Garden Hack Boosts Cognitive Function
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 20, 2023
You can’t turn on the T.V. or flip through a newspaper anymore without seeing a new drug breakthrough they claim will FINALLY rid humanity of our aging brain issues.
These medicines hit the market promising miracles. But it typically isn’t long before we start seeing their dark side.
Meanwhile, a safe, natural remedy to boost failing brain power could be growing in your OWN backyard.
There are few things as delicious as a freshly picked, ripe strawberry. But new research reveals those sweet red gems are FAR more than just a treat for your taste buds.
A new study, presented at the American Society of Nutrition’s annual meeting, revealed that strawberries contain powerful bioactive compounds that can help the brain work BETTER.
For the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, researchers gave 35 volunteers 26 grams of strawberry powder daily for two months.
The folks who got the strawberry powder had a…
- 2 percent improvement in cognitive processing speed
- 6 percent drop in blood pressure
- 2 percent boost in total antioxidant capacity
In other words, the strawberries improved cognitive function in just two short months!
Strawberries contain a rich mix of bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, folate, phytosterols, and polyphenols.
But the MOST important of these may be the anthocyanins.
Anthocyanins are the pigments that give strawberries their rich, red color. These powerful antioxidants naturally fight oxidative damage, protecting the brain as we age.
The participants in this study were given a powder supplement, which is a great way to take in a BUNCH of these potent compounds all at once.
But you can also simply munch on strawberries straight from your garden or local farmers market. The dosage the folks in the study received was equivalent to two servings of berries a day.
Strawberries aren’t alone in this benefit. Most other berries also contain potent bioactive compounds that support our overall health from head to toe.
I like to mix brain-boosting berries into a morning smoothie. It’s a great way to start your day. But they’re also delicious topping a dish of plain Greek yogurt or just on their own as a snack.
P.S. Bland strawberries? THIS is to blame!
Source:
Tsang, M. (2023, July 24) “The Impact of Strawberries on Cognition and Cardiovascular Health of Older Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial,” presented at Nutrition 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society of Nutrition in Boston.
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
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...