Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
On today’s episode, we are going to be discussing Vitamin C and its benefit for vision health and the common cold, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Let’s talk science.
Cocoa has been shown in numerous studies in the support of healthy memory function and in its powerful defense against the effects of pollution. Here’s what you need to know.
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Jerry Hickey. Ph
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Today we will be discussing Cocoa for brain health and memory! Cocoa does a number of wonderful things for your brain.
What constituents in Cocoa are beneficial?
There is a hierarchy of constituents that support brain health that are found in cocoa.
Learn how B-Complex Vitamins also support brain health! Listen Now >>
The Link Between Brain Circulation and Memory
Circulation to your brain is of utmost importance to brain health. Your brain has a huge demand for nutrition, oxygen and energy. Your brain grabs 20% of the calories for brain energy from your meal. With age, circulation to your brain declines. The major arteries that go into the brain stiffen with age and it is harder for the heart to pump blood into the brain. So, with every pump of the heart, the brain is getting less oxygen, fewer calories, less nutrition and brain cells start to die, which impacts your memory and cognitive skills.
Research from Harvard Medical School shows, on average, circulation to your brain declines somewhere between 10-14%. In general, this figure is worse in smokers, diabetics and people with certain diseases. Harvard has also shown that Cocoa is feso-active. When researchers gave people Cocoa, within two weeks circulation was restored to their brain by 10%. Brigham Women’s Hospital actually coined a term called Neuro-vascular Coupling, because in their studies, when you give older people cocoa (even the first serving) it is restoring circulation to the brain. Overtime – and not a very long time at all – cocoa allows the restoration of important structures in the brain, according to Brigham Women’s Hospital.
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In one study from the University of Redding in England published a study in the journal Physiology and Behavior. Researchers studied young, healthy adults and gave them Cocoa. They found that just giving even one serving of Cocoa improved aspects of brain function, memory and vision.
Stay Tuned for Part 2 of Cocoa for Brain Health and Memory!
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.
NAC is an important amino acid for numerous functions throughout the body. It has recently been studied in clinical trials for its benefit for the COVID-19 infection, along with fending off oxidative stress and inhibiting H. Pylori bacteria.
Vitamin C is an essential vitamin, which means you need it for multiple functions but your body does not make it. Here’s why adequate levels are so important, especially for the creation of Collagen and for healthy immunity.
Invite Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH.
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Let’s talk about cardiovascular health today! In this episode, I will touch on topics like cardiovascular disease, which is so common and impacts so many people throughout this country. Many people have questions about whether or not it makes sense for them to take supplements in order to support a healthy heart and, if so, which are the best choices? What else should you be doing in terms of diet and exercise in order to support overall wellness? The good news is there are some basic guidelines that I can share with you that may be beneficial.
Why are cardiovascular concerns such a problem in the U.S.?
Cardiovascular disease effects upwards of 16 million Americans. But, being that many people do not visit their doctor for regular physical examinations, that number may be even higher. Many people are probably walking around with undiagnosed heart disease and do not even know it. We know that following a Standard American Diet causes us to lack in key things like fiber. The average American gets about five to ten grams of fiber per day, when we really should be getting 30 grams at minimum per day. There is also a major lack in antioxidants when your follow a Standard American Diet. This is because Americans do not have a high intake of fruit and vegetables. This is why high blood pressure becomes such a big risk factor.
One area that does not get enough attention as it should is inflammation. It is that chronic low-grade inflammation that is occurring throughout the vascular system that is the main driving force, yet it is rarely spoken about. Generally, many people think about NSAIDs – a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug – when dealing with inflammation. But one issue is that long-term, chronic use of NSAIDs can have negative effects on your liver and kidneys. When you follow a Standard American Diet that is lacking in fiber and is high in sugar, you are going to be walking around in a pro-inflammatory state. This can lead to inflammation throughout the entire body but also the cardiovascular system.
What can I do to support a healthy heart?
Supporting a healthy heart means more than making one simple change. A total change in diet would be extremely beneficial. A Mediterranean style diet is the best option, as it touts foods like seeds, nuts, fish, fruits and vegetables that give you the nutrients your body needs to perform at its best. Learn more about the Mediterranean diet by clicking here!
Exercise is extremely important! There are different ways you can start moving that will keep you active and benefit your heart. Walking for just 30 minutes a day could be extremely beneficial. You don’t have to prepare for a marathon – just prepare to move for 30 minutes a day. You could take up a dance class, or just turn up the music in your home and start moving. Changing the way you eat and how active you are everyday can make a huge difference in your overall health and wellness!
There are different supplements that could be extremely beneficial in supporting cardiovascular health. My favorite recommendations include:
Thank you for tuning in to the Invite Health Podcast. You can find all of our episodes for free wherever you listen to podcasts or by visiting www.invitehealth.com/podcast. Make sure you subscribe and leave us a review! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at Invite Health today. We’ll see you next time on another episode of the Invite Health Podcast.
