Common Pond Weed Grows a YOUNGER Brain
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted June 28, 2023
The Mediterranean diet has gotten a LOT of attention in recent years. I get questions about it all the time.
The diet is packed full of good-for-you fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and fish. And research has ALREADY linked this style of eating to bunches of health benefits.
But scientists recently uncovered a NEW one that’s nothing short of mind-blowing.
According to researchers, the Mediterranean diet (with a bit of a twist) may make your brain age SLOWER.
The study published in the journal eLife followed 300 participants who ate a GREEN Mediterranean diet for 18 months.
The researchers wanted to see if the diet had any measurable effects on the dieter’s “brain age.” So they tracked their brain health using in-depth brain scans for the duration of the study.
They found that folks who lost just one percent of their body weight during the study slashed their brain age by about nine months.
A green Mediterranean diet is a modified version of the traditional diet, emphasizing polyphenols. Participants included 28 grams of walnuts, 3 to 4 cups of green tea, and a green shake made from a common pond plant called duckweed, a daily part of their diet.
If you haven’t heard of duckweed (Wolffia-globosa), join the party. Most folks haven’t. But it’s time we all learned more about this potent plant.
Considered an unwelcome weed by many pond owners, duckweed is high in iron, B12, protein, and an incredible 200 kinds of polyphenols. Duckweed isn’t widely available as a food product yet, but I’m betting that’s about to change very soon.
You can get brain-supporting duckweed as a powder or tincture. But for my money, the best option right now is frozen duckweed which would be terrific in healthy smoothies.
Currently, I’m aware of only one on the market. You can find it by searching for “Mankai duckweed.” Users describe it as having a relatively mild, earthy, grassy flavor that reminds them a bit of spinach.
If you can’t find duckweed, or you don’t like the taste, you can try other polyphenol-rich foods, including spinach, berries, artichokes, and dark cocoa.
The volunteers who lost weight didn’t JUST get brain benefits either. They ALSO shed harmful liver fat and significantly improved their enzyme levels.
But the MOST critical takeaway from this study is that losing even a small amount of weight can have a HUGE, positive impact on your health.
A green Mediterranean diet is one excellent method to shed those pounds. But it’s FAR from the only way to lose weight. Find the path that works best for you.
P.S. THIS delicious diet can slash your risk of hearing loss up to an incredible 30 percent. CLICK HERE for the details.
Source:
“The effect of weight loss following 18 months of lifestyle intervention on brain age assessed with resting-state functional connectivity eLife 12:e83604, doi. org/10.7554/eLife.83604
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Four Carbs that Could Add YEARS to Your Life
You’ve likely been avoiding carbs like the plague. Health gurus, fitness influencers, and diet books have convinced you that carbs are the enemy—that they spike your blood sugar, pack on pounds, and fast-track you to diabetes. So you’ve eliminated bread, sworn off pasta, and feel guilty just touching a piece of fruit. But what if...
Upgrade from Bananas and Apples to These Powerhouse Fruits
I’m often asked which fruits are the best. So, let’s talk about it. I’ll cut right to the chase: berries win this contest hands down. If you’re limiting your options to apples and bananas, you’re missing out on a universe of superior antioxidant power. Those everyday fruits are like bringing a knife to a gunfight...
The REAL Reason Americans are Getting “Fatter”
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “Americans are getting fatter because we’re lazy.” We sit at desks all day. We binge-watch Netflix instead of hitting the gym. We’ve traded physical labor for sedentary lifestyles. It’s a tidy explanation for why obesity has skyrocketed in developed countries. There’s just one problem—it’s completely wrong… A groundbreaking Duke...
Mailbag: Room Won't Stop Spinning? Do THIS First
“I’m dealing with vertigo issues, lightheadedness, and dizziness. As recently as this last Saturday I had multiple occurrences throughout the day. Is there anything I can do for this? I’m 69 and in good health. I work out 4 to 5 times a week.” —Spinning Hi Spinning, When patients approach me with similar complaints, I...
Hidden Number Secretly Sabotages Male Performance
Guys (and gals that love them), we should talk. You know how we’ve always been told that bedroom troubles are just part of getting older—that we just need to live with them? Well, it turns out that’s not true. Scientists recently wrapped up a six-year study that followed over 100 healthy men, and the findings...
Shocking Study Links Kids' Snacks to Dangerous Early Puberty
Kids are growing up in a world vastly different from the one we knew. Back in our day, if a child wanted something sweet, it was a piece of candy or a homemade cookie. Today’s kids are surrounded by products filled with artificial sweeteners that didn’t even exist when we were raising our own children....
Outdated Vitamin Guidelines Put Your Brain at Risk
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think twice about vitamin B12—until your doctor mentions it during a routine blood test. But new research published in the Annals of Neurology suggests we need to pay closer attention to this crucial nutrient—especially as we age. Turns out, current guidelines for this essential nutrient might be...
The TRUTH About Supplement "Liver Dangers" REVEALED
There’s been a lot of buzz lately about liver damage from supplements—so, let’s talk about it. Reports of supplement-induced liver injuries have some folks wondering, “Could my natural remedy actually be harming me?” But before you toss all your supplements in the trash, let’s separate fact from fear—and talk about how to use supplements safely....
The 10,000 Steps LIE That's Ruining Your Health
I’ll be honest—I’m a little sick of the 10,000-steps theory. You know, the one that insists you need to take at least that many steps daily to stay healthy? You won’t believe where that claim originally came from. The 10,000-steps theory wasn’t handed down from the fitness gods on stone tablets. It originated from a...
“Brain Games” Failed You? Try THIS For Better Memory Instead
You know all those brain-training apps, supplements, and “miracle” memory-boosters that promise to keep your brain sharp as you age? Here’s the truth… There IS evidence they support brain health—and that’s why I’ll be the first to recommend them. But they aren’t the most powerful brain-boosting tool available to you. Another surprising solution has earned...