Education
The general health benefits of a plant-based diet are well-documented but did you know that scientific research now shows that plants can have beneficial effects on your brain function? Many leaves, roots, and berries contain ingredients that boost cognitive skills and alleviate common problems like stress, fatigue, and mood swings - without the side effects of conventional drugs.
The sugary, high-fat foods we often crave when we are stressed or down, as comforting as they are, may be the least likely to benefit our mental health. As people across the world grapple with higher stress levels and anxiety, many turn to their favorite comfort foods: ice cream, pastries, pizza and chips. But studies in recent years suggest that the unhealthy foods we often crave when we are stressed or down, as comforting as they may seem, are the least likely to benefit our mental health.
Unfortunately, many people don’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables or simply don’t have the time to prepare a meal. You can always buy a prepared juice or smoothie at a local grocery store but these products are often filled with sugar or other ingredients that are not healthy - especially for your brain!
Most people in the scientific community now accept that the brain continues to repair itself and create new brain cells throughout life. The birth of new neurons in the brain is referred to as neurogenesis. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a group of small protein-like molecules called neurotrophins that are responsible for neurogenesis or the development of new neurons and for the health and maintenance of mature ones.
The concept of a “healthy brain” is fairly new, but one that is growing in importance. Here at Procera, we believe that the brain can be positively impacted by dietary choices, brain-specific supplementation, and lifestyle habits. Once it was thought that it was only important to look after the developing brain (birth until the early 20s).
Your health is one of the most valuable things you have — if not the most important.
This time of year, cold and flu season seems to run rampant with the shifts in weather and cooler temperatures. As people are often looking for additional ways to stay healthy and strong, we've compiled 5 simple and common-sense things you can do to keep your immune system strong:
Like your brain, your lung function can diminish with age, especially if you don’t take care of them. No matter what your age, it's still possible to keep your lungs working at an optimal level. "Your lungs finish development by age 25, and their function remains stable for about 10 years. After that, they begin to gradually decline. By age 65, you've typically lost up to a liter of lung capacity compared with when you were younger", says Dr. Aaron Waxman, director of the Pulmonary Vascular Disease Program at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.
A few years have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the long-term impact of the virus on health & wellness continues to confuse doctors and scientists. Particularly concerning for doctors and patients alike are lingering side effects, such as memory loss, reduced attention and an inability to think straight. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever!
According to the Harvard School of Public Health, only a fraction of U.S. adults currently gets the recommended daily intake of all B vitamins from their diets alone. This could be due to a number of factors including normal aging, dietary choices or chronic digestive health issues.
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that your body needs for many vital processes, including building and maintaining your brain function, immune system, and bone structure. Vitamin D is also a fat-soluble vitamin made by our bodies only when our skin is exposed to the sun. It’s considered an essential nutrient because the human body cannot make it on its own, without the assistance of sunlight, food, and/or dietary supplements.
In our fast-paced and demanding lives, it's no surprise that many of us find ourselves struggling with low energy levels. While reaching for that extra cup of coffee may provide a temporary boost, it's important to explore natural alternatives that can provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Lion’s Mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is an ancient mushroom with numerous health benefits. Research shows that compounds in Lion’s Mane can support nerve tissue health, promote nerve growth, and counter oxidative stress on the brain. Lion’s Mane can also support mood and sleep by regulating emotions and advancing the sleep-wake cycle. Consuming Lion’s Mane can decrease anxiety and improve brain function.
