Best Plants to Keep Your Brain Young

In the 20^th Century, in medicine, you wait for something to go wrong, then go to the doctor and your doctor generally says “Oh, you have the beginnings of dementia and there is nothing we can do about it.”

Now in the 21^st century, we are virtually dying of complex chronic diseases. Cardiovascular is number one, Cancer is number two, and Alzheimer’s is now number three. The prediction is over 45 million living Americans will develop Alzheimer’s.

We can prevent or reverse this, it has been proven, especially in the earlier stages, that certain herbs and plants can be very beneficial in reversing damage to your brain, and slowing the aging process.

Studies to Keep a Young Brain

Studies done by Dr. Dale Bredesen, author of The End of Alzheimer’s, show you need to create insulin sensitivity, right now over 50% of Americans are insulin resistant, this is due to our high carbohydrate and processed food intake. Check your glucose with the Hemoglobin A1C test, increase exercise, and sleep better; since sleep apnea is found to be a high risk of Alzheimer’s. He includes removing toxins from your body.

Bredesen also recommends Berberine, Cinnamon, and Cruciferous vegetables are helpful, and actually using good fats, plant-rich ketogenic, low carb, but high fiber diets is the best combination. Read about the Bredesen Protocol for reversing Alzheimer’s.

Plant Suggestions to Keep Your Brain Young

Some of these plants could decrease the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, or Parkinson’s.

• Parsley due to its concentrated polyphenol, apigenin, strengthens the synaptic nerve connections; this means how the neurons communicate. This herb also supports sleep, using its antioxidant compound, lutein, could prevent age-related Macular degeneration (AMD).
• Rosemary assists mitochondrial health; the energy producer in each cell. The mitochondria are protective and stimulate acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the brain supporting brain longevity.
• Turmeric has a “turmerone” compound that boosts neural stem cells, supporting neuroplasticity of the brain, and has an effect on Brain Derived Neurotropic Factor (BDNF), a hormone involved with long-term brain function. It also bolsters your moods by its ability to increase levels of good serotonin and dopamine hormones (brain chemicals that control your body functions between your Central Nervous System and the muscles.
• Resveratrol compounds found in grape skins, berries, peanuts, and red wine, supply oxygen and glucose to the brain. These result in increasing cerebrovascular response; facilitating fluid movement.
• Kanna is a fruit from a medicinal succulent found in South Africa, to have impressive cognitive flexibility for the brain. It helps the amygdala area of the brain bringing you calmness.
• Flower Power of the Daffodil, used in extract form, slows cognitive decline and increases your lifespan. These flowers produce “galantamine”, a brain-saving compound. It’s used and recommended in many countries; European Union, Japan, and Canada, although not commonly in the United States.

Drs. Ayesha and Dean Sherzai, authors of The Alzheimer’s Solution, say your environment, your habits, and your purpose in life can change neuron activity in the brain, increasing connections and rebuilding your brain cells. Look at their program Healthy Minds Initiative.

I would say anything you can add to your daily repository of health supplements or foods like the above can slow the aging of your brain and keep you young.

I will continue this discussion on reversing Alzheimer’s and dementia in further articles since there are so many new studies being reported on the aging brain.

Cindy Burrows

8-27-22