Better Nutrition February 2019

ENERGY, STAMINA,
AND ENDURANCE
COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND BRAIN HEALTH
BACOPA MONNIERI, from an herb traditionally used in
Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions,
has been shown to enhance cognitive function, improve
memory and recall, and protect against age-related
neurodegeneration, dementia, and cognitive decline.
RHODIOLA ROSEA, from a perennial flowering plant
native to Europe, Asia, and North America, influences
the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine,
improving mood, energy, memory, and the ability to
concentrate. It may also help combat mental fog, boost
mental performance, and enhance focus.
LION’S MANE, a mushroom used in traditional Chinese
medicine, contains compounds called hericenones and
erinacines, which have neuroprotective and cognitiveenhancing
effects. Some studies suggest that lion’s
mane boosts proteins that are needed for the growth,
maintenance, and survival of neurons. Lion’s mane has
also been shown to treat anxiety and depression.
GINSENG, an adaptogenic root used
for thousands of years in traditional
Chinese medicine, is a potent energy
tonic that enhances endurance,
reduces mental and physical fatigue,
and improves physical and cognitive
performance. The active compounds in
ginseng, ginsenosides, have also been
shown to impact the central nervous
system and offer protection against
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, depression,
and other neurological disorders.
STRESS AND ADRENAL FATIGUE
MUCUNA PRURIENS, from
a tropical legume
native to Africa
and Asia, is high in
L-dopa, a precursor
to dopamine—a neurotransmitter
that plays a
role in executive function, motivation,
and arousal. Studies show that Mucuna
pruriens eases psychological stress and
ease depression, a common side effect
of adrenal fatigue. It’s also been shown
to improve fertility in men and protect
against Parkinson’s disease.
SCHISANDRA, which is
also known as wu
wei zi in traditional
Chinese medicine,
comes from a woody
vine native to northern
China. It’s used to treat
stress and physical exhaustion, and
studies show that it can reduce cortisol
and protect the adrenals. Schisandra
also has powerful immune-supportive
effects and benefits the cardiovascular
and respiratory systems.
CORDYCEPS, a fungus that grows on the
bodies of caterpillars (modern versions
are grown on grains, so they’re vegan),
is used to enhance energy and stamina,
and has been shown to improve tolerance
to high-intensity exercise. It’s also
an anti-inflammatory with immuneenhancing
effects.
FEBRUARY 2019 • 37