4 Affordable Supplements that Can Increase Brain Power

 Eating a well balanced diet is essential to proper brain function. For many the diet that they have become accustomed to does not provide the proper vitamins in sufficient quantities to optimize brain function. We are going to look at four supplements that can help with both short term memory and overall cognitive function.

1. folic acid

   When homocysteine reaches elevated levels it is know to cause damage to brain cells. Folic acid is a        nutrient that controls the levels of homocysteine in the blood. This is why it is imperative to have adequate levels of  folic acid from diet or supplementation. It will improve both alertness as well as short-term memory. When these two things instead of feeling lethargic and sluggish it will feel much more mentally alert. Foods that can supply this nutrient would include green leafy vegetables, beans or legumes. It is also available in supplement form from the local supplement warehouse. 

2. vitamin B12

    It is important in maintaining the health of our nerve cells. B12 increases the production of myelin which provides a protective coating to nerve fibers and protects them from electrical pulses sent out by the brain. The reason that this is important is because we know that many mental illness problems that people experience are caused either by the misfiring of nerve cells or by a lack of this protective coating. Depression and mental alertness can both be improved with B12 supplementation. Studies have also shown that it can help to prevent memory loss making it a powerful tool for improving brain power.
We want to add one word of caution concerning vitamin B12. Pregnant women who are strict vegans run the risk of being deficient in this vitamin. This can be passed on to the infant at birth causing neurological problems that manifest themselves quickly and unfortunately are irreversible. If  fall into this category it is wise to discuss B12 deficiency with the doctor.
B12 can be found in fortified cereals and meats such as beef, pork, poultry and fish. If your diet is lacking in these types of  foods consider supplementation.

3. Vitamin C
    Now lets look at the benefits that vitamin C can provide. Many associate this vitamin with shortening the duration and severity of colds and flu but the reality is that it is also a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants protect brain cells from the negative affects of free radicals. Free radicals are constantly being produced in the body by chemical reactions that involve oxygen. This is why it is so very important to get adequate levels of antioxidants from diet or supplementation. Foods that are high in vitamin C are oranges, legumes and vegetables.

4.  Vitamin E
      The final vitamin that we are going to look at to improve brain function is vitamin E. Like vitamin C this also acts as an antioxidant. Research has shown that supplementing with this nutrient can slow the progression of Alzheimer's or prevent it entirely. We now know that many disorders of the brain can be prevented by maintaining proper levels of antioxidants. Sweet potatoes, nuts, green leafy vegetables and grains are all good sources of vitamin E.