has this effect is
still open to debate, though it certainly increases lean muscle
mass and bone density in those with a deficiency. The first
step in an anti-aging program should be to ensure that your GH
level is as it should be.
GINKGO BILOBA
The real mind boosting herbs and supplements are those that
claim to boost the memory, cure memory loss and treat
Alzheimer's disease. The queen of them all is probably ginkgo
biloba, studies on which have provided evidence that it can be
beneficial in improving the brain and memory function in early
stage Alzheimer's, and in age-related cognitive decline (ARCD).
It is also believed to help in cases of certain types of
glaucoma. These benefits might be due to the effect is has of
increasing the circulation of the blood to the brain.
Ginkgo is also a powerful antioxidant that can protect the
central nervous system from the effects of aging, and protect
the cardiovascular system through the destruction of free
radicals in the blood. Free radicals can be responsible for
mental deterioration and dementia in the elderly. Gingko biloba
contains a number of different active antioxidants and chemicals
that improve blood circulation to the brain.
COENZYME Q10
It is not only the ancient remedies that are being found to
have a scientific reason for their effectiveness in treating
specific conditions, and Coenzyme Q10 is one of the relatively
newer additions to nature's arsenal. This substance is
contained in every cell in the body, and it has been found to
provide protection to the brain from Parkinson's disease and
other conditions that cause degeneration of the brain cells.
This can help to improve memory, and reduce the effects of
aging, though it does not relieve any existing Parkinson's
symptoms.
Studies into the effects of Coenzyme Q10 are still under way,
and it has been shown to be a strong antioxidant. It is also
believed to reduce high blood pressure though this is still
under review, and studies into the potential uses of the
supplement are continuing.
BILBERRY
Although used extensively over the ages for a large number of
ailments, bilberry is generally regarded by experts as being
another strong antioxidant. In fact most supplements that have
an anti-aging effect appear to be antioxidants. This is because
aging is closely associated with the presence of free radicals
in the blood, and even the traditional antioxidants vitamins C
and E can have an anti-aging effect on the body.
Bilberry has been used for the treatment of arteriosclerosis
and various eye conditions such as macular degeneration and
cataracts, and is commonly available. It contains flavonoids
that can reduce the risk of blood clots, and hence of strokes
and heart attacks. Although many of the medicinal properties
claimed have yet to proved, bilberry is widely used as an herbal
supplement.
PUMPKIN
Pumpkin is also high in antioxidants, and it is considered by
the Chinese to stimulate the insulin-producing cells in the
pancreas. The effect of increased insulin levels is to reduce
the sugar levels in the blood, and reduce oxidation damage to
certain cells in the body. It is being regarded as a possible
natural treatment for diabetes that should reduce sugar
imbalances and therefore have an anti-aging effect.
DHA
DHA is dicosahexaenoic acid, otherwise known as DHA, and is
found predominantly in fish oils. Trials are currently under
way with this material on humans in the treatment of Alzheimer's
disease where it appears to reduce the formation of plaques in
the brain. DHA used be found in cattle and eggs, but this has
reduced considerably due to cattle being taken off grass some
time before slaughter and there is less DHA in factory eggs.
The synthetic supplement is synthesized from beet though is
more expensive than the marine source. This supplement is also
effective in those that suffer from heart disease.
There are many other natural supplements that have an
anti-aging effect or that improve the memory. Most work by
means of their antioxidant content, and there are new studies
being carried out continually throughout the world. China is a
rich source of such remedies, and as that country opens up more
will be known about the scientific basis behind their
pharmaceutical applications.
There is little doubt that the use of herbs and vitamins for
better memory and longer life has a strong scientific basis, and
that we still have a great deal to learn about the remedies used
before the introduction of mass produced pharmaceuticals.
About The Author: Suggested resource: More information on
supplements in general, and those highlighted in this article in
particular, can be obtained from http://vitanetonlin
details on a wide range of herbal remedies and vitamins suitable
for memory improvement and anti-aging.
Please use the HTML version of this article at:
http://www.isnare.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Herbs And Vitamins For Better Memory And Longer Life
