As we get older, maintaining proper brain health becomes increasingly important to preserve memory, cognitive function, and mental clarity. A healthy diet and lifestyle are critical, of course, but certain supplements have also been shown to enhance brain health and even promote the growth of new brain cells, a process known as neurogenesis.
We checked in with a few health experts to learn about five important supplements you should be taking for better brain function. Among them were omega-3, curcumin, and gingko biloba. Read on to discover all five.
1. Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the development and maintenance of neurons. They also have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect brain cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Dr. Robert Love, a neuroscientist with over 2M followers on TikTok, says, "Your brain outside of water is made primarily of fat, and you want to consume a lot of healthy fats to help prepare your brain and even give your brain the raw materials to help grow new brain cells."
Jordan Calabrese, a certified MD as well as the medical director of Sana Lake Recovery, adds that "omega-3, which is usually found in fish oil, is said to reduce the risk of cognitive decline."
2. Curcumin
Dr. Love says, “Curcumin is amazing for the brain. It helps prevent the accumulation of the amyloid plaque in the brain, and it also helps improve memory.”
In addition, he adds that a study within the past two years, which included 500 clinical trials, investigated the benefits of curcumin in humans and found that curcumin not only helped protect the brain but also helped lower inflammation. As an added bonus, he notes that by reducing inflammation, “it also helps slow down aging.”
Dr. Calabrese states that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is shown to have neuroprotective properties.
READ MORE: The Incredible Benefits Of Turmeric For Weight Loss And Detoxing
3. Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba supplements are known for their ability to enhance blood flow, particularly to the brain. This allows further circulation to the brain, which helps it to revive more oxygen and essential nutrients. This could potentially improve brain function, mental clarity, and memory.
"Gingko biloba is a natural supplement that is associated with improved memory," Dr. Calabrese notes.
4. B-Complex Vitamins
There are tons of great reasons to take a daily B-complex vitamin. According to Dr. Love, B vitamins aren't only great for your hair, skin, and nails, but can also do wonders for your brain health.
"These are helpful in making neurotransmitters, the chemical signals used throughout the brain and body," he explains. "So that’s really, really important." Dr. Love also notes that B-complex vitamins could help decrease your risk of Alzheimer's.
5. Oregano Oil
Believe it or not, taking a daily dose of oregano oil could be a game changer as far as brain health goes. This natural supplement offers up antibacterial and antifungal benefits.
Plus, according to Dr. Love, it can do even more. "Dr. Josh Hellman, a medical doctor from Harvard, talks about how oregano oil can help kill brain parasites," he tells us.
Brain parasites certainly may sound alarming. In reality, they're rare, but they do pose a serious threat to cognitive health.
