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
Ancient Wise Man's Gift Brings Modern Pain Relief
As we exchange gifts to celebrate Christmas today, we remember the biblical story of the Three Wise Men bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. While you might be hoping to find some gold in your stocking this year, it turns out that frankincense could be the REAL treasure—especially if you’re battling knee pain. Yes,...
Mailbag: Restless Legs Ruining Your Sleep? Try THIS
“What can I do to help my restless legs? They bother me in the daytime if I sit down for a while, but some nights, it keeps me up all night.” – Looking for a Leg Up on Sleep Hi Leg Up, Few things are more frustrating than being nestled all snug in your bed,...
The Simple Metabolic Health Hack You’re NOT Using
If you’re like most Americans, you don’t give much thought to your metabolism. But here’s a shocking statistic that might change your mind… One in three U.S. adults is walking around with hidden metabolic syndrome. This ticking time bomb is a cluster of conditions that can send your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type...
The Sunshine Vitamin's Surprising Heart Benefits Revealed
Most folks know that vitamin D is vital for bone health. And if you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you also know how critical it is for overall health. But now, incredibly, a new study has revealed something that could change how we think about the “sunshine vitamin” forever. Researchers uncovered evidence that this...
Discover How Gut Bugs Shape Your Brain Health
We’ve all experienced an intuitive “gut feeling” before. But what if I told you your gut is doing FAR more than just sending you hunches? A new study has uncovered a fascinating link between the bacteria in your digestive system and your brain health. It might just change everything we thought we knew about preventing...
Build a Stronger Immune System at Any Age
As we age our immune systems need a little extra TLC to keep us healthy and strong. But don’t worry, boosting your immunity doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best immune-boosting strategies are simple habits you can incorporate into your daily routine. So, let’s dive into some tried-and-true tips...
Natural Solutions to Snoring
Regardless of whether you’re the snorer or the unfortunate bedmate, snoring is a source of stress for countless couples. The endless, rhythmic, sawing sounds can disrupt the rest of even the deepest sleepers. But before you resort to earplugs or separate bedrooms, let’s explore some natural ways to tackle snoring. Snoring isn’t just annoying. It...
Shedding New Light on Depression with this “Sunlight” Hack
You’ve likely heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This form of the blues hits as the leaves fall and the days grow shorter. Well, new research reveals that the same therapy that helps many folks battling SAD feel better could be a ray of hope for those fighting other types of depression, too. Here’s what...
Mailbag: Reverse Atherosclerosis Naturally? Science Says Yes—Here's How
“What actually reverses heart clogging?” -Heartfelt Hi Heartfelt, I have good news. We used to think reversing arterial plaque buildup or “heart clogging” was impossible, but now we know better. When my own patients ask me about atherosclerosis (the medical term for clogged arteries), I explain that—while complete reversal can be challenging—research confirms that specific...
Study Pinpoints Foods That Send Disease Risk Soaring
We’ve all heard that old saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, it’s been around for so long because it’s true. And it turns out your dinner plate could secretly stoke the fires of disease in your body. A new study revealed a shocking truth about the American diet. This time it’s not about calories...