• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Nutraceuticals
    • Markets
    • Health
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Buyers' Guide
    • Showcases
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Markets
  • Health
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Buyers' Guide
  • Showcases
  • Current & Past Issues
    Features
    Columns
    Editorials
    Digital Edition
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    eNewsletter
    Editorial Guidelines
    Top Features
    Fueling Cognitive Health through Nutrition & Supplementation

    2020 State of the Industry: High Expectations

    2020 International Buyers' Guide

    Clean Label Questions: Anything But ‘Short and Sweet’

    Key Trends in Functional Foods & Beverages for 2020
    Breaking News
    Certifications, Approvals and Patents
    Exclusives
    Industry & Market News
    People
    Products
    Regulatory
    Research
    Supplier News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms

    Warmer Temperatures Could Lead to Concerning Levels of Arsenic in Rice

    Kaneka Extends Deadline for Innovation Contest

    Maternal 5-MTHF Levels Predict Fetal Folate Status

    GOED Publishes 2017-2018 Omega-3 Raw Materials Report
    Exclusives
    Blogs & Guest Articles
    Health E-Insights
    Area Code 420
    eBook
    Antioxidants
    Dairy-Based Ingredients
    Enzymes
    Fatty Acids
    Fiber & Carbohydrates
    Green Foods
    Herbs & Botanicals
    Marine Nutraceuticals
    Minerals
    Omega 3s
    Probiotics & Prebiotics
    Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
    Sweeteners
    Vitamins

    Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms

    Kaneka Extends Deadline for Innovation Contest

    Maternal 5-MTHF Levels Predict Fetal Folate Status

    GOED Publishes 2017-2018 Omega-3 Raw Materials Report

    Probiotic Strain Shown to Reduce Symptoms of Infant Colic
    Consumer Trends
    Contract Manufacturing
    Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
    Delivery & Dosage Technologies
    Dietary Supplements
    Flavors & Colors
    Functional Foods & Beverages
    Healthcare Trends
    Medical Nutrition
    Mergers & Acquisitions
    Natural/Organic
    Nutrition Bars
    Packaging
    Pet Nutraceuticals
    Quality & Safety
    Regulations
    Research
    Testing
    World Markets

    Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms

    Warmer Temperatures Could Lead to Concerning Levels of Arsenic in Rice

    Maternal 5-MTHF Levels Predict Fetal Folate Status

    GOED Publishes 2017-2018 Omega-3 Raw Materials Report

    Obesity and Gum Disease May Have Common Connection: Inflammation
    Bone & Joint Health
    Cancer Risk
    Cardiovascular Health
    Cognitive Function
    Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
    Digestive Health
    Energy
    Eye Health
    Healthy Aging
    Immune Function
    Infant & Children's Health
    Inflammation
    Men's Health
    Mood Health & Sleep
    Oral Health
    Sexual & Reproductive Health
    Skin Health
    Sports Nutrition
    Weight Management/Weight Loss
    Women's Health

    Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms

    Maternal 5-MTHF Levels Predict Fetal Folate Status

    Obesity and Gum Disease May Have Common Connection: Inflammation

    Probiotic Strain Shown to Reduce Symptoms of Infant Colic

    Clinical Trial Confirms Joint Health Benefits of NEM Brand Eggshell Membrane in 7 Days
    Industry Events
    Live From Show Events
    Webinars
    All Companies
    Categories
    Trade Associations
    Company Capabilities
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Shanghai Freemen

    ExcelVite Sdn. Bhd.

    BatchMaster Software, Inc.

    Sabinsa Corporation

    Barrington Nutritionals
    Companies
    Product Releases
    News Releases
    Literature / Brochures
    White Papers
    Jobs
    VIdeos
    Services
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    ExcelVite Sdn. Bhd.

    Shanghai Freemen

    Aiya America (Matcha by Aiya)

    MitoCarn (Alfasigma)

    BatchMaster Software, Inc.
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issue
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers' Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Trade Associations
      • Company Capabilities
    • Nutraceuticals
      • Antioxidants
      • Dairy-Based Ingredients
      • Enzymes
      • Fatty Acids
      • Fiber & Carbohydrates
      • Green Foods
      • Herbs & Botanicals
      • Marine Nutraceuticals
      • Minerals
      • Omega 3s
      • Probiotics & Prebiotics
      • Proteins, Peptides, Amino Acids
      • Sweeteners
      • Vitamins
    • Markets
      • Consumer Trends
      • Contract Manufacturing
      • Cosmeceuticals / Nutricosmetics
      • Delivery & Dosage Technologies
      • Dietary Supplements
      • Flavors & Colors
      • Functional Foods & Beverages
      • Healthcare Trends
      • Medical Nutrition
      • Mergers & Acquisitions
      • Natural/Organic
      • Nutrition Bars
      • Packaging
      • Pet Nutraceuticals
      • Quality & Safety
      • Regulations
      • Research
      • Testing
      • World Markets
    • Health
      • Bone & Joint Health
      • Cancer Risk
      • Cardiovascular Health
      • Cognitive Function
      • Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management
      • Digestive Health
      • Energy
      • Eye Health
      • Healthy Aging
      • Immune Function
      • Infant & Children's Health
      • Inflammation
      • Men's Health
      • Mood Health & Sleep
      • Oral Health
      • Sexual & Reproductive Health
      • Skin Health
      • Sports Nutrition
      • Weight Management/Weight Loss
      • Women's Health
    • Online Exclusives
    • Webinars
    • Slideshows
    • Blogs & Guest Articles
    • Health E-Insights
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Research
      • TrendSense
      • Monograph Center
      • White Papers
      • Research News
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
    • Supplier Showcases
      • Companies
      • Product Releases
      • News Releases
      • Literature / Brochures
      • White Papers
      • Jobs
      • VIdeos
      • Services
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Columns

    Food to Feed the Brain

    Nutrients influence cognition by acting on vital molecular systems or cellular processes.

    Food to Feed the Brain
    Related CONTENT
    • Getting Ahead of the Curve: Weight Control
    • Herbal Hopes for Brain Health
    • Influencing the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Through Diet
    • Getting Ahead of the Curve: Sleep
    By Dilip Ghosh, PhD, FACN, nutriConnect05.01.17
    Consumers commonly believe that neurological diseases like dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s might be prevented or treated through dietary intervention. However, there is limited evidence that such approaches are effective, and they might even be harmful in some cases. Many are aware of recent controversies regarding the relationships between vitamin B and dementia, and also vitamin D insufficiency and Parkinson’s disease.

    There is convincing evidence that nutrients are essential for human health and physiological functioning. The human body cannot synthesize certain nutrients internally (not at all or not in sufficient amount), and they need to be obtained from food. The brain in particular has a high metabolism and high turnover of nutrients, which make this organ a high-maintenance device in terms of optimal nutrient intake.

    Science vs. Nature
    With significant advancement in medical science over the last century, the human lifespan has also been increased significantly. However, with this increase comes a potential problem, particularly for people over the age of 70 who become increasingly susceptible to chronic and extremely debilitating brain diseases, most notably Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

    Leading experts have expressed concern that the majority of existing drug treatments for neurodegenerative disorders are unable to prevent the underlying degeneration of neurons.
    Consequently, there is a desire to develop alternative therapies capable of preventing the progressive loss of specific neuronal populations. In addition to conventional antioxidant strategies to combat neuronal damage, exploration of neuroprotective effects of a group of secondary plant metabolites known as flavonoids and other natural products are increasing. The potential beneficial effects of specific polyunsaturated lipids have also been explored.

    Omega-3s & Phytochemicals: Potential Therapeutic Candidates
    The brain is one of the most metabolically active organs, and as such, utilizes a large proportion of the dietary intake of carbohydrates in order to function effectively. Dietary lipids, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids, are also thought to play an important role in supporting optimum brain function by maintaining the optimal function of cholinergic neurons arising from the basal forebrain and terminating in the cortex and hippocampus. As a result, they may hold the potential to prevent the cognitive decline that occurs during normal aging and in Alzheimer’s disease.

    The well characterized and demonstrated effects of both dietary phytochemicals and lipids on endothelial function and peripheral blood flow may also enter into the list of future candidate molecules for brain health. Components derived from Vitis vinifera (grape), Camellia sinensis (tea), Theobroma cacao (cocoa) and Vaccinium spp (blueberry) have demonstrated beneficial effects on human vascular function and on improving memory and learning.

    Conclusion
    Although food has traditionally been perceived as supplying energy and building material to the body, its ability to prevent and protect against diseases is starting to be recognized by consumers, industries, and regulators. There is a tendency to think of nutritional supplements as harmless at worst and beneficial at best. However, several recent trials warn about this hypothesis.

    We now know that particular nutrients influence cognition by acting on molecular systems or cellular processes that are vital for increasing and/or maintaining cognitive function. Due to the encouraging results of clinical and preclinical studies that showed the beneficial effects of foods on the brain, the topic has attracted substantial media attention in recent years.

    The downside of this hype is scientific understanding of perceived benefits and actual benefits of such supplementation. Some of the information that has been conveyed has been hazy or exaggerated, and has contributed to apprehension about taking advantage of scientific advances. It is our collective responsibility to provide realistic expectations of the benefits, as well as being informed of any potential risks. Healthcare professionals can play an important role in this awareness and education campaign. The evidence-based healthcare system should “empower the responsible management of health and change the way people consider natural healthcare.”


    Dilip Ghosh, PhD, FACN
    nutriConnect

    Dilip Ghosh, PhD, FACN, is director of nutriConnect, based in Sydney, Australia. He is also professionally involved with Soho Flordis International, the University of Western Sydney, Australia, and is an Honorary Ambassador with the Global Harmonization Initiative (GHI). Dr. Ghosh received his PhD in biomedical science from University of Calcutta, India. He has been involved in drug-development (both synthetic and natural) and functional food research and development both in academic and industry domains. Dr. Ghosh has published more than 70 papers in peer-reviewed journals, and he has authored three recent books: “Biotechnology in Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals,” “Innovation in Healthy and Functional Foods,” and “Clinical Perspective of Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals” under CRC Press. His next book, “Pharmaceuticals to Nutraceuticals: A Shift in Disease Prevention,” is in press. He can be reached at dilipghosh@nutriconnect.com.au; www.nutriconnect.com.au.
    Related Searches
    • Natural
    • Cocoa
    • Nutrients
    • Tea
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Fatty Acids
    • Cognitive Function
    • Herbs & Botanicals
    Suggested For You
    Getting Ahead of the Curve: Sleep Getting Ahead of the Curve: Sleep
    Influencing the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Through Diet Influencing the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Through Diet
    Getting Ahead of the Curve: Weight Control Getting Ahead of the Curve: Weight Control
    Herbal Hopes for Brain Health Herbal Hopes for Brain Health

    Related Columns

    • Dietary Supplements | Herbs & Botanicals | Natural/Organic | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      The Wild West Sells More than Just CBD

      The Wild West Sells More than Just CBD

      Self-determined GRAS is not a cure-all for NDINs, so be responsible and conduct the necessary safety and toxicology work.
      By Todd Harrison, Venable 11.05.19

    • Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Research | Testing
      Botanical Science: Post-Exercise Benefits & Neuroprotective Potential

      Botanical Science: Post-Exercise Benefits & Neuroprotective Potential

      AHPA compiles recent research on botanicals and plant compounds published in peer-reviewed journals.
      By Holly Johnson, PhD, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) 11.05.19

    • Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Medical Nutrition | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      CBD in the Clinic: How Practitioners View Life After the Farm Bill

      CBD in the Clinic: How Practitioners View Life After the Farm Bill

      Holistic, functional medicine practitioners see therapeutic value of CBD and have confidence in its efficacy for a range of common health concerns.
      By Erik Goldman, Holistic Primary Care 10.07.19


    • Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      CBD Insurance: ‘The Perfume of the Premium’ Strengthens

      CBD Insurance: ‘The Perfume of the Premium’ Strengthens

      The insurance marketplace for hemp growers and CBD manufacturers will continue to expand.
      By Sheldon Baker, Baker Dillon Group LLC 10.07.19

    • Antioxidants | Dietary Supplements | Digestive Health | Herbs & Botanicals | Minerals | Research | Vitamins
      Cinnamon: A Journey from Traditional Flavor to Modern Health Applications

      Cinnamon: A Journey from Traditional Flavor to Modern Health Applications

      A remedy for many ailments in Ayurvedic medicine, science continues to uncover new uses for this common flavoring agent.
      By Dilip Ghosh, PhD, FACN, nutriConnect 10.07.19

    • Dietary Supplements | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      CBD Regulatory Status Update: The Chaos Continues

      CBD Regulatory Status Update: The Chaos Continues

      FDA already has the authority to create a legal pathway for cannabidiol. It just needs the will to implement it.
      By Todd Harrison, Venable 09.09.19


    • Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Regulations | World Markets
      Regulatory Harmonization in Europe: CBD Case Study

      Regulatory Harmonization in Europe: CBD Case Study

      Despite long-standing efforts, many EU regulatory standards are still out of alignment.
      By Joerg Gruenwald, analyze & realize ag 09.09.19

    • Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Diabetes & Blood Sugar Management | Herbs & Botanicals | Inflammation | Research | Weight Management/Weight Loss | Women's Health
      Botanical Science: Herbal Tea  Benefits, Amla for Metabolic Syndrome, Aronia for Inflammation

      Botanical Science: Herbal Tea Benefits, Amla for Metabolic Syndrome, Aronia for Inflammation

      AHPA compiles recent research on botanicals and plant compounds published in peer-reviewed journals.
      By Holly Johnson, PhD, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) 09.09.19

    • Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations | Testing
      Mile High Labs: Stephen Mueller & The Mile High Monster

      Mile High Labs: Stephen Mueller & The Mile High Monster

      As chief technology officer and founder, he is the technical visionary of Mile High Labs and is designing/building and operating the future of hemp extraction.
      By Sheldon Baker, Baker Dillon Group LLC 07.03.19


    • Herbs & Botanicals
      Area Code 420 Has Arrived

      Area Code 420 Has Arrived

      Introducing Nutraceuticals World’s new Q&A column featuring entrepreneurs in the CBD, cannabis, hemp, and cannabinoid markets.
      By Sheldon Baker, Baker Dillon Group LLC 07.03.19

    • Cognitive Function | Digestive Health | Herbs & Botanicals | Inflammation | Mood Health & Sleep | Research
      Botanical Science: Black Pepper Testing, Ginseng for Inflammation & Ginkgo as Antimicrobial

      Botanical Science: Black Pepper Testing, Ginseng for Inflammation & Ginkgo as Antimicrobial

      AHPA compiles recent research on botanicals and plant compounds published in peer-reviewed journals.
      By Holly Johnson, PhD, American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) 06.03.19

    • Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      ‘Can I Get Liability Insurance for My ‘Illegal’ CBD Products?

      ‘Can I Get Liability Insurance for My ‘Illegal’ CBD Products?

      The short answer is yes, but let’s explore in more detail.
      By Greg Doherty, Bolton & Company 05.02.19

    • Antioxidants | Delivery & Dosage Technologies | Herbs & Botanicals | Immune Function | Inflammation
      Curcumin: Beyond Anti-Inflammation & Anti-Oxidation

      Curcumin: Beyond Anti-Inflammation & Anti-Oxidation

      This multifunctional phytochemical has many documented health benefits.
      By Dilip Ghosh, PhD, FACN, nutriConnect 05.02.19

    • Herbs & Botanicals | Regulations | World Markets
      CBD Products—A European Perspective

      CBD Products—A European Perspective

      Business has been booming, but the regulatory environment will start to catch up.
      By Joerg Gruenwald, analyze & realize ag 04.01.19

    • Dietary Supplements | Healthcare Trends | Herbs & Botanicals | Quality & Safety | Regulations
      An Update on CBD Product Liability Insurance

      An Update on CBD Product Liability Insurance

      Passage of the Farm Bill has had a positive effect on availability and premium cost.
      By Greg Doherty, Bolton & Company 03.01.19

    Breaking News
    • International Scientific Society Calls for Omega-3 Blood Testing in Future Research
    • Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms
    • Warmer Temperatures Could Lead to Concerning Levels of Arsenic in Rice
    • Kaneka Extends Deadline for Innovation Contest
    • Maternal 5-MTHF Levels Predict Fetal Folate Status
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    December 2019

    • 2020 International Buyers' Guide
    • 2020 State of the Industry: High Expectations
    • Fueling Cognitive Health through Nutrition & Supplementation
    • View More >
    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    International Scientific Society Calls for Omega-3 Blood Testing in Future Research
    Pharmactive Affron Saffron May Help Relieve Depression Symptoms
    Warmer Temperatures Could Lead to Concerning Levels of Arsenic in Rice
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    PPG Appoints Robert King as VP, Global Operations, Industrial Segment
    Greenkote PLC Reports Upsurge in Powder Coatings Applications on Brake Calipers
    Addipel Moves to New HQ, Expands Production Facility
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    CMR Surgical Taps New CEO
    Companies Partner to Develop Instrument-Free Molecular Diagnostic Tests
    BWXT to Produce Medical Radioisotope Germanium-68 to Meet Rise in Demand
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Antares Vision Introduces Raised Stopper Machine
    AbbVie, Scripps Collaborate on New Therapeutics
    Sanofi Pasteur Awarded HHS Pandemic Flu Vax Contract
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Firmenich Wants You Smell & Taste the Pantone Color of the Year
    L'Oréal Paris - And Celebs - Celebrate 14th Annual Women of Worth
    Henkel's göt2b Partners with DJ Pauly D
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Caribbean Natural Taps New Sales Rep.
    HCPA Responds to Cuomo
    MAC Introduces Lip Lacquer
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    ePac Flexible Packaging Expands into Asia Pacific Market
    Smurfit Kappa Announces Board Changes
    Haney, HP Developing Sustainable Fashion Packaging for Heron Preston
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Interket UK purchases third MPS flexo press
    Michael Ring named EVP of W+D North America
    Polykote announces new UV inkjet labelstock
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Fitesa Buys Freudenberg's South American Hygiene Business
    Fameccanica Partners with Aeroflex
    Nice-Pak to Offer Sustainable Solutions to Every Customer
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    InVivo Therapeutics Attains 25 Percent Enrollment in Spinal Cord Injury Study
    BioPrax Biofilm Disruption Device Granted FDA Breakthrough Device Designation
    Orthofix Appoints New Spine Business Leader
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Osram’s Managing Board Invites ams to Talks About Future
    Yole: Emerging Printing Fills Gap for Rising Electronics Applications
    European Industries Lead New Graphene Flagship Projects to Shape EU’s Environmental Future

    Copyright © 2019 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.