Top 6 ingredients for cognition and eye health
Top 6 ingredients for cognition and eye health
All of our senses allow us to enjoy the world around us and vision is no exception. Cognition is essential to make something meaningful of all senses. As you can imagine, nutrition is crucial in maintaining healthy vision and cognition, since several nutrients are essential for the visual system. In this blog, we embark on a journey to discover these essential nutrients, and, as a bonus, discuss a few compounds that can actually enhance cognition and eye-health!
The connection between cognition and vision
Cognition is a broad term encompassing thinking, learning, memory, and attention; in other words, it refers to all the mental processes that occur in the brain (1). Vision functions as a key information provider to cognition. This relationship between the brain and eyes is crucial since vision can impact performance of cognitive tasks, positively or negatively. Deterioration of eye performance is actually linked to a reduction in cognitive activities like reading and socializing, notably leading to a poor cognitive state (2).
Challenges for a healthy vision
In our modern-day society, numerous factors present challenges to the well-being of both our vision and cognition. One essential challenge is the abundance of time spent behind screens. Digital eye strain is a condition that is attributed to prolonged and extended use of digital screens typically related to symptoms like blurry vision, headaches and dry eyes (3).
According to the American Optometric Association, workers and regular users of digital screen devices are especially at risk. Screen time of two or more hours without interruption, can already lead to aforementioned symptoms (4). More than 60% of the working population in the US report having symptoms related to too much screen time. Moreover, >70% of children and adolescents exceed the two hour screen time as well (5).
Given the extent of the challenges, it becomes imperative to adopt proactive measures to mitigate their effects and safeguard eye health, and cognition by extent. By addressing these factors head-on, we can not only slow down the development of age-related degenerative processes but also actively support the resilience and vitality of our eyes and cognitive functions.
Taking care of our eyes
How should we take care of our eyes? Let’s discuss a couple of easily adoptable measures:
Regular eye check-ups. It’s advisable to have a comprehensive eye examination every two years, regardless of wearing glasses or not (6). Optometrists may prescribe glasses with anti-reflective coatings to protect eyes from harmful blue light emitted by electronic devices.
Adopting eye-friendly behavior. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple and effective measure to reduce eye strain. It encompasses the idea to look at an object at least 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes (7). In order to make this a habit, you can opt to put a timer every 20 minutes when you are at work.
A diet rich in eye-healthy foods. Nutrition is a crucial modifiable factor with the potential for a huge effect on our daily life. There are sources that naturally contain compounds that help in maintaining a healthy vision and cognition. You can think of eggs, fatty fish, certain seeds, nuts and berries.
Eye health supplements. If you are limited by inconvenience or geographical access for food choice, it can be tricky to consume nutrients in recommended quantities through a regular diet. Therefore, adding nutritional supplements is a great additional strategy for reaching the required amount of nutrients in a safe and convenient manner.
The 6 best ingredients for cognition and eye health
When choosing to select supplements for supporting cognition and eye health, you consider a couple of relevant ingredients. Let’s check out the six to keep in mind:
Vitamin A is essential to protect the outer surface of the eye, known as the cornea. It also maintains the function of the retina, which allows us to differentiate colors and shades. Vitamin A can be obtained from yolks, liver and some vegetables like carrots (8). Supplementation is advised if the recommended daily dose cannot be reached via the diet – 900mcg for men and 700mcg for women.
Lutein is a yellow carotenoid pigment, found in the central retina. Its function is to protect against the harmful blue light (9), often emitted by electronic devises. Lutein supplementation may reduce the risk of developing harmful eye conditions. Common sources of lutein include green peas, parsley and kale as well as egg yolks. The daily dose of lutein supplements is between 5-20 mg.
Astaxanthin is a well-known anti-oxidant, often referred to as “the king of the caretonoids”, with health benefits in multiple areas, amongst which eye health. It improves ocular blood flow, enhancing oxygen distribution and waste clearance in the eyes (10). Astaxanthin can be obtained by eating salmon, shrimp and lobster. However, for supplementation purposes, there is a great alternative through microalgae sources, which is a natural and animal-friendly alternative. Supplementation daily dose varies between 4-12 mg (11).
Omega 3 fatty acids are a great strategy for overall health support, including the eyes. Omega-3s could reduce the risk of dry eyes and high eyes pressure (12). Food sources of omega 3 include salmon, herring and tuna. Additionally, supplements derived from fish, krill or microalgae are widely available. The daily dose for supplementation ranges from 500-600mg.
Vitamin E protects the retina from harmful oxidation. It’s crucial for optimal eye health and can be mostly obtained by eating seeds and nuts (13). Daily supplementation dose ranges between 5-12mg (14).
Aronia berry extract. Aronia berries are fruits with a high concentration of anthocyanins, specifically cyanidin-3-0-glycosides (14). These compounds are linked to benefits for cognition, focus, and eye health. BioActor’s proprietary Aronia berry extract, Brainberry®, has been demonstrated to improve focus, concentration and hand-eye coordination at a low daily dose of only 65 mg (15, 16).
Everything you need to know about MicrobiomeX® and gut health
Everything you need to know about MicrobiomeX® and gut health
The gut microbiome plays a vital role in our digestive system, responsible for digesting nutrients while also serving as a central component of our gut wall and immune system. Maintaining a healthy microbiome profile is of utmost importance and ongoing research continues to shed light on its intricate functions. In this article, we introduce MicrobiomeX®, one of our sustainably sourced, plant-based active ingredients supported by clinical research. Explore the benefits of incorporating MicrobiomeX® into your formulation.
What is gut health and why is the gut microbiome important?
The gastrointestinal system is often referred to as the ‘gut’, including the stomach, intestines, and colon. Its primary function is to digest and absorb nutrients, essential for meeting our energy needs.
Within the gut approximately 200 billion species of bacteria reside, collectively known as the gut microbiome. Many of these microorganisms play a vital role in food digestion and are crucial for maintaining a healthy gut and overall well-being.
It’s important to recognize that the condition of the gut microbiome can significantly impact physical health, but also mental health. Well-established connections exist between the gut microbiome and various aspects such as the immune system, the gut wall, mental health, autoimmune diseases, sleep, skin health etc. (1). Numerous factors, including diet, age, and lifestyle, can influence the gut microbiome. Hence, it is clearly important to maintain and support a healthy gut microbiota through nutritious foods and supplements.
Tips for improving Gut Health
Enhancing gut health is possible through dietary and lifestyle choices. Certain foods are known for their positive impact on gut health, particularly fermented foods and fiber-rich options. By increasing their intake, we can reduce the risk of developing gut inflammation and metabolic diseases. Incorporating physical activity and using supplements, including prebiotics and probiotics, are additional strategies. Emerging products now focus on non-fermenting plant-based ingredients, such as prebiotics and citrus flavonoids.
Exploring Prebiotics, Probiotics and More
- Prebiotics: these non-digestible food ingredients offer health benefits by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of specific intestinal bacteria (2). Foods rich in prebiotics include onions, garlic, greens, cereals and bananas.
- Probiotics: Live microorganisms that benefit the host by reducing harmful bacteria and supporting the gut’s natural flora (3). Consider consuming fermented foods and probiotic supplements, such as yogurt, tempeh, kombucha, and kimchi, to promote good bacteria.
- Postbiotics: the byproducts of digestion (4). vitamins B and K, antimicrobial peptides, amino acids, and short-chain fatty acids, play a role in supporting good bacteria. Some postbiotics, like de-glycosylated ‘active’ flavonoids, are generated by specific beneficial bacteria and are also known as flavobiotics.
- Synbiotics: a powerful combination of probiotics and prebiotics (5). As mentioned above, prebiotics support the function of probiotics, working in synergy to optimize digestive health and bolster the immune system.
Understanding flavonoids
What are flavonoids? Flavonoids are natural substances found in plants, known for their diverse health benefits. They have become an indispensable part of the nutraceutical market, due to their ability to modulate key cellular enzymes and their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic properties.
Fortunately, sourcing flavonoids is sustainable. They are primarily extracted from immature fruits in an eco-friendly manner. For example, orange and grapefruit trees bloom annually, but not all blossoms can become full grown fruits. The trees undergo a natural selection process called ‘fruit drop,’ shedding immature fruits to conserve their resources.
What are the benefits of using immature fruits?
After the fruit drop, immature oranges and grapefruits are not suitable for raw consumption. Still, they are full of valuable nutrients. To harness these nutrients, the most practical approach is to process them into a powdered form, which can be easily incorporated into nutritional supplements.
Why do immature oranges and grapefruits matter?
These immature fruits are particularly rich in a nutrient of interest, hesperidin. By standardizing the extract from immature oranges for hesperidin content, we can create an eco-friendly and sustainable ingredient. As mentioned earlier, fruit drop is a natural occurrence, and these immature oranges become a byproduct that we can utilize. Similarly, another valuable ingredient, naringin, can be extracted from immature grapefruits.
What are hesperidin and naringin?
Hesperidin and naringin are flavonoids with numerous health benefits. What sets them apart is their unique ability to reach the colon intact, where they directly nourish the gut microbiome. This, in turn, leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (6, 7), including the vital butyrate, the primary energy source for colon wall cells.
These flavonoids are abundantly found in citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons (8). The extraction of valuable flavonoids from such citrus fruits is a well-established practice. Extensive studies (9) confirm that a combination of hesperidin and naringin positively affects the gut microbiome composition by improving the short-chain fatty acids profile, mainly increasing butyrate content.
How can hesperidin and naringin improve gut health?
The unique chemical structure of hesperidin and naringin allows them to traverse the digestive system, arriving mostly intact in the colon. Here, the gut microbiota breaks them down into their active forms, hesperetin and naringenin, both highly bioavailable and transported to various tissues via the bloodstream.
Notably, hesperidin and naringin selectively nourish specific bacteria species, such as Bifidobacterium, Roseburia, and Lactobacilli (10). This promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, reinforcing the gut’s defense against harmful pathogens. Additionally, these flavonoids play a pivotal role in supporting the immune system by inhibiting oxidative stress and gut inflammation.
In summary, the journey from immature fruits to powdered extracts of hesperidin and naringin offers an eco-friendly and sustainable way to enhance gut health and overall well-being, while also minimizing waste and maximizing the benefits of these valuable compounds.
What is MicrobiomeX®?
MicrobiomeX® is a potent blend of extracts derived from Citrus sinensis (immature oranges) and Citrus paradisi (grapefruit). It stands as a pioneering Flavobiotic®, designed to fortify the gut barrier and unlock the full potential of the gut microbiome. Remarkably, MicrobiomeX® is entirely plant-based and produced sustainably. It adheres to multiple dietary preferences, including vegan, halal, kosher, gluten-free, and hormone-free. Notably, MicrobiomeX® distinguishes itself by being non-fermenting, with its flavonoids activated through a microbiota-driven process known as de-glycosylation.
Extensive research conducted by BioActor, through pre-clinical and clinical trials, has illuminated the remarkable benefits of MicrobiomeX®. Consumption of MicrobiomeX® leads to an enhanced profile of short-chain fatty acids, with a specific increase in butyrate. Additionally, calprotectin levels decrease, signaling a reduction in gut inflammation.
Who can benefit from taking MicrobiomeX®?
MicrobiomeX® can be beneficial for everyone who wants to immprove their microbiome composition and strengthen their immunity. For a more targeted approach, this blend of sweet orange and pomegranate extracts could help the following groups:
MicrobiomeX® is a promising solution for individuals struggling with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Notably, MicrobiomeX®’ non-fermenting nature reduces the production of gas and intestinal discomfort. Additionally, it fosters the proliferation of Bifidobacterium, a beneficial bacteria associated with improved gastrointestinal symptoms in individuals with IBS.
Another demographic that can find MicrobiomeX® beneficial is athletes, particularly those engaged in endurance sports. Endurance athletes frequently experience gastrointestinal discomfort due to the extended and repetitive nature of activities like running or cycling. MicrobiomeX® offers a potential remedy by reducing gut permeability and bolstering the gut barrier.
What is our source of citrus flavonoids?
Nestled in the heart of Spain, at Finca la Gloria, lies a family-run orange plantation. Here, eco-friendly methods are employed to safeguard the trees, eschewing the use of pesticides. Every year, the orange trees burst with blooms. After the natural selection process known as ‘fruit drop,’ immature oranges fall from the trees. Fortunately, they are readily available for us to harvest and extract all benefits they can offer.
Learn more about MicrobiomeX®
If you are curious to know more about MicrobiomeX®, you can check out the product page of MicrobiomeX® or its website.
New publication of clinical data: Actiful® reduces Methylglyoxal, an important marker for healthy aging
New publication of clinical data: Actiful® reduces Methylglyoxal, an important marker for healthy ageing
Press release
A randomized double blinded crossover study performed by Maastricht University, showed the potential of Actiful® as a dietary modulator against advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). AGEs are associated with various age-related chronic diseases. After a 4-week period of Actiful® consumption in healthy elderly subjects, plasma levels of methylglyoxal (MGO) decreased significantly by 9.8% (p = 0.042). These new clinical results highlight Actiful®’s potential to mitigate age-related diseases like diabetes, vascular dysfunction and neurodegeneration.
Actiful®: an energy-boosting ingredient developed by BioActor
Actiful® is a clinically validated blend of Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) and Punica granatum (pomegranate) extracts. These plants are abundant in bioactive polyphenolic components, mainly flavonoids (1, 2) . Actiful® has a dual mode of action: by increasing synthesis of nitric oxide and by improving ATP production through an increased mitochondrial respiration efficiency (3). In the first clinical study, Actiful® demonstrated to improve energy, mood and antioxidant status in healthy elderly individuals. Actiful® is used globally by leading supplement brands in a vast array of products supporting an active lifestyle and healthy aging.
The study: A Citrus and Pomegranate Complex Reduces Methylglyoxal in Healthy Elderly Subjects: Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind Randomized Cross-Over Clinical Trial
Introduction
This study (4) was published in the International Jouranl of Molecular Sciences . It focuses on the evaluation of additional biomarkers and the effect of Actiful® in reducing the concentrations of reactive α-dicarbonyl compounds (specifically methylglyoxal, glyoxal, and 3-deoxyglucosone) in the blood of healthy elderly participants. These α-dicarbonyls are known to contribute to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which are associated with various chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (5).
Methods
Thirty-six healthy elderly subjects were recruited for this double-blind, randomized crossover clinical trial. They received either 700 mg of Actiful® in capsules, or a placebo for four weeks, with a 4-week washout period in between.
Blood samples were collected during the test day to measure α-Dicarbonyls in plasma. This was achieved via ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
Results
A significant reduction in plasma methylglyoxal concentrations was observed during a 4-week supplementation period. This reduction suggests a potential benefit in terms of reducing the formation of harmful AGEs, which could be attributed to the antioxidant properties of the active compounds in the supplement. The observed reduction in methylglyoxal was around 9.8%, which could be of clinical relevance in preventing or managing age-related conditions related to AGEs formation, like cardiovascular related diseases, diabetes and neurodegeneration. This confirms the importance of exploring promising nutraceuticals like Actiful® as potential healthy ageing strategies to mitigate the impact of reactive α-dicarbonyl compounds on health.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates the great potential of Actiful® for playing a role in healthy ageing. This is indicated by the significant reduction in AGEs, specifically MGO, found in the present study.
About BioActor
BioActor, based in Maastricht, Netherlands is part of the Solabia Group and has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & healthcare industry. We focus on the development of innovative activities that address active living and healthy ageing. Our goal is to provide the nutrition & healthcare industry with science-based innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Actiful® has to offer. Further information can also be found on: https://actiful.eu and https://bioactor.com/products/actiful
Baltic Brainfuel: Discover the health and sustainability behind the Nero Eggert variety of Aronia berries
Baltic Brainfuel: Discover the health and sustainability behind the Nero Eggert variety of Aronia berries
Discover the world of Aronia berries, where health and sustainability intertwine in the extraordinary Nero Eggert variety. With its exceptional nutritional profile and eco-conscious characteristics, this superfruit is a beacon of wellness for both individuals and the planet. Learn more about the reasons Aronia berries are superfruits and about the ever more special Nero Eggert variety.
Aronia berries: Sustainable health-enhancers
Aronia berries are small dark fruits that are becoming increasingly popular amongst health-conscious consumers as they have excellent content in micronutrients and strong antioxidant properties. Moreover, they have many health benefits.
Apart from providing numerous health benefits, Aronia berries are also interesting from an environmental perspective, thanks to some unique characteristics of this plant.
This is particularly true for the variety called Nero Eggert, selected by BioActor to produce the active ingredient for brain health, namely Brainberry®.
Join us, while we dive into the reasons why Aronia berries are considered superfruit and why the Nero Eggert variety is especially great.
We visited Mr. Eggert, who spent more than 30 years on creating the Nero Eggert variety. Watch the video below:
Aronia Berries: Reason they are excellent for health and sustainability reasons
1. Full of nutrients and anthocyanins:
Aronia berries are more than just berries – they’re nutritional powerhouses. Packed with vital vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers, these berries contribute significantly to your overall well-being. However, their true power lies in their antioxidant content, particularly the anthocyanins. These antioxidants play a pivotal role in combating oxidative stress and supporting cellular health.
2. Multifaceted health benefits:
Aronia berries have diverse health benefits. From bolstering cardiovascular health to enhancing cognitive function, these berries offer a holistic approach to health.
3. Embracing sustainability:
What truly sets Aronia berries apart is their minimal impact on the environment. Unlike resource-intensive crops, Aronia plants thrive on modest water consumption and natural pest resistance, making them a responsible and sustainable choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.
Nero Eggert variety: What sets it apart from other Aronia berries?
1. Sustainable harvesting methods:
Meet the Nero Eggert Aronia variety – a game-changer in sustainable agriculture. With unique low-reaching branches, this breed helps with harvesting practices. Not only does it yield more fruit per land area, but it also provides reduced land usage, striking a balance between productivity and ecological responsibility.
2. Flourishing amidst harsh climates:
Witness nature’s resilience through the Nero Eggert variety. Flourishing even in freezing temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius, these berries naturally rejuvenate during harsh winters, eliminating the need for chemical interventions. This adaptation showcases the variety’s capacity to coexist harmoniously with the environment.
3. Abundant in anthocyanins:
The Nero Eggert variety’s high anthocyanin content is a testament to its ability to thrive under stress. The challenging climate it thrives in stimulates the production of these antioxidants, making every berry a valuable source of natural health support.
4. Bee-friendly:
Beyond its health and sustainability attributes, the Nero Eggert Aronia berry plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Its extended flowering period provides nourishment for bees during their lifecycle, promoting biodiversity and exemplifying the variety’s contribution to preserving nature’s balance.
Nero Eggert Aronia Berries: A blend of health and sustainability
The Nero Eggert Aronia berry seamlessly intertwines health benefits and sustainable practices. For this reason, we have chosen this unique fruit as the base for our Brainberry® extract, which has been clinically validated to boost your cognitive performance.
Feel free to contact BioActor via info@bioactor.com and visit www.brainberry.eu and www.bioactor.com to learn more about Brainberry® or click here to learn everything you need to know about Brainberry® and brain health.
Ways to increase focus in students
Ways to increase focus in students
Studying can become an overwhelming task due to focus loss. However, the good news is that there are plenty of productive ways to improve your focus. Planning tasks beforehand, practicing meditation, exercising and also changing your eating habits are just a few things you could do as a student to gain that extra kick of focus.
Focus loss in students
The process of studying can become a quite challenging task for students these days. A lot of effort is needed to concentrate on study materials for various reasons such as information load, distractions, lack of focus and other external factors.
Students however tend to overlook the obstacles they face and therefore get used to bad studying habits. These lead to physical and mental fatigue making studying an unattainable goal.
Why do students lose their focus?
Even if the end of the pandemic has alleviated students from isolation, online courses, and reinstated interaction with their peers; it has also distorted their focus when following courses on academic grounds.
Distractions caused by social media are an important reason for focus loss. This is because the use of mobile phones and the internet is an integral part of their daily life, especially since it has become the primary communication tool these days.
Bad eating habits and unstable sleeping patterns can also lead to the loss of focus. Most students tend to “make their lives easier” by avoiding nutritious meal preparations and thus consuming unhealthy snacks and food options.
Also, studies have shown that students have an overall poor sleep quality consisting of disrupted and short sleep patterns (1). These factors can all affect mental health and the ability to concentrate leading to nonproductive behaviors (2).
How to increase your focus as a student
The good news is that there are plenty of productive ways to improve your focus as a student.
First of all, a planner might narrow the overwhelming feeling and help reach achievement when starting a new task by maintaining effective schedules. This will also reduce anxiety and stress and will eventually improve concentration and productivity.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation can also help with building focus. Taking short breaks in between study sessions will aid with clearing your mind. This is vital to mental health and concentration.
Another way to enhance focus is brain training. The brain benefits from regular exercise and there are ways to specifically train your brain. Memory games, sudoku and word searchers are a successful way to stay off your phone while activating different parts of the brain and boost your concentration.
These are all exciting tips, but did you know nutrition and eating patterns also have an influence on your ability to focus?
Foods that can improve your focus
Nutrition affects your brain performance. There are foods known for improving attentiveness when incorporated in one’s daily diet. Berries, fatty fish, nuts, and eggs are just some options which have shown to have great effects on brain health (3).
While diet is key to a healthier lifestyle, students often find it difficult to retain a nutritious diet due to preparation time and costs. While keeping in mind that healthy balanced diet is essential, adding supplements is a way to boost your nutrient intake!
Essential vitamins and minerals
Supplements are an effective way to get the vitamins and minerals you need. Omega-3, vitamin D, C & B12 and magnesium are good options for memory and concentration and have been found to contribute to overall enhanced concentration and focus.
In fact, studies have shown that people with a low Vitamin B12 and D intake show a poor learning ability (4).
Anthocyanins
Fruits containing antioxidants are highly necessary to be included in your diet, especially when willing to boost your focus. More specifically, a category of antioxidants shown to have beneficial effects related to focus are anthocyanins. These anthocyanins have been associated with increasing cognitive performance in several studies.
Anthocyanins are antioxidants better known for giving fruits and vegetables a distinctive blue, purple or red color. (5)
Examples of antocyanin-containing fruits are blueberries, cherries, red grapes, and black plums. However, one of the highest concentrations of anthocyanins has been found in Aronia Melanocarpa, also known as the black chokeberry.
Aronia Melanocarpa contains high levels of the anthocyanin Cyanidin-3-0-Galactoside which has been shown to have effects on brain health and cognition. (6)
Curious to know more about the anthocyanin Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside? Click here!
Boost your focus with these tips
Studying properly is a skill that is learnt over time. Being able to concentrate on studying is an integral part of this skill. However, by integrating the above-mentioned techniques in your daily lives, you can certainly get an extra boost of focus and allow yourself to come close to your ideal studying practice.
Everything you need to know about Brainberry® and brain health
Everything you need to know about Brainberry® and brain health
We constantly use the brain to make decisions, to coordinate our movements, to focus and to memorize thousands of things. For this reason it is of utmost importance to make sure our brain is healthy. Every day we learn more about the brain and about how important it is to support our brain’s health. In this article, we will discuss what brain health is, why it is important, and how an ingredient like Brainberry® can help you support it.
What is brain health and why is it important?
The brain is a massive network of neurons, that accounts for 2% of our body weight. It is a very active organ that makes a ton of decisions on a daily basis, and despite its weight, it uses up to 20% of our total oxygen per day!
Other than oxygen, the brain needs a lot of nutrients to keep processes running, even when we are not awake. These nutrients are important to keep the brain healthy, meaning that it can function across cognitive, sensory, social, and motor domains. A healthy brain allows a person to live life to its fullest potential, which is why it’s important to keep your brain healthy.
How can you support brain health?
There are plenty of ways to keep your brain healthy. It has been shown that regular exercise is beneficial, but also that enough sleep is good to keep a healthy brain. Both staying socially involved and staying mentally active are also good for brain health and have been shown to ward off depression and stress.
Another way to support your brain health is by improving your gut health. The bidirectional communication system between your gut and brain is called the gut-brain axis and research has shown that gut bacteria and their metabolites affect brain health.
Moreover, your diet plays an enormous role in brain health. The Mediterranean diet is seen as supportive to a well-functioning brain because it includes a wide variation of nutrient-providing foods. Examples of these are seafood, fruits, vegetables, and olives.
Also supplementing with specific compounds can be a useful approach to support brain health. Berry anthocyanins are an example of specific compounds that can exhibit a beneficial effect on brain health and function.
More specifically, Aronia Melanocarpa berries, rich in anthocyanins, have been shown to provide health benefits on immune health, cardiovascular function, and brain health due to their antioxidant properties.
What are Aronia Melanocarpa berries?
Aronia berries are little dark fruits that belong to the Rosaceae Family. They are native to north America but are mostly grown in the Baltic region of Europe, where it was introduced in the first half of the 20th century.
As the locations where the plant is cultivated suggests, the Aronia plant is a low-demanding plant and thrives in harsher and colder regions.
What are the health benefits of Aronia berries?
Aronia berries have a lot of health benefits. They contain high levels of vitamin C, but the main reason they are healthy is due their high level of polyphenols, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins, which are all types of antioxidants. In fact, they contain one of the highest levels of antioxidants among all berries.
The main reason antioxidants are considered to be healthy, is because they can help to prevent free radicals from damaging the body’s cells. The health benefits of Aronia berries include strengthening the immune system, improving cardiovascular health, and improving brain health. For this function, they are considered a superfruit (1, 2).
Among the anthocyanins in Aronia berries is the phytocompound cyanidin-3-O-galactoside, which is a key molecule for brain health.
What is Cyanidin-3-O-Galactoside?
Several health benefits of Cy3Gal, also known as Idaein, in humans have been researched due to its excellent antioxidant capacity as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties (3). However, the brain health benefits might be the most interesting aspect of Cy3Gal.
Cy3Gal is a water-soluble molecule, which can cross the blood-brain barrier. Consequently, it can exert a health benefit on several brain regions, including the cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus.
What brain health benefits are associated with Cyanidin-3-O-galatoside?
Cy3Gal can cross the blood-brain barrier, which allows it to impact brain health in multiple regions of the brain. Firstly, in the hippocampus, Cy3Gal can lower the activity of acetylcholine esterase. As a result, acetylcholine is broken down at a slower rate, resulting in higher levels of this neurotransmitter. This leads to improved neuronal signaling.
In mice, Cy3Gal has been shown to relieve neuronal damage in the hippocampus and cortex and there is evidence that Cy3Gal may improve cognitive function (3, 4).
One of the most interesting effects of Cy3Gal is that it can increase the activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which has many beneficial effects.
What is brain-derived neurotrophic factor?
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a protein highly expressed in the central nervous system and especially in the brain. It promotes the growth of neurons, more specifically the dendrites and dendritic spines. This supports the hippocampus, a brain region good for learning and long-term memory. BDNF is also involved in repairing brain damage.
An ideal ingredient to target brain health is the Aronia Melanocarpa extract Brainberry®.
What is Brainberry®?
Brainberry® is an Aronia Melanocarpa extract that is standardized for high levels of Cy3Gal. It is designed to enhance cognitive performance and brain fitness and it has been clinically tested in multiple studies.
Brainberry® contains high levels of Cy3Gal, which makes it an interesting ingredient for brain health formulations to target benefits mentioned before. Even more so, because Brainberry® has been clinically tested in several studies that are further described in its White Paper.
It has been shown that Brainberry® has beneficial effects on cognitive performance, such as attention and psychomotor speed, executive function, and memory. Moreover, effects on vascular function and cardiometabolic risk markers were investigated.
Provided its health benefits, Brainberry® is an interesting ingredient for a wide variety of consumers, such as athletes, gamers and students.
How can Brainberry® support athletes?
Power, endurance and focus are important during sports. Increasing psychomotor speed and hand-eye coordination is an important goal for many athletes. For this reason, there is a diverse collection of products focused on increasing these parameters.
Pre-workout formulas are an example of this. These products are consumed by athletes from all disciplines briefly prior to their workout or training. The goal of consuming these types of formulas is to enhance acute exercise performance (5). Brainberry® can increase focus, psychomotor speed and mental flexibility, which is why it is a good ingredient for a pre-workout formula.
Additionally, Brainberry® has been demonstrated to significantly enhance cognitive performance in 35 professional basketball players. It also improved basketball-specific skills like shooting, rebounding, and dribbling.
How can Brainberry® help gamers?
Gaming requires many skills, such as visual-spatial skills that allow you to analyze, recognize, and rapidly respond to changes on the screen. Besides, gaming sessions can last for hours, which means enhanced attention and focus are crucial.
Brainberry®’s high levels of Cy3Gal, which improves focus and psychomotor control, make it a relevant ingredient for gaming supplements.
This is further supported by a consumer study done with Brainberry® in young, healthy e-gamers. In this study, Brainberry® significantly improved relevant measures for gaming performance, such as hand-eye coordination, focus, reaction time and energy.
How could students benefit from Brainberry®?
There is a lot of pressure on students to perform well during their studies while also being involved in a social environment. They study for entire days, especially during exam periods.
Coffee seems to be a common good for students in these periods, but did you know there are quite some substitutes for coffee that don’t have the downsides of causing stress, anxiety and sometimes sleeping problems?
Brainberry® could be an interesting solution for students that want to stay focused on their studies, but don’t want the well-known caffeine-rush later followed by a crash in energy levels.
That’s because Cy3Gal, the hero-component of Brainberry®, is a powerful antioxidant that supports brain function and focus, without the sometimes-troublesome side-effects of caffeine.
Other benefits of Brainberry®
Except for being clinically proven to enhance psychomotor speed, focus and attention, Brainberry® has other benefits as well. It is 100% natural as it is extracted from high-quality Aronia berries from the Baltics.
The dosage of Brainberry® is very low at 65 mg and it does not contain any stimulants that are usually associated with undesired side effects. This makes Brainberry® a healthier option compared to many stimulants.
The bioavailability of Cy3Gal is very high, which means it is rapidly absorbed by the body. Also, Brainberry® is easy to formulate thanks to its excellent solubility and pleasant taste.
Lastly, there are many environmental benefits of Aronia Melanocarpa. The Aronia plant helps keeping bees healthy and happy, consumes little water and it is naturally organic.
Learn more about Brainberry®
If you are curious to know more about Brainberry®, you can check out the product page of Brainberry® or its website.
Aronia Extract Brainberry® gains US patent for cognitive performance support
Aronia Extract Brainberry® gains US patent for cognitive performance support
Press release
BioActor’s Aronia Extract, Brainberry®, has been granted a US patent for supporting cognitive function. The patent protects the composition and dosage of the ingredient and serves as official recognition of its ability to boost brain fitness and performance, which was demonstrated in two clinical trials.
US Patent for Aronia Extract Brainberry®
BioActor’s Aronia Extract, Brainberry®, has been granted a US patent for supporting cognitive function and, specifically, for improving reaction time and attention.
The patent protects the composition and dosage of the ingredient and serves as official recognition of its ability to boost brain fitness and performance.
Brainberry® is an all-natural ingredient derived from Aronia Melanocarpa berries from the Baltics and standardized for 15% Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside content: a powerful bioactive able to cross the blood-brain barrier and exerts multiple brain fitness benefits.
The supporting research
The ingredient is supported by two randomized, double-blind clinical trials carried out by BioActor, one in mid-age and one in younger subjects.
The two studies demonstrated Brainberry®’s beneficial effect on cognitive functioning after low-dose long-term (6 weeks and 12 weeks) and short-term acute (7 days) consumption.
Researchers found that Brainberry® increases attention/concentration, reaction time, psychomotor function, and visual-motor coordination.
Moreover, it was demonstrated that a beneficial effect in maintaining optimal levels of BDNF, an essential protein for brain health that is involved in neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection mechanisms.
The clinical research so far conducted, revealed that both middle-aged individuals, young students and professionals can benefit from the daily consumption of a low dose of Brainberry®.
Two additional studies to further investigate the benefits and elucidate the mode of action of Brainberry® are ongoing, thanks to the Public Private Partnership established between BioActor and Maastricht University.
About BioActor
BioActor is a life science company based on the Maastricht Health Campus and dedicated to researching, developing and commercialising health ingredients addressing healthy ageing and active living. BioActor has a targeted portfolio of patented and branded health ingredients that are all based on food crops, clinically researched and produced in Europe.
For more info: www.bioactor.com or www.brainberry.eu
New Open Label Study: Brainberry® shows cognitive and performance benefits in professional basketball players.
New open-label study: Brainberry® shows cognitive and performance benefits in professional basketball players.
Press release
BioActor recruited 35 professional Greek male and female basketball players to assess their cognitive and basketball-specific skills after an acute and one-week intake of Brainberry®. Notably, cognitive performance linked to focus, reaction time and hand-eye coordination improved acutely and following a one-week intake. Also, basketball-specific skills like shooting, rebounding and dribbling improved significantly, underlining the ability of Brainberry® to benefit sports performance.
Open-label study in professional basketball players
According to the F.I.B.A. (Fédération Internationale de Basketball), more than 450 million people play basketball worldwide, and about 70.000 of them are professionals. In the US, basketball is one of the most followed sports, and according to Statista, the National Basketball Association (NBA) generates about $6 to $8 billion in revenue per season.
Especially at the top level, nutritional strategies to improve cognition are key to succeeding in this sport. A professional basketball player needs to combine cognitive and physical skills and react to different situations during the game. Moreover, since players need to communicate with each other and their coach while performing, the cognitive load involved in this sport is massive.
Brainberry® is a nootropic ingredient developed by BioActor to help consumers improve their brain fitness in a natural and safe way. More specifically, Brainberry® is an Aronia berry extract from the Baltics, standardized for high levels of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside.
BioActor already conducted 2 double-blind placebo-controlled clinical studies which demonstrated cognitive benefits in middle-aged healthy individuals and in young healthy individuals.
Moreover, in a previous open-label study, Brainberry® improved cognitive performance of amateur gamers. The study revealed that gamers can benefit from the consumption of Brainberry® and improve their gaming skills such as eye-hand coordination and focus.
In follow up to these studies, BioActor now completed another open-label study on 35 professional basketball players in Greece, who consumed 65 mg of Brainberry® for seven days. Basketball is characterized by highly intermittent actions with changes in movement type every 1-2 seconds. Particularly at the highest level, the combination of gross and fine motor skills along with cognitive functions and psychomotor control is key to success. Female and male professional basketball players were selected from teams that participate in the first Greek basketball league.
The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of a daily intake of a capsule containing 65mg of Brainberry® on overall cognitive and basketball-specific skills.
The study results
During the three time points, Baseline (Time 0), Acute (Time 1) and 7 days (Time 2), the participants had to fill out a questionnaire with specific questions aiming at assessing cognitive skills, basketball-specific skills, mood, and sleep quality. At Time 0, the participants did not consume Brainberry®, in order to generate a baseline measurement for their self-reported skills during a basketball session.
The results show that the basketball players who participated in the study experienced a significant improvement (P < 0.05) from day one, in terms of cognitive: focus, reaction time and eye-hand coordination; and basketball-specific skills: shooting, rebounding, and dribbling. At the same time, no significant differences were found in their speed and quality of sleep was not affected.
*Sig (P < 0.05) baseline vs acute; **Sig (P < 0.05) baseline vs after 7 days and ***Sig (P < 0.05) acute vs 7 days
With this additional study, which highlights the ability to enhance cognitive and basketball-specific skills, Brainberry® taps into the sports nutrition segment, where already some sports nutrition brands have adopted the ingredient and formulated products targeting brain fitness for athletes.
Vasiliki Louka, a professional basketball player that belongs to the women’s national Greek team stated:
“Brainberry® surprised me in a good way. This month was really tiring and stressful, especially for the athletes competing for the national team. I felt more focused during my training and considering that Brainberry® contains only natural ingredients, it makes it an interesting choice.”
Furthermore, the participants reported that one of the advantages of Brainberry®, compared to the most common caffeine-based supplements that they have been using, is that Brainberry® did not affect their quality of sleep and, at the same time, helped them decrease their stress level.
About BioActor
BioActor, based at the Maastricht Health Campus, Netherlands, is a life science company that has developed a range of proprietary bioactive ingredients for the nutrition & consumer health industries. The company focuses on the development of plant-based health ingredients for active living and healthy ageing. The goal is to provide the nutrition & consumer health industries with clinically tested innovations that confer a real health benefit to the consumer.
Feel free to contact BioActor via info@bioactor.com for more information on the possibilities Brainberry® has to offer.
Further information can be found on: www.brainberry.eu and www.bioactor.com
What are the best substitutes for caffeine?
What are the best substitutes for caffeine?
A wide variety of caffeine-containing products are available, ranging from coffee and tea to dietary supplements, sodas and energy drinks. However, consuming too much caffeine often leads to side effects such as stress, anxiety, and even sleeping problems. If you are looking for alternative products to boost energy levels and increase focus, Brainberry®, maca root, ginseng, Rhodiola, and Lion’s Mane are natural ingredients that can help you get through the day without side effects.
Why should you substitute caffeine with another ingredient?
Most people drink coffee regularly. It is consumed because people like the taste or because of the social aspects to drinking coffee. Even though there are many ways to improve your focus, coffee is often consumed because it makes people feel more awake, alert, and energetic.
Of course, coffee is a source of caffeine, which is the ingredient that gives coffee its effects. There are other drinks that contain caffeine, and some people even take dietary supplements containing caffeine to boost their energy levels during the day or for their workout. [1].
Besides positive effects, consumption of caffeine may also have some downsides. These include giving people feelings of stress and anxiety. Besides increasing these feelings, caffeine consumption could also lead to insomnia [2].
Caffeine is unique in its function, but these adverse effects are a reason for people to reduce the intake of caffeine and look for alternative ingredients. Here are some suggestions of natural substitutes that make you feel awake and help you focus, without leaving you feeling stressed.
The best substitutes for caffeine
1. Maca root
Maca is a plant that grows in Peru (also called Peruvian ginseng). It’s a plant that belongs to the brassica (mustard) family. It is traditionally used for nutritional and medicinal purposes. The plant is made into a powder that is often added to smoothies, juices, and shakes.
It has been used for centuries as a fertility enhancer in humans and animals, but now more benefits of consuming maca are being discovered. The benefits of maca root vary, and evidence shows it may help increase energy levels and improve mood.
Additionally, other findings show that maca can help against feelings of anxiety and stress. This makes Maca a good alternative to caffeine, which can have the opposite effect.
2. Ginseng
Like maca, ginseng is a herb made from the root of its plant. It has been one of the most important products for health care in Asia. There, it has been used to make traditional medicine for centuries.
There are different types of ginseng, which vary in the way they are grown and processed. White ginseng is dried naturally, while red ginseng is steamed before it is dried, which increases its efficacy. The most important compounds in ginseng are ginsenosides and gintonin [3].
Ginseng is one of the most popular caffeine substitutes. Various research demonstrated that this plant is able to improve brain functions, boost mood and memory, help against fatigue, and increase energy levels.
3. Brainberry® (Aronia berry extract)
Aronia berries are becoming increasingly popular among consumers because of their many demonstrated health benefits. Aronia plants are native to North America but are also commonly found in the Baltic region of Europe.
Brainberry® is an Aronia berry extract researched and developed by BioActor. It was demonstrated that the daily consumption of Brainberry® is able to boost mental energy and focus without side effects. An ideal alternative if you want to get rid of caffeine!
The main constituent of Brainberry is an anthocyanin called Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, a powerful antioxidant that can improve brain health and support brain function.
If this sparked your interest, you can find out everything you need to know about Brainberry®, brain health and improving your focus here.
4. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a plant that can be found in Europe and Asia. Like ginseng and maca its root is consumed for health benefits. Rosavin and salidroside are believed to be its most profitable compounds.
Rhodiola has been used for many years and has been mostly recommended to treat headaches, hernias and has also been used as an astringent. Nowadays, rhodiola is often consumed by people during stressful times.
If you’re looking for a natural alternative to caffeine that reduces fatigue, rhodiola is a good option because it has been shown to improve symptoms in participants that suffered from chronic fatigue. The stress-lowering and energizing effects of rhodiola make it a great natural replacement for coffee.
5. Lion’s Mane
Lion’s Mane is a mushroom that can grow long hair-like strings that resemble a lion’s mane. It is often found in North America, Europe, and Asia. It consists for roughly 20% out of protein.
Lion’s Mane is increasingly studied. It has properties that are believed to be neuroprotective. That is because two novel nerve growth factors have been discovered in this mushroom [4].
Lion’s Mane has thus been said to have positive effects on the brain. It can improve memory and helps to lower feelings of stress and anxiety. This makes it an ingredient that can help consumers cut down on their caffeine consumption.
The bottom line
We all love a good cup of coffee in the morning. However, there are several reasons to reduce caffeine intake and look for a substitute. The aforementioned ingredients are good natural alternatives to caffeine as they can boost energy levels and brain functions, without having any anxiety or stress inducing effects.
Cyanidin-3-O-Galactoside: A Natural Compound for Brain Health
Cyanidin-3-O-Galactoside:
A Natural Compound for Brain Health
Cyanidin 3-O-Galactoside is a powerful anthocyanidin naturally present in some foods and found in particularly high concentrations in Aronia melanocarpa berries (chokeberries). Research has demonstrated that this active compound is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and play a beneficial role in brain health and cognition. Cyanidin 3-O-Galactoside is believed to stimulate neurogenesis, improve neuron plasticity and reduce neuronal damage.
What is Cyanidin 3-O-Galactoside?
Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside (Cy3Gal), also known as ‘Idaein’, belongs to the class of organic compounds called anthocyanins and, more specifically, to the anthocyanidin-3-O-glycosides.
Cy3Gal is a water-soluble molecule found in high concentrations in some fruits –red-skinned apples and berries in particular– and it is responsible for their characteristic pigmentation.
Aronia melanocarpa berries, also known as chokeberries, contain the highest Cy3Gal content of all fruits, and are the most practical and efficient natural source to use for mechanical, water-based extraction of Cy3Gal in a high concentration.
Several health benefits of Cy3Gal in humans have been researched due to its excellent antioxidant capacity as well as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties [1].
However, brain health benefits and improved cognition are perhaps the most interesting when it comes to the health benefits provided by this active compound.
Cyanidin 3-O-Galactoside and brain health benefits
One of the most interesting properties associated with Cy3gal is the potential effect on brain health and cognition.
Cy3Gal is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and enter a wide range of brain regions, including the cortex, cerebellum and hippocampus.
In the hippocampus, Cy3Gal lowers the activity of acetylcholine esterase, triggering an increase in acetylcholine, which results in improved neuronal signalling.
At the same time, Cy3Gal increases the activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), resulting in increased neuron plasticity and neuronal functions. [2]
Moreover, according to a recently published study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry administration of Cy3Gal for 8 weeks in ageing mice relieved neuronal damage in the hippocampus and cortex [3].
The researchers determined that protein kinase B (AKT) may be the target of Cy3Gal, which played a beneficial role in controlling the brain’s energy metabolism, suggesting that early intervention with Cy3Gal could promote neuroprotection.
All in all, scientific evidence shows that Cy3Gal may produce neuroprotective activity and improve cognitive function [1, 4, 5].
Cyanidin 3-O-Galactoside: Brainberry®’s hero compound
Cy3Gal is one of the main focuses of BioActor’s research program, which together with Maastricht University (“UM”) established a Public-Private Partnership (“PPP”) to study the effects of Brainberry® on brain fitness and cognition.
Brainberry® is an Aronia melanocarpa extract standardized for high levels of Cy3Gal, developed by BioActor.
Brainberry® was investigated in the first-ever study to link Aronia berry extract to improved cognitive performance.
A 12-week double-blind placebo-controlled clinical study that included 101 subjects linked Aronia berry extract (Brainberry®) to a significant increase in psychomotor speed, eye-hand coordination and focus [6].
Sounds interesting? Here’s everything you need to know about Brainberry® and brain health.