B vitamins are necessary for proper brain functioning and they also help improve concentration and memory. There are different studies relating the role of B vitamin to brain health. In a recent study, British researchers from Oxford University showed that high doses of selected B vitamins (namely folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12) can significantly slow down the rate of brain shrinkage in elderly people suffering from mild mental decline. The double blind controlled trial followed 168 volunteers aged 70 or over with mild memory problems. Half the participants took B vitamin supplements for two years, while the other half took placebos. The results were astonishing, the brains of those taking vitamin B tablets shrank at a rate of 0.76 per cent a year, while those taking placebo experienced brain shrinkage at a rate of 1.08 per cent a year. It was concluded that B vitamin supplementation helped lower the concentration of brain damaging homocysteine levels.
If you want to give your brain a boost, make sure your diet is high in B vitamins. B vitamins are found in foods such as beans, oats, spinach, brown rice, eggs, turkey, avocados, potatoes, lentils and whole grains. Even a simple step such as switching from white rice to brown rice can considerably enhance your vitamin B intake.
Always consult your naturopathic doctor before initiating a new regimen.
Wellness Naturopathic Centre, North Vancouver, BC
http://www.wellnessnaturopathic.com
The information on this website is for education purposes only. It does not substitute for proper assessment and treatment by a licensed health care provider.
Wellness Naturopathic Blog 