“Soldier Food” Boosts Brain 30%
By
Natalie Moore
Posted May 29, 2017
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
As we reflect and give thanks this Memorial Day, we often hear the stories of folks who bravely served our country abroad.
And if you or someone you love ever did a stint in Europe, you’ve probably heard about a weird yeast extract called Marmite.
Marmite fueled many soldiers through both world wars and has been included in soldier rations in more recent years.
And as it turns out, there’s a good reason why soldiers and everyone else should eat just a teaspoon of Marmite every day — it can actually improve the way your brain works by a whopping 30%.
Even better, its positive effects could be long lasting.
In a recent study, researchers from the University of York split participants into two groups. One group got a teaspoon of Marmite, and the other got a teaspoon of peanut butter every day for a month.
At the end of the trial, the folks who ate the Marmite had a 30% improvement in how their brains balanced activity and reacted to certain stimuli.
Even more impressive, it took about eight weeks for these effects to wear off. This means that adding Marmite to your diet could have long-term brain-boosting effects.
No wonder it was a go-to soldier food!
Experts believe Marmite is so powerful because of its high vitamin content of B12, which is known to increase a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. Low GABA levels are linked to neurological disorders like dementia.
You can get Marmite (or Vegemite, the Aussie version of this yeast spread) at grocery stores and through online retailers like Amazon.com.
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Ed. Note: Please send your feedback: feedback@livingwelldaily.com – and click here to like us on Facebook.
Sources
[1] Love it or hate it: Marmite may affect brain function
[2] Marmite: A potted history of the British-born spread
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
“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...
Mailbag: 5 Powerful Ways to Shield Your Prostate from Cancer
“What are your tips to avoid prostate cancer?” —Keeping Cancer at Bay Hi Keeping, You’re right to be concerned—prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men in the United States. Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. And there were an estimated 268,490 new prostate cancer...
Popular Drinks Quintuple THIS Deadly Risk
We all know that sugary drinks aren’t good for our teeth. But new research reveals a far more sinister link between sweetened beverages and oral health. Your soda habit could be putting you at risk for something far worse than cavities… Research published in JAMA Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery has uncovered a shocking...
Depression AGES Your Body 30% Faster—Here's How to Stop It
Recent research highlights the profound connection between the mind and body. The eye-opening new study shows how battling depression could put you on the fast track to physical decline. Depression is the most common mental health condition worldwide. We’ve long known that it’s linked to an increased risk of illnesses, including heart disease and diabetes....
Study Reveals Not All Generic Drugs Are Created Equal
Like most folks, you probably don’t think twice about whether you’re getting a brand-name or generic drug when you pick up a prescription. After all, the FDA insists generics are just as safe and effective as their pricier brand-name counterparts. But what if that’s not always true? A disturbing new study has uncovered evidence that...
Feed Your Good Gut Bugs with this Produce Aisle Staple
Improving your health doesn’t always have to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, it’s as simple—and tasty—as a handful of berries. We’ve long known that blueberries pack a serious nutritional punch. But this latest research takes things by revealing exactly how these berries enhance your gut microbiome—the community of beneficial bacteria living in your digestive system....
Harness the Forgotten Superpower of Boredom
From the moment we crawl out of bed in the morning until we hit the hay again at night, we’re bombarded with stimulation. With screens everywhere, including in our pockets, we’re surrounded by entertainment. But with constant notifications and endless scrolling, we’ve forgotten how to be bored. In fact, most of us avoid it at...
The Forgotten Nutrient That May Save Your Memory
Some nutrients, like vitamin D and vitamin C, get all the attention. But almost no one’s talking about vitamin K. However, this overlooked nutrient could be key to preserving your memory as you age. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition suggests vitamin K plays a critical role in keeping your brain sharp well...
Mailbag: The "Natural Navigator" Method for Finding Your Perfect Doctor
“I would like to know what questions are the best to ask when looking for a new naturopathic practitioner? How do I find the best naturopathic endocrinologist for my needs? Is it OK to see your naturopath virtually?” —Natural Navigator Hi Navigator, You’re asking some brilliant questions about finding the right naturopath (or, really, any...
Study Reveals How Diabetes "Hijacks" Your Brain's Memory Center
The damage uncontrolled diabetes can do—from your eyes to your kidneys—is well known. But now, alarming new research shows it could also be damaging your brain in ways we never imagined. In fact, researchers have found that type 2 diabetes may “rewire” the brain in ways eerily similar to early Alzheimer’s. Here’s what you need...