As per Hindu tradition, ‘Brahman’ is the all-pervading and unchanging reality amidst and beyond the cosmos. For a herb to be named ‘Brahmi’ (in Ayurveda – the 3,000-year-old science of natural health and longevity) indicates a most favoured status having been accorded to it. Interestingly, two ‘unrelated twins’ - Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) and Bacopa Monnieri – are both referred to as Brahmi ! Some authoritative sources put Bacopa ahead, in terms of being the ‘original’ and more potent as a memory-booster and nerve-tonic. On the other hand, laboratory tests have shown these ‘unrelated twins’ have a nearly similar effect in terms of anti-oxidant value. Indeed, both are veritable nutrient powerhouses and can easily vie for a place in the ‘Top 10’ Brain-health tonics. Other important nerve foods are Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, Sage, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Chinese Club Moss, Green Tea, Rosemary, Rhodiola and Turmeric.
Dementia is a loss of mental skills that affects our daily life. Dementia covers a variety of conditions that develop when nerve cells in the brain (neurons) die or no longer function normally. In older adults it has an innocuous start, exhibited by age-related mild impairment of memory. Adults who suffer from Attention-Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more than three times as likely to develop degenerative Dementia. If not arrested, impaired neural health impacts our ability to think clearly, interferes with our carrying out routine bodily functions and can easily progress to serious debilitating conditions like Parkinson’s Disease and Alzheimer’s – the latter is the sixth leading cause of death in the US. A 2011 Report - by the World Economic Forum and the Harvard School of Public Health, Geneva - on the Global Economic Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases, identified these diseases as one of the top threats to global development. The economic and social impact of Dementia is expected to be enormous, as the number of patients worldwide are set to double in 20 years - to touch 66 million by 2030; followed by a further doubling to 115 million, by 2050. Nearly two-thirds of Dementia patients live in low and middle-income countries, where the sharpest increases are expected to take place.
Tip of the Week
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, especially in mid-life, can mitigate the risk of Dementia later. It is especially important to be physically and mentally active, to not smoke, and to avoid becoming obese or hypertensive. Keep your curiosity alive, by acquiring a new skill – it helps sharpen your ability to pay attention. Aerobic training increases the supply of blood to the brain, ignites development of new neurons and forges more connections between them. Dietary choices matter a lot. Brain-foods provide nutrients that help produce neuro-transmitters, protect against oxidative stress as well as inflammation and keep the arteries healthy. The quality and quantity of fats that we consume is critical. Easily the best are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from plant-based foods, and Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish. A distinct dietary bias in favour of fresh vegetables and fruits, and nuts and seeds is recommended. Additionally, taking supplements, to achieve a minimum daily ‘consumption’ (as per requirement) of Vitamins C, E, B6, B12, and Folate can be a good insurance.
Nature’s Wonder Food of the Week : Brahmi or Bacopa Monnieri
Brahmi (or Bacopa) has been used as a nerve-tonic in the traditional treatment of a number of disorders - particularly for memory decline, anxiety, epilepsy and neural disorders. As a nootropic agent, Brahmi improves our mental functions - such as cognition, memory, intelligence, motivation, attention and concentration. Brahmi’s adaptogenic quality helps combat day-to-day stress, improves mental alertness and sharpens memory. In addition, Brahmi has also been found useful for a large number of health benefits – such as being a cardio-tonic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anti-ageing, expectorant, sedative, stomachic, antiepileptic, carminative and astringent agent. Bacopa contains many active constituents, including a number of alkaloids and saponins - the major ones are the steroidal saponins, Bacosides A and B. These enhance nerve transmission and are potent antioxidants, which may help to protect brain cells from free-radical damage. In recent years the interest in Brahmi has been increasing. In several randomised, blind and controlled clinical trials, the Bacopa Extract has been shown to improve memory and learning ability, when used for chronic conditions. The quality of the extract can be an important variable – hence it is important to source it from a reputable organisation.
For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions
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