HEALTH: Research shows that seeds and nuts are brain foods that can also stabilize your mood (DIET, REMEDIES)

[Guest guest]

Research shows that seeds and nuts are " brain foods " that can also

stabilize your mood

August 7 2006

 

Can some foods make you smarter? Research shows that nuts and seeds just

might boost your brainpower and balance your moods. That's right,

everything from the most common nuts -- such as walnuts, hazelnuts,

cashews and almonds -- to the more exotic seeds and nuts can clear up

that " brain fog " and enable you to think clearer and be happier than you

ever imagined.

 

Both figuratively and literally speaking, walnuts are " brain food. " As

Rebecca Wood points out in her " New Foods Encyclopedia, " the walnut

looks remarkably like the human brain. " The thin, outer green husk,

which is removed before the walnuts are marketed, is likened to the

scalp. The walnut's hard shell is like a skull. The thin envelope

inside, with its paper-like partitions between the two halves of the

nut, is like the membrane. The convoluted nut itself represents the

human brain's two hemispheres. " Now, you might not like to remember this

resemblance while you're eating a handful of them, but you will want to

remember that walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and

contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids (omega-3

fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent source

of nourishment for your nervous system.

 

A healthy nervous system means both clearer and happier thinking,

according to research. In fact, according to Readers Digest's " Fight

Back with Food, " under-consumption of omega-3-rich foods may actually

lead to depression. The same walnuts that you can find in the baking

aisle of just about any grocery store, may be able to boost your mood in

a way similar to the famous antidepressant drug Prozac. Back in November

2004, NewsTarget covered the amazing antidepressant effects of omega-3

fatty acids.

 

As is the case with Prozac, walnuts' potential antidepressant effect

pertains to serotonin, the important brain chemical that controls both

your moods and your appetite. Like Prozac and other selective serotonin

reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs), walnuts may influence the human

brain's serotonin levels, according to Professor James Duke's book

" Anti-Aging Prescriptions. " That means that you may be able to relieve

the disorders commonly treated with antidepressant drugs -- insomnia,

depression, overeating and other compulsive behavior -- without the

dangerous side effects.

 

Walnuts aren't the only nut with mood-boosting omega-3s, either. Gandhi

praised flax seeds as a wonder food, and many nutritionists and health

food fans everywhere agree. In fact, at a recent visit to the Canyon

Ranch Health Resort, flax seeds were all the rage. Guests just couldn't

get enough flaxseed bread and whole flax seeds as a garnish, and with

good reason. Flax seeds are an excellent source for omega-3s, making

them a viable source for those who don't like to eat fish, the most

common source of omega-3s.

 

Like walnuts, flax seeds may offer an alternative to antidepressant

pharmaceuticals, which are often loaded with side effects. However, as

the editors of Bottom Line Health point out in their " Uncommon Cures for

Everyday Ailments, " the effectiveness of walnuts or any other

emotion-boosting seeds and nuts depends on the severity of your mental

disorder. Furthermore, boosting your moods with nutrition should not be

used as a substitute for the care of a medical specialist.

 

Walnuts aren't the only common nuts that can boost your moods and your

brainpower. According to Professor James Duke, many varieties of seeds

and nuts contain tryptophan, an important amino acid that the brain

converts to serotonin. Roasted pumpkin seeds and dry sunflower seeds are

an excellent source of tryptophan, making them a safe, natural way to

relive mild depression and insomnia. Additionally, sunflower seeds are

high in thiamine, an important B vitamin for memory and cognitive function.

 

While you're in the nut aisle shopping for walnuts, pumpkin seeds and

sunflower seeds, be sure to pick up some cashews, almonds, pecans and

peanuts too. Each can improve your mental health in its own way. Cashews

are high in magnesium, which can " open up " the blood vessels in your

body, including those in your brain. When more oxygen-rich blood

nourishes your brain, like any organ, it operates better. By providing

your body with phenylalanine, adding almonds to your diet can do wonders

for your mental and neurological health.

 

According to " Off the Shelf Natural Health: How to Use Herbs and

Nutrients to Stay Well " author Mark Mayell, phenylalanine has the rare

ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it then stimulates your

brain to produce " the natural pain-killing and mood-boosting

neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. " Accordingly,

phenylalanine-rich almonds can drastically reduce the symptoms of

Parkinson's Disease, a neurological disorder that is always debilitating

and often eventually deadly. Additionally, almonds are high in

riboflavin, which may boost your memory. Peanuts and pecans provide

another important nutrient for optimal brain function, choline.

According to " Permanent Remissions " by Robert Haas, choline aids in both

memory and brain development.

 

When you look at our history as a species, the knowledge that some seeds

and nuts may enhance brainpower and moods makes perfect sense. As

" Origin Diet " author Elizabeth Somer writes, seeds and nuts were an

essential part of our ancestors' diets: " Up to 65 percent of our

original diets were fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other

plants. Our ancient ancestors ate pounds of produce every day. The other

35 percent came from wild game, low in saturated fats and rich in

polyunsaturated fats called the omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Hundreds of studies spanning decades of research show that diets based

on these foods are also the ones that lower disease risk, prevent

obesity, boost energy and mood, improve mental function, and slow

aging. " Seeds and nuts are essential to a healthy, well-functioning

brain and, if they're high in omega-3, essential to the brain

development of an unborn fetus and growing child. It is worth your

efforts to make them part of your diet, and that of your family.

 

The experts speak on seeds, nuts and your mental health:

 

" Walnuts are both figuratively and literally 'brain food' "

 

According to the Doctrine of Signature, since the walnut looks like the

human brain, it is used for brain injuries and mental illness in

traditional, plant-based medical systems. The thin, outer green husk,

which is removed before the walnuts are marketed, is likened to the

scalp. The walnut's hard shell is like a skull. The thin envelope

inside, with its paper-like partitions between the two halves of the

nut, is like the membrane. The convoluted nut itself represents the

human brain's two hemispheres. Eating a handful of walnuts would not

cure a concussion. However, walnuts freshly cooked in a rice congee (see

page 290) and eaten daily for a week or more will energetically support

the brain's healing.

New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood, page 363

 

Walnuts. Another of the great nuts, walnuts are a real brain food (they

even look like little brains). The fatty acids and the 15-20 percent

protein level nourish the nervous system, and the walnut when shelled

looks remarkedly like the human cerebral cortex. The walnut is about 65

percent fat. It can be eaten raw or used in baking, and the pressed

walnut oil can be used in cooking or even for oiling wood. It should be

used fresh, though, as it is not very resistant to spoilage.

Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 335

 

Walnut oil and walnuts add linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids for a

well-oiled brain.

Superfoods by Dolores Riccio, page 439

 

Loaded with unsaturated fat, vitamin E, and ellagic acid, walnuts can

lower cholesterol, fight cancer, and boost your brainpower. Use walnuts

for baking or cooking, throw them in a salad for some crunch, or just

munch on them for a tasty snack.

Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC & A Medical Publishing, page 349

 

In this section we consider the properties and healthful use of nuts and

oil-rich seeds. These fatty foods are typically the best sources of

vitamin E, which acts as a nerve protector and immune-enhancing

antioxidant; common nuts and seeds also contain the greatest quantity of

fats of all unprocessed foods--much of it in the form of essential fatty

acids. Both fats and the fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin E, play an

crucial role in liver function and its attendant emotions of anger,

depression, and impatience. People who eat isolated fats such as refined

seed oils have a greater need for vitamin E as an antioxidant to protect

against the oxidation of these oils. On the other hand, if large amounts

of isolated vitamin E is ingested, more fat is craved. By eating vitamin

E as a component of the oils it naturally occurs in, for instance, in

nuts, seeds, unrefined oils, and whole grains, there is less need to be

concerned about taking supplemental vitamin E for protection.

Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 490

 

Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, a form of vitamin B6, is involved in more bodily

functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects both mental

and physical health and plays a role in the body's defenses against

cancer. Food sources include brewer's yeast, carrots, chicken, eggs,

fish, meat, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and wheat germ.

Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 10

 

Sunflower seeds are a good source of this essential B vitamin (0.7mg per

ounce, or 43% of the Daily Value); thiamin promotes brain function,

including memory.

Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

 

Low thiamin levels were linked to some impairment in brain activity.

Thiamin, known as die " nerve vitamin, " is concentrated in wheat germ and

bran, nuts, meat and fortified cereals.

Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 279

 

According to him, this is the way they work: Tobacco releases stored

sugar (glycogen) from the liver and this perks up one's brain. Sunflower

seeds provide calories that give the same mental lift.

Encyclopedia of Fruits Vegetables Herbs by John Heinennan, page 323

 

Evidence is emerging that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those present in

fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, play a key role in optimal mental

activity, which may influence mood and insomnia. Some findings suggest

depression may be related to inadequate intake of these healthful fats.

Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

 

It's a truth that Big Pharma hates to hear: omega-3 fatty acids prevent

mental depression, and they do it without the dangerous side effects of

antidepressant drugs. That's why healthy people avoid ALL prescription

drugs and, instead, turn to nature by consuming whole foods, superfoods,

healthy fish oils, good fats, nutritional supplements and other

health-enhancing substances. " Omega-3 fatty acids prevent mental

depression without dangerous side effects of antidepressant drugs "

 

Serotonin is a brain chemical (neu-rotransmitter) that contributes to

the regulation of mood and feelings of fullness. Many antidepressant

medications, most notably the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

such as fluoxetine (Prozac), influence serotonin levels in the brain.

Perhaps walnuts have the same effect.

Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 268

 

Walnuts strengthen the blood, overcome debility and tonify the kidneys,

liver and brain. They are good for relieving coughs, aiding intestinal

smoothness, seminal emission in men, dry and withering skin, white hair,

weight loss, forgetfulness, insomnia and neurasthenia.

The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 142

 

Walnuts are a yang tonic with some yin lubricating properties. As a

brain tonic and for male impotence and lower back pain from yang

deficiency, eat 20 walnuts a day for at least 1 -2 months.

The Way Of Chinese Herbs by Michael Tierra LAc OMD, page 104

 

Walnuts in the salad, along with fish, are good brain food.

Superfoods by Dolores Riccio, page 508

 

Another study showed that people free of Parkinson's said as young

adults they ate more seeds, nuts and salad oils, rich in vitamin E.

Thus, researchers speculate that too little vitamin E foods earlier in

life might somehow leave the brain vulnerable to the onset of

Parkinson's years later. There's even preliminary evidence that massive

doses of vitamin E (800 to 3,000 units daily) may slow progression of

the disease. More extensive tests of vitamin E therapy for Parkinson's

are ongoing.

Food Your Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 445

 

Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and grains helps open

the door to your storehouse of memories. These foods contain powerful

antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, and selenium.

Research shows as the level of antioxidant nutrients in your blood

rises, so does your mental function.

Natural Cures And Gentle Medicines by The Editors of FC & A Medical

Publishing, page 171

 

 

" Flax seeds also contain emotion-boosting omega-3 fatty acids "

 

Flax. Whether in the form of flaxseed oil or flaxseeds, this plant gives

you a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid

that lowers blood pressure and your risk for stroke. This wonder food,

once praised by Gandhi, also fights arthritis, heart disease, diabetes,

stomach disorders, and even mental problems. It also protects against

cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon.

The Folk Remedy Encyclopedia by the Editors of FC & A Medical Publishing,

page 155

 

The natural fats found in seeds, nuts, avocados, and olives also provide

phytochemicals, health-enhancing compounds that lower disease risk. The

fats in fish, flaxseed meal, and walnuts supply the omega-3 fatty acids

that help prevent depression and age-related memory loss.

Food & Mood by Elizabeth Somer MA RD, page 279

 

Olives and olive oil, avocados, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acid--rich fish

are not only safe, they are needed by our bodies and our brains. Of

course, that doesn't give us license to go overboard. These fats are

just as calorie-concentrated as saturated fat and will add inches to our

waistlines if consumed in excess.

The Origin Diet by Elizabeth Somer, page 148

 

Omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found

naturally in vegetables, fish oils, and human milk. A correct balance of

omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body is crucial, as they have

different functions and often complement each other. PUFAs are necessary

for proper development of a child's brain and nervous system. Pregnant

and nursing women should add PUFA-rich foods such as nuts, seeds, soy

foods, flaxseeds, cold-water ocean fish, and vegetables to their diets.

Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 252

 

" Fish are not only brain food, they're also 'anti-pain' food, " says

Germano. If you're not a fish lover, you can also get some omega-3 from

nuts, seeds, and wheat germ.

Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC & A Medical Publishing, page 129

 

Feeling blue? Whether from PMS or menopausal hormonal fluctuations,

certain snacks can boost your mood. Bananas, tomatoes, walnuts and

carbohydrates, such as bread with jam, help the body raise levels of

serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates mood.

Depending on the severity of your depression, changes in diet may offer

some relief and can also work well in conjunction with other remedies,

such as antidepressants or therapy.

Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments by the editors of Bottom Line

Health, page 159

 

 

" Other common nuts and seeds with powerful brain-boosting abilities "

 

As for seeds, many varieties are rich in the amino acid tryptophan, a

precursor to the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) serotonin. Serotonin

is an antidepressant. Since people tend to overeat when they're

depressed or anxious, eating seeds may help lift their spirits and

prevent weight gain.

Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 260

 

To ease the feelings of insomnia and mild depression that frequently

accompany menopause, consume foods high in tryptophan, such as milk,

poultry, and nuts. This amino acid is converted into the brain chemical

serotonin, which promotes relaxation and rest. Tryptophan may also help

reduce feelings of mild depression. Complex carbohydrates, such as

beans, potatoes, and grains, may be helpful as well because they are

believed to enhance the bioavailability of tryptophan in the brain.

Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

 

Among the foods with the best ratios of tryptophan to other amino acids

are roasted pumpkin seeds, dried sunflower seeds, bananas, milk,

peanuts, and lentils. Still, you must eat relatively large amounts of

these foods to approach the levels of tryptophan once widely available

in supplements. For example, eating 100 grams, about 3.5 ounces, of

pumpkin seeds, or drinking four cups of milk, provides a dose of about

500 mg of tryptophan. To boost mood, eat some of these

tryptophan-specific foods while avoiding other sources of protein.

Tryptophan can cause relaxation and even drowsiness in many people when

used at night.

Off The Shelf Natural Health: How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To Stay

Well By Mark Mayell, page 152

 

Also, he says, try to eat foods high in magnesium content, such as

spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, cashews and

soybeans. Magnesium relaxes muscles in the walls of blood vessels,

including those running to the brain, which may help prevent migraines,

says Dr. Klaper.

New Choices In Natural Healing by Prevention Magazine, page 428

 

Phenylalanine is found in common protein foods, including poultry,

meats, soybeans, fish, dairy products, nuts, and seeds, as well as the

synthetic sweetener aspartame. Such sources supply the average person

with an estimated 500 to 2,000 mg of phenylalanine from diet alone. In

the body it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. It stimulates

production in the brain of the natural pain-killing and mood-boosting

neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Some studies

show a beneficial effect on people with Parkinson's disease.

Off the Shelf Natural Health: How to Use Herbs and Nutrients to Stay

Well By Mark Mayell, page 54

 

L-phenylalanine, which is found naturally in such protein-rich foods as

cottage cheese, soy products, almonds, dry skim milk, and many more, can

aid in appetite control (while nourishing the brain) if taken one hour

before meals with juice or water.

Vitamin Bible By Earl Mindell, page 119

 

People who got enough riboflavin did better on memory tests. Best

sources: liver, milk, almonds, fortified cereals.

Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 279

 

Combine almonds, dates, and water into an almond milk, a traditional

" brain food. "

Power Foods by Stephanie Beling MD, page 139

 

Choline is a key component of lecithin, known chemically as

phosphatidylcholine, a member of a family of fatty substances known as

phospholipids. Studies have shown that choline plays an important role

in brain development and memory and decreases the risk of getting heart

disease and cancer. Like folic acid, choline can help lower homocysteine

levels in the body... Foods rich in choline (Table 8.8) include wheat

germ (1,400 milligrams per lk cup), peanuts (1,111 milligrams per lli

cup), whole-wheat flour (613 milligrams per lli cup), and pecans (333

milligrams per lh cup).

Permanent Remissions by Robert Haas MS, page 186

 

The body uses L-carnitine to produce the enzyme acetyl-L-carnitine

transferase, which boosts choline metabolism and releases acetylcholine

in the brain. Good food sources of choline include eggs, soybeans,

cabbage, peanuts, and cauliflower. Take up to 3 mg. of choline daily.

Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 258

 

An essential amino acid, methionine is not synthesized in the body and

so must be obtained from food sources or from dietary supplements. Good

food sources of methionine include beans, eggs, fish, garlic, lentils,

meat, onions, soybeans, seeds, and yogurt. Because the body uses

methionine to derive a brain food called choline, it is wise to

supplement the diet with choline or lecithin (which is high in choline)

to ensure that the supply of methionine is not depleted.

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F

Balch MD, page 50

 

Phosphatidyl-choline is the major structural and functional component of

brain-cell membranes. Without this chemical, brain cells undergo

degenerative changes. The brain requires choline to produce

acetylcholine, a chemical that plays a vital role in memory.

Phosphatidyl-choline is derived from choline and lecithin; natural

sources include eggs, soybeans, cabbage, cauliflower, organ meats,

spinach, nuts, and wheat germ. Typical dose: one tablespoon of lecithin

provides 250 mg of choline or supplement with 1,200 mg of

phosphatidyl-choline, 2-3 times daily.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 527

 

DILL Seed, Oil (Anethum graveolens) Umbellifer family. Grows 4-6 feet

tall with feathery leaves and yellow flowers/seed clusters. Dose 10

grains to 1/2 tsp.; a preservative, aromatic, stimulant, carminative.

Strengthens the brain, for nervousness, …

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 30

 

To a warm bath, add a little raw sesame oil or massage some into your

shoulders, elbows, knees, and feet. Play a tape of forest or swamp

sounds. For extreme anxiety, put one drop of sesame oil into each

nostril with a dropper. This is very quieting because the nerves in your

nose go right to the brain.

Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady DAc, page 14

 

 

" Gingko and other more exotic seeds and nuts "

 

Fresh or canned ginkgo nuts (fresh have a much better flavor) are

available in Asian markets and some natural food stores. Use a

nutcracker to crack the outer thin beige shell. Inside, the nuts are

covered by a brown skin. To loosen the skin, put the nuts in a pot of

hot water over a low heat for a few minutes. Leave the nuts in the water

and then gently peel the skin with a slotted spoon. In recent years,

scientists have found that the leaf of the ginkgo tree contains potent

antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and heart disease.

Studies have also shown that extracts of the ginkgo leaf can improve the

flow of blood throughout the body, especially to the brain. Ginkgo is

being investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and asthma. In

Europe, ginkgo extract is a leading over-the-counter drug taken to

promote good circulation and improve memory. Although little research

has been done on ginkgo nuts, it stands to reason that the fruit of this

tree must contain some beneficial compounds.

Earl Mindell's Soy Miracle by Earl Mindel RPH PHD, page 103

 

For thousands of years, the Chinese have used ginkgo seeds as a

treatment for conditions that traditional medicine considered " wet and

runny, " such as asthma and tuberculosis. They also used them as an aid

to digestion and to expel intestinal worms. They created a tincture or

extract as an aid to circulation and mental performance. The coatings of

the seeds were used as an insecticide. As early as 2800 b.c.e., they

used ginkgo leaves to restore memory and ease breathing problems.

Ginko by Georges Halpern MD PhD, page 79

 

But I couldn't for the life of me figure out why he included one-third

ginkgo leaves and seeds along with his other one-third schizandra fruit.

It was explained to me by this patient, old fellow that ginkgo helped to

increase the vital " life energies " passing through the brain.

Encyclopedia of Fruits Vegetables Herbs by John Heinennan, page 382

 

This herb can speed up brain activity. One of the extracts of periwinkle

seeds works as a powerful enhancer of memory function by improving blood

flow to the brain. In one study, secretaries who took periwinkle

improved their ability to remember sequences of words by 40 percent.

Take 20 to 40 milligrams a day, says Dr. Hauser.

Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 437

 

Proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid extract derived from grape seeds or

pine bark, provides antioxidant protection to the brain and central

nervous system. It strengthens blood vessel walls and improves

circulation. Increased blood flow helps prevent ischemia in brain tissue

and reduce mental deterioration.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321

 

Powerful antioxidant compounds called procyanidins are found in an

extract of grapeseeds. These compounds can help collect harmful

byproducts of the body's chemical processes that exist in brain tissue.

Typical dosage: enough extract to provide 50 to 200 milligrams of

procyanidins per day.

The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White MD, page 452

 

Proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid extract derived from grape seeds or

pine bark, provides antioxidant protection to the brain and central

nervous system. It strengthens blood vessel walls and improves

circulation. Increased blood flow helps prevent ischemia in brain tissue

and reduce mental deterioration.

Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321

 

GUARANA. Brazilian cocoa. Paullinia cupana. French: Quarane. Italian:

Quarana. Spanish: Quarana. Legendary sacred fruit of the Amazon Indians.

Seeds, roasted and ground to a fine powder. … [used] to sustain the

brain during prolonged mental effort. Stress-related headaches.

Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartram, page 208

 

Isoflavones, a specific kind of phytoestrogen, are found mostly in

soy-based foods like soybeans, tofu, miso, and soy nuts. Asian women eat

about one type of soy food every day and report very few hot flashes and

mood swings during menopause. This could mean they're getting some

estrogen from their diet.

Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC & A Medical Publishing, page 251

 

Milk or marian thistle (Silybum marianum); seeds and roots; strengthens

the memory because of the effect on circulation; excellent for liver

congestion and disease; leaves good in salads, peeled stalks can be

eaten fresh or baked into pies.

School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R Christopher, page 500

 

Zizyphus seeds help calm the mind and emotions, treating insomnia,

irritability, palpitations, anxiety and nervous exhaustion. It also

reduces spontaneous sweating or night sweats, amnesia and poor memory.

This moistening, nurturing and strengthening herb helps lack of energy

and blood and is safe for children and the weak or elderly.

The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 199

 

The oil from evening primrose seeds is high in an essential fatty acid

called gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. Canadian researchers have used

evening primrose oil as a clinical treatment for Parkinson's and other

tremor-causing disorders. Typical dosage: 2 tablespoons of evening

primrose oil per day,- or 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams in capsules per day.

The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White MD, page 453

 

 

" A historical perspective "

 

Up to 65 percent of our original diets ¦were fresh fruits and

vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other plants. Our ancient ancestors ate

pounds of produce every day. The other 35 percent came from wild game,

low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats called the

omega-3 fatty acids. Hundreds of studies spanning decades of research

show that diets based on these foods are also the ones that lower

disease risk, prevent obesity, boost energy and mood, improve mental

function, and slow aging.

The Origin Diet by Elizabeth Somer, page 24

 

Psychoactive plants occur mainly among the highly-evolved flowering

plants, and in one group of spore-bearing fungi; including scores of

plants' barks, resins, flowers, seeds, and leaves. These plants have

been used and revered through the centuries by high " priests " and

medicine men of many cultures, by those independent religious seekers of

understanding and oneness with the Great Spirit; and for

stress-reduction, and spiritual Godlike insight by contemporary

civilizations.

Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 30

 

 

" Nuts and seeds are essential to a healthy, well-functioning brain "

 

During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetus's brain undergoes a

tremendous growth spurt, for which large amounts of Omega-3 DHA and

Omega-6 ARA are needed. When a vegetarian mother-to-be consumes nuts,

seeds, grains and oils that supply linoleic acid, the first member of

the Omega-6 family, her body's enzymes are able to convert linoleic acid

into enough ARA to take care of both her needs and the needs of her baby.

Omega 3 Oils by Donald Rudin MD and Clara Felix, page 90

 

If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, now is the time to make those

dietary changes away from highly processed fats and oils, and enjoy the

beneficial oils provided by nature, like deep-sea fish, butter, olive

oil, raw nuts and seeds, and the like. These oils will help construct a

healthy brain in your growing child.

The Crazy Makers by Carol Simontacchi, page 80

 

Glucose is not the only end product of photosynthesis. However, it is

the most important one--especially for us, since our brains would starve

in minutes without glucose. There are other carbohydrate end products

which are responsible for all the rich variety of vegetables, fruits,

grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds we enjoy.

Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 67

 

The most important dietary fats are polyunsaturated fats, which are

found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and cold-water fish. They are

the most biologically active of all fats and are involved in energy

production, cellular membrane structure, and a host of other functions.

Within this class of fats are two unique nutrients known as essential

fatty acids (EFAs), which play vital roles in the maintenance of health

and the optimal functioning of the brain.

The memory Solution by Dr. Julian Whitaker, page 73

 

By making conscious choices, not only did he feel good but his tremors

were completely gone, the brain fog lifted, and his mental clarity

sharpened. He reported that every neurological and physical symptom was

gone simply by eliminating processed and unhealthy foods, eating live,

healing foods (including nuts, seeds, vegetables, tubers, and fruits),

drinking juices, allowing only positive thoughts, reorganizing his day,

exercising, cleaning the environment, and cleaning his colon. Without

any medical treatment his condition was reversed. He was not the only

person in the group to show tremendous improvement; another woman with

Parkinson's disease reported an improvement of about 90 percent by

adhering to the protocol.

Power Aging by Gary Null, page 178

 

Low levels of DMG are present in meats, seeds, and grains. It is a safe,

nontoxic food substance that does not build up in the body. No

deficiency symptoms are associated with a lack of DMG in the diet, but

taking supplemental DMG can have a wide range of beneficial effects,

including helping the body maintain high energy levels and boosting

mental acuity.

Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and James F

Balch MD, page 67

 

Nuts also contain pyrazine, which triggers the pleasure center of the

brain. The mere smell of a freshly opened can of mixed nuts or a jar of

peanut butter provides a strong whiff of pyrazine and a hefty dose of

pleasure chemicals. Many of my clients binge-eat nuts due to their

unfulfilled desires for pure fun and enjoyment.

Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue PhD, page 196

 

Fruits and nuts are brain food? Yes, according to recent experiments by

research psychologist James Penland, Ph.D., at the U.S. Department of

Agriculture's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. That's

because fruits and nuts are high in boron, a trace mineral diat appears

to affect the electrical activity of the brain. Skimping on boron can

subdue your mental alertness, says Dr. Penland, meaning you could have

difficulty performing certain tasks. Where, specifically, is boron? In

nuts, legumes, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and fruits, especially

apples, pears, peaches and grapes. You would get your entire test dose

of three milligrams of brain-stimulating boron if you ate only a couple

of apples (one milligram of boron) and three and a half ounces of

peanuts (two milligrams of boron) in a day.

Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 278-9

 

By the psychoactive chemicals we ingest through smelling. Foods in the

nut group--including coffee, chocolate, and all nuts--give off an odor

called pyrazine. Pyrazine triggers the pleasure center of the brain,

stimulating the production of many feel-good chemicals. This

mood-altering chemical reaches our brain through our olfactory

senses--that is, through our noses. That's one of the reasons why the

smell of ground coffee or mixed nuts makes us feel so good, when we

first open the can.

Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue PhD, page 114

 

 

Permalink: http://www.NewsTarget.com/019885.html

 

***

[Guest guest]

Hi from Anna; i just reread the article on the Target Insider

website; amazing that Seeds and Nuts raise levels of Serotonin.

 

Nuts and Seeds can be purchased as butters; such as:

 

*Peanut Butter;Sunflower Seed Butter;Sesame Seed Paste;Almond Butter.-

-- In , wildmouse <wildmouse

wrote:

>

> Research shows that seeds and nuts are " brain foods " that can also

> stabilize your mood

> August 7 2006

>

> Can some foods make you smarter? Research shows that nuts and seeds

just

> might boost your brainpower and balance your moods. That's right,

> everything from the most common nuts -- such as walnuts, hazelnuts,

> cashews and almonds -- to the more exotic seeds and nuts can clear

up

> that " brain fog " and enable you to think clearer and be happier

than you

> ever imagined.

>

> Both figuratively and literally speaking, walnuts are " brain food. "

As

> Rebecca Wood points out in her " New Foods Encyclopedia, " the walnut

> looks remarkably like the human brain. " The thin, outer green husk,

> which is removed before the walnuts are marketed, is likened to the

> scalp. The walnut's hard shell is like a skull. The thin envelope

> inside, with its paper-like partitions between the two halves of

the

> nut, is like the membrane. The convoluted nut itself represents the

> human brain's two hemispheres. " Now, you might not like to remember

this

> resemblance while you're eating a handful of them, but you will

want to

> remember that walnuts are made up of 15 to 20 percent protein and

> contain linoleic (omega-6 fatty acids) and alpha-linoleic acids

(omega-3

> fatty acids), vitamin E and vitamin B6, making them an excellent

source

> of nourishment for your nervous system.

>

> A healthy nervous system means both clearer and happier thinking,

> according to research. In fact, according to Readers

Digest's " Fight

> Back with Food, " under-consumption of omega-3-rich foods may

actually

> lead to depression. The same walnuts that you can find in the

baking

> aisle of just about any grocery store, may be able to boost your

mood in

> a way similar to the famous antidepressant drug Prozac. Back in

November

> 2004, NewsTarget covered the amazing antidepressant effects of

omega-3

> fatty acids.

>

> As is the case with Prozac, walnuts' potential antidepressant

effect

> pertains to serotonin, the important brain chemical that controls

both

> your moods and your appetite. Like Prozac and other selective

serotonin

> reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs), walnuts may influence the human

> brain's serotonin levels, according to Professor James Duke's book

> " Anti-Aging Prescriptions. " That means that you may be able to

relieve

> the disorders commonly treated with antidepressant drugs --

insomnia,

> depression, overeating and other compulsive behavior -- without the

> dangerous side effects.

>

> Walnuts aren't the only nut with mood-boosting omega-3s, either.

Gandhi

> praised flax seeds as a wonder food, and many nutritionists and

health

> food fans everywhere agree. In fact, at a recent visit to the

Canyon

> Ranch Health Resort, flax seeds were all the rage. Guests just

couldn't

> get enough flaxseed bread and whole flax seeds as a garnish, and

with

> good reason. Flax seeds are an excellent source for omega-3s,

making

> them a viable source for those who don't like to eat fish, the most

> common source of omega-3s.

>

> Like walnuts, flax seeds may offer an alternative to antidepressant

> pharmaceuticals, which are often loaded with side effects. However,

as

> the editors of Bottom Line Health point out in their " Uncommon

Cures for

> Everyday Ailments, " the effectiveness of walnuts or any other

> emotion-boosting seeds and nuts depends on the severity of your

mental

> disorder. Furthermore, boosting your moods with nutrition should

not be

> used as a substitute for the care of a medical specialist.

>

> Walnuts aren't the only common nuts that can boost your moods and

your

> brainpower. According to Professor James Duke, many varieties of

seeds

> and nuts contain tryptophan, an important amino acid that the brain

> converts to serotonin. Roasted pumpkin seeds and dry sunflower

seeds are

> an excellent source of tryptophan, making them a safe, natural way

to

> relive mild depression and insomnia. Additionally, sunflower seeds

are

> high in thiamine, an important B vitamin for memory and cognitive

function.

>

> While you're in the nut aisle shopping for walnuts, pumpkin seeds

and

> sunflower seeds, be sure to pick up some cashews, almonds, pecans

and

> peanuts too. Each can improve your mental health in its own way.

Cashews

> are high in magnesium, which can " open up " the blood vessels in

your

> body, including those in your brain. When more oxygen-rich blood

> nourishes your brain, like any organ, it operates better. By

providing

> your body with phenylalanine, adding almonds to your diet can do

wonders

> for your mental and neurological health.

>

> According to " Off the Shelf Natural Health: How to Use Herbs and

> Nutrients to Stay Well " author Mark Mayell, phenylalanine has the

rare

> ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, where it then stimulates

your

> brain to produce " the natural pain-killing and mood-boosting

> neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline. "

Accordingly,

> phenylalanine-rich almonds can drastically reduce the symptoms of

> Parkinson's Disease, a neurological disorder that is always

debilitating

> and often eventually deadly. Additionally, almonds are high in

> riboflavin, which may boost your memory. Peanuts and pecans provide

> another important nutrient for optimal brain function, choline.

> According to " Permanent Remissions " by Robert Haas, choline aids in

both

> memory and brain development.

>

> When you look at our history as a species, the knowledge that some

seeds

> and nuts may enhance brainpower and moods makes perfect sense. As

> " Origin Diet " author Elizabeth Somer writes, seeds and nuts were an

> essential part of our ancestors' diets: " Up to 65 percent of our

> original diets were fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and

other

> plants. Our ancient ancestors ate pounds of produce every day. The

other

> 35 percent came from wild game, low in saturated fats and rich in

> polyunsaturated fats called the omega-3 fatty acids.

>

> Hundreds of studies spanning decades of research show that diets

based

> on these foods are also the ones that lower disease risk, prevent

> obesity, boost energy and mood, improve mental function, and slow

> aging. " Seeds and nuts are essential to a healthy, well-functioning

> brain and, if they're high in omega-3, essential to the brain

> development of an unborn fetus and growing child. It is worth your

> efforts to make them part of your diet, and that of your family.

>

> The experts speak on seeds, nuts and your mental health:

>

> " Walnuts are both figuratively and literally 'brain food' "

>

> According to the Doctrine of Signature, since the walnut looks like

the

> human brain, it is used for brain injuries and mental illness in

> traditional, plant-based medical systems. The thin, outer green

husk,

> which is removed before the walnuts are marketed, is likened to the

> scalp. The walnut's hard shell is like a skull. The thin envelope

> inside, with its paper-like partitions between the two halves of

the

> nut, is like the membrane. The convoluted nut itself represents the

> human brain's two hemispheres. Eating a handful of walnuts would

not

> cure a concussion. However, walnuts freshly cooked in a rice congee

(see

> page 290) and eaten daily for a week or more will energetically

support

> the brain's healing.

> New Whole Foods Encyclopedia by Rebecca Wood, page 363

>

> Walnuts. Another of the great nuts, walnuts are a real brain food

(they

> even look like little brains). The fatty acids and the 15-20

percent

> protein level nourish the nervous system, and the walnut when

shelled

> looks remarkedly like the human cerebral cortex. The walnut is

about 65

> percent fat. It can be eaten raw or used in baking, and the pressed

> walnut oil can be used in cooking or even for oiling wood. It

should be

> used fresh, though, as it is not very resistant to spoilage.

> Staying Healthy With Nutrition by Elson M Haas MD, page 335

>

> Walnut oil and walnuts add linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids for a

> well-oiled brain.

> Superfoods by Dolores Riccio, page 439

>

> Loaded with unsaturated fat, vitamin E, and ellagic acid, walnuts

can

> lower cholesterol, fight cancer, and boost your brainpower. Use

walnuts

> for baking or cooking, throw them in a salad for some crunch, or

just

> munch on them for a tasty snack.

> Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC & A Medical Publishing, page 349

>

> In this section we consider the properties and healthful use of

nuts and

> oil-rich seeds. These fatty foods are typically the best sources of

> vitamin E, which acts as a nerve protector and immune-enhancing

> antioxidant; common nuts and seeds also contain the greatest

quantity of

> fats of all unprocessed foods--much of it in the form of essential

fatty

> acids. Both fats and the fat-soluble nutrient, vitamin E, play an

> crucial role in liver function and its attendant emotions of anger,

> depression, and impatience. People who eat isolated fats such as

refined

> seed oils have a greater need for vitamin E as an antioxidant to

protect

> against the oxidation of these oils. On the other hand, if large

amounts

> of isolated vitamin E is ingested, more fat is craved. By eating

vitamin

> E as a component of the oils it naturally occurs in, for instance,

in

> nuts, seeds, unrefined oils, and whole grains, there is less need

to be

> concerned about taking supplemental vitamin E for protection.

> Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford, page 490

>

> Pyridoxal-5-phosphate, a form of vitamin B6, is involved in more

bodily

> functions than almost any other single nutrient. It affects both

mental

> and physical health and plays a role in the body's defenses against

> cancer. Food sources include brewer's yeast, carrots, chicken,

eggs,

> fish, meat, peas, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, and wheat germ.

> Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 10

>

> Sunflower seeds are a good source of this essential B vitamin

(0.7mg per

> ounce, or 43% of the Daily Value); thiamin promotes brain function,

> including memory.

> Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

>

> Low thiamin levels were linked to some impairment in brain

activity.

> Thiamin, known as die " nerve vitamin, " is concentrated in wheat

germ and

> bran, nuts, meat and fortified cereals.

> Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 279

>

> According to him, this is the way they work: Tobacco releases

stored

> sugar (glycogen) from the liver and this perks up one's brain.

Sunflower

> seeds provide calories that give the same mental lift.

> Encyclopedia of Fruits Vegetables Herbs by John Heinennan, page 323

>

> Evidence is emerging that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those

present in

> fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts, play a key role in optimal

mental

> activity, which may influence mood and insomnia. Some findings

suggest

> depression may be related to inadequate intake of these healthful

fats.

> Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

>

> It's a truth that Big Pharma hates to hear: omega-3 fatty acids

prevent

> mental depression, and they do it without the dangerous side

effects of

> antidepressant drugs. That's why healthy people avoid ALL

prescription

> drugs and, instead, turn to nature by consuming whole foods,

superfoods,

> healthy fish oils, good fats, nutritional supplements and other

> health-enhancing substances. " Omega-3 fatty acids prevent mental

> depression without dangerous side effects of antidepressant drugs "

>

> Serotonin is a brain chemical (neu-rotransmitter) that contributes

to

> the regulation of mood and feelings of fullness. Many

antidepressant

> medications, most notably the selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitors

> such as fluoxetine (Prozac), influence serotonin levels in the

brain.

> Perhaps walnuts have the same effect.

> Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 268

>

> Walnuts strengthen the blood, overcome debility and tonify the

kidneys,

> liver and brain. They are good for relieving coughs, aiding

intestinal

> smoothness, seminal emission in men, dry and withering skin, white

hair,

> weight loss, forgetfulness, insomnia and neurasthenia.

> The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 142

>

> Walnuts are a yang tonic with some yin lubricating properties. As a

> brain tonic and for male impotence and lower back pain from yang

> deficiency, eat 20 walnuts a day for at least 1 -2 months.

> The Way Of Chinese Herbs by Michael Tierra LAc OMD, page 104

>

> Walnuts in the salad, along with fish, are good brain food.

> Superfoods by Dolores Riccio, page 508

>

> Another study showed that people free of Parkinson's said as young

> adults they ate more seeds, nuts and salad oils, rich in vitamin E.

> Thus, researchers speculate that too little vitamin E foods earlier

in

> life might somehow leave the brain vulnerable to the onset of

> Parkinson's years later. There's even preliminary evidence that

massive

> doses of vitamin E (800 to 3,000 units daily) may slow progression

of

> the disease. More extensive tests of vitamin E therapy for

Parkinson's

> are ongoing.

> Food Your Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 445

>

> Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and grains helps

open

> the door to your storehouse of memories. These foods contain

powerful

> antioxidants, like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, and

selenium.

> Research shows as the level of antioxidant nutrients in your blood

> rises, so does your mental function.

> Natural Cures And Gentle Medicines by The Editors of FC & A Medical

> Publishing, page 171

>

>

> " Flax seeds also contain emotion-boosting omega-3 fatty acids "

>

> Flax. Whether in the form of flaxseed oil or flaxseeds, this plant

gives

> you a good amount of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty

acid

> that lowers blood pressure and your risk for stroke. This wonder

food,

> once praised by Gandhi, also fights arthritis, heart disease,

diabetes,

> stomach disorders, and even mental problems. It also protects

against

> cancers of the breast, prostate, and colon.

> The Folk Remedy Encyclopedia by the Editors of FC & A Medical

Publishing,

> page 155

>

> The natural fats found in seeds, nuts, avocados, and olives also

provide

> phytochemicals, health-enhancing compounds that lower disease risk.

The

> fats in fish, flaxseed meal, and walnuts supply the omega-3 fatty

acids

> that help prevent depression and age-related memory loss.

> Food & Mood by Elizabeth Somer MA RD, page 279

>

> Olives and olive oil, avocados, nuts, and omega-3 fatty acid--rich

fish

> are not only safe, they are needed by our bodies and our brains. Of

> course, that doesn't give us license to go overboard. These fats

are

> just as calorie-concentrated as saturated fat and will add inches

to our

> waistlines if consumed in excess.

> The Origin Diet by Elizabeth Somer, page 148

>

> Omega-3 and omega-6 EFAs are polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs)

found

> naturally in vegetables, fish oils, and human milk. A correct

balance of

> omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body is crucial, as they

have

> different functions and often complement each other. PUFAs are

necessary

> for proper development of a child's brain and nervous system.

Pregnant

> and nursing women should add PUFA-rich foods such as nuts, seeds,

soy

> foods, flaxseeds, cold-water ocean fish, and vegetables to their

diets.

> Prescription For Dietary Wellness by Phyllis A Balch, page 252

>

> " Fish are not only brain food, they're also 'anti-pain' food, " says

> Germano. If you're not a fish lover, you can also get some omega-3

from

> nuts, seeds, and wheat germ.

> Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC & A Medical Publishing, page 129

>

> Feeling blue? Whether from PMS or menopausal hormonal fluctuations,

> certain snacks can boost your mood. Bananas, tomatoes, walnuts and

> carbohydrates, such as bread with jam, help the body raise levels

of

> serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that regulates mood.

> Depending on the severity of your depression, changes in diet may

offer

> some relief and can also work well in conjunction with other

remedies,

> such as antidepressants or therapy.

> Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments by the editors of Bottom Line

> Health, page 159

>

>

> " Other common nuts and seeds with powerful brain-boosting abilities "

>

> As for seeds, many varieties are rich in the amino acid tryptophan,

a

> precursor to the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) serotonin.

Serotonin

> is an antidepressant. Since people tend to overeat when they're

> depressed or anxious, eating seeds may help lift their spirits and

> prevent weight gain.

> Anti-Aging Prescriptions by James Duke PhD, page 260

>

> To ease the feelings of insomnia and mild depression that

frequently

> accompany menopause, consume foods high in tryptophan, such as

milk,

> poultry, and nuts. This amino acid is converted into the brain

chemical

> serotonin, which promotes relaxation and rest. Tryptophan may also

help

> reduce feelings of mild depression. Complex carbohydrates, such as

> beans, potatoes, and grains, may be helpful as well because they

are

> believed to enhance the bioavailability of tryptophan in the brain.

> Fight Back With Food by Readers Digest, page 73

>

> Among the foods with the best ratios of tryptophan to other amino

acids

> are roasted pumpkin seeds, dried sunflower seeds, bananas, milk,

> peanuts, and lentils. Still, you must eat relatively large amounts

of

> these foods to approach the levels of tryptophan once widely

available

> in supplements. For example, eating 100 grams, about 3.5 ounces, of

> pumpkin seeds, or drinking four cups of milk, provides a dose of

about

> 500 mg of tryptophan. To boost mood, eat some of these

> tryptophan-specific foods while avoiding other sources of protein.

> Tryptophan can cause relaxation and even drowsiness in many people

when

> used at night.

> Off The Shelf Natural Health: How To Use Herbs And Nutrients To

Stay

> Well By Mark Mayell, page 152

>

> Also, he says, try to eat foods high in magnesium content, such as

> spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains,

cashews and

> soybeans. Magnesium relaxes muscles in the walls of blood vessels,

> including those running to the brain, which may help prevent

migraines,

> says Dr. Klaper.

> New Choices In Natural Healing by Prevention Magazine, page 428

>

> Phenylalanine is found in common protein foods, including poultry,

> meats, soybeans, fish, dairy products, nuts, and seeds, as well as

the

> synthetic sweetener aspartame. Such sources supply the average

person

> with an estimated 500 to 2,000 mg of phenylalanine from diet alone.

In

> the body it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. It stimulates

> production in the brain of the natural pain-killing and mood-

boosting

> neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Some

studies

> show a beneficial effect on people with Parkinson's disease.

> Off the Shelf Natural Health: How to Use Herbs and Nutrients to

Stay

> Well By Mark Mayell, page 54

>

> L-phenylalanine, which is found naturally in such protein-rich

foods as

> cottage cheese, soy products, almonds, dry skim milk, and many

more, can

> aid in appetite control (while nourishing the brain) if taken one

hour

> before meals with juice or water.

> Vitamin Bible By Earl Mindell, page 119

>

> People who got enough riboflavin did better on memory tests. Best

> sources: liver, milk, almonds, fortified cereals.

> Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 279

>

> Combine almonds, dates, and water into an almond milk, a

traditional

> " brain food. "

> Power Foods by Stephanie Beling MD, page 139

>

> Choline is a key component of lecithin, known chemically as

> phosphatidylcholine, a member of a family of fatty substances known

as

> phospholipids. Studies have shown that choline plays an important

role

> in brain development and memory and decreases the risk of getting

heart

> disease and cancer. Like folic acid, choline can help lower

homocysteine

> levels in the body... Foods rich in choline (Table 8.8) include

wheat

> germ (1,400 milligrams per lk cup), peanuts (1,111 milligrams per

lli

> cup), whole-wheat flour (613 milligrams per lli cup), and pecans

(333

> milligrams per lh cup).

> Permanent Remissions by Robert Haas MS, page 186

>

> The body uses L-carnitine to produce the enzyme acetyl-L-carnitine

> transferase, which boosts choline metabolism and releases

acetylcholine

> in the brain. Good food sources of choline include eggs, soybeans,

> cabbage, peanuts, and cauliflower. Take up to 3 mg. of choline

daily.

> Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible by Earl Mindell RPh PhD, page 258

>

> An essential amino acid, methionine is not synthesized in the body

and

> so must be obtained from food sources or from dietary supplements.

Good

> food sources of methionine include beans, eggs, fish, garlic,

lentils,

> meat, onions, soybeans, seeds, and yogurt. Because the body uses

> methionine to derive a brain food called choline, it is wise to

> supplement the diet with choline or lecithin (which is high in

choline)

> to ensure that the supply of methionine is not depleted.

> Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and

James F

> Balch MD, page 50

>

> Phosphatidyl-choline is the major structural and functional

component of

> brain-cell membranes. Without this chemical, brain cells undergo

> degenerative changes. The brain requires choline to produce

> acetylcholine, a chemical that plays a vital role in memory.

> Phosphatidyl-choline is derived from choline and lecithin; natural

> sources include eggs, soybeans, cabbage, cauliflower, organ meats,

> spinach, nuts, and wheat germ. Typical dose: one tablespoon of

lecithin

> provides 250 mg of choline or supplement with 1,200 mg of

> phosphatidyl-choline, 2-3 times daily.

> Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 527

>

> DILL Seed, Oil (Anethum graveolens) Umbellifer family. Grows 4-6

feet

> tall with feathery leaves and yellow flowers/seed clusters. Dose 10

> grains to 1/2 tsp.; a preservative, aromatic, stimulant,

carminative.

> Strengthens the brain, for nervousness, …

> Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 30

>

> To a warm bath, add a little raw sesame oil or massage some into

your

> shoulders, elbows, knees, and feet. Play a tape of forest or swamp

> sounds. For extreme anxiety, put one drop of sesame oil into each

> nostril with a dropper. This is very quieting because the nerves in

your

> nose go right to the brain.

> Asian Health Secrets by Letha Hadady DAc, page 14

>

>

> " Gingko and other more exotic seeds and nuts "

>

> Fresh or canned ginkgo nuts (fresh have a much better flavor) are

> available in Asian markets and some natural food stores. Use a

> nutcracker to crack the outer thin beige shell. Inside, the nuts

are

> covered by a brown skin. To loosen the skin, put the nuts in a pot

of

> hot water over a low heat for a few minutes. Leave the nuts in the

water

> and then gently peel the skin with a slotted spoon. In recent

years,

> scientists have found that the leaf of the ginkgo tree contains

potent

> antioxidants that may help protect against cancer and heart

disease.

> Studies have also shown that extracts of the ginkgo leaf can

improve the

> flow of blood throughout the body, especially to the brain. Ginkgo

is

> being investigated as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease and

asthma. In

> Europe, ginkgo extract is a leading over-the-counter drug taken to

> promote good circulation and improve memory. Although little

research

> has been done on ginkgo nuts, it stands to reason that the fruit of

this

> tree must contain some beneficial compounds.

> Earl Mindell's Soy Miracle by Earl Mindel RPH PHD, page 103

>

> For thousands of years, the Chinese have used ginkgo seeds as a

> treatment for conditions that traditional medicine considered " wet

and

> runny, " such as asthma and tuberculosis. They also used them as an

aid

> to digestion and to expel intestinal worms. They created a tincture

or

> extract as an aid to circulation and mental performance. The

coatings of

> the seeds were used as an insecticide. As early as 2800 b.c.e.,

they

> used ginkgo leaves to restore memory and ease breathing problems.

> Ginko by Georges Halpern MD PhD, page 79

>

> But I couldn't for the life of me figure out why he included one-

third

> ginkgo leaves and seeds along with his other one-third schizandra

fruit.

> It was explained to me by this patient, old fellow that ginkgo

helped to

> increase the vital " life energies " passing through the brain.

> Encyclopedia of Fruits Vegetables Herbs by John Heinennan, page 382

>

> This herb can speed up brain activity. One of the extracts of

periwinkle

> seeds works as a powerful enhancer of memory function by improving

blood

> flow to the brain. In one study, secretaries who took periwinkle

> improved their ability to remember sequences of words by 40

percent.

> Take 20 to 40 milligrams a day, says Dr. Hauser.

> Alternative Cures by Bill Gottlieb, page 437

>

> Proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid extract derived from grape seeds

or

> pine bark, provides antioxidant protection to the brain and central

> nervous system. It strengthens blood vessel walls and improves

> circulation. Increased blood flow helps prevent ischemia in brain

tissue

> and reduce mental deterioration.

> Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321

>

> Powerful antioxidant compounds called procyanidins are found in an

> extract of grapeseeds. These compounds can help collect harmful

> byproducts of the body's chemical processes that exist in brain

tissue.

> Typical dosage: enough extract to provide 50 to 200 milligrams of

> procyanidins per day.

> The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White MD, page 452

>

> Proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid extract derived from grape seeds

or

> pine bark, provides antioxidant protection to the brain and central

> nervous system. It strengthens blood vessel walls and improves

> circulation. Increased blood flow helps prevent ischemia in brain

tissue

> and reduce mental deterioration.

> Alternative Medicine by Burton Goldberg, page 321

>

> GUARANA. Brazilian cocoa. Paullinia cupana. French: Quarane.

Italian:

> Quarana. Spanish: Quarana. Legendary sacred fruit of the Amazon

Indians.

> Seeds, roasted and ground to a fine powder. … [used] to sustain the

> brain during prolonged mental effort. Stress-related headaches.

> Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Thomas Bartram, page 208

>

> Isoflavones, a specific kind of phytoestrogen, are found mostly in

> soy-based foods like soybeans, tofu, miso, and soy nuts. Asian

women eat

> about one type of soy food every day and report very few hot

flashes and

> mood swings during menopause. This could mean they're getting some

> estrogen from their diet.

> Eat and Heal by the Editors of FC & A Medical Publishing, page 251

>

> Milk or marian thistle (Silybum marianum); seeds and roots;

strengthens

> the memory because of the effect on circulation; excellent for

liver

> congestion and disease; leaves good in salads, peeled stalks can be

> eaten fresh or baked into pies.

> School of Natural Healing by Dr. John R Christopher, page 500

>

> Zizyphus seeds help calm the mind and emotions, treating insomnia,

> irritability, palpitations, anxiety and nervous exhaustion. It also

> reduces spontaneous sweating or night sweats, amnesia and poor

memory.

> This moistening, nurturing and strengthening herb helps lack of

energy

> and blood and is safe for children and the weak or elderly.

> The Herbs Of Life by Lesley Tierra, page 199

>

> The oil from evening primrose seeds is high in an essential fatty

acid

> called gamma-linolenic acid, or GLA. Canadian researchers have used

> evening primrose oil as a clinical treatment for Parkinson's and

other

> tremor-causing disorders. Typical dosage: 2 tablespoons of evening

> primrose oil per day,- or 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams in capsules per

day.

> The Herbal Drugstore by Linda B White MD, page 453

>

>

> " A historical perspective "

>

> Up to 65 percent of our original diets ¦were fresh fruits and

> vegetables, nuts, seeds, and other plants. Our ancient ancestors

ate

> pounds of produce every day. The other 35 percent came from wild

game,

> low in saturated fats and rich in polyunsaturated fats called the

> omega-3 fatty acids. Hundreds of studies spanning decades of

research

> show that diets based on these foods are also the ones that lower

> disease risk, prevent obesity, boost energy and mood, improve

mental

> function, and slow aging.

> The Origin Diet by Elizabeth Somer, page 24

>

> Psychoactive plants occur mainly among the highly-evolved flowering

> plants, and in one group of spore-bearing fungi; including scores

of

> plants' barks, resins, flowers, seeds, and leaves. These plants

have

> been used and revered through the centuries by high " priests " and

> medicine men of many cultures, by those independent religious

seekers of

> understanding and oneness with the Great Spirit; and for

> stress-reduction, and spiritual Godlike insight by contemporary

> civilizations.

> Anti-Aging Manual by Joseph B Marion, page 30

>

>

> " Nuts and seeds are essential to a healthy, well-functioning brain "

>

> During the last trimester of pregnancy, the fetus's brain undergoes

a

> tremendous growth spurt, for which large amounts of Omega-3 DHA and

> Omega-6 ARA are needed. When a vegetarian mother-to-be consumes

nuts,

> seeds, grains and oils that supply linoleic acid, the first member

of

> the Omega-6 family, her body's enzymes are able to convert linoleic

acid

> into enough ARA to take care of both her needs and the needs of her

baby.

> Omega 3 Oils by Donald Rudin MD and Clara Felix, page 90

>

> If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, now is the time to make

those

> dietary changes away from highly processed fats and oils, and enjoy

the

> beneficial oils provided by nature, like deep-sea fish, butter,

olive

> oil, raw nuts and seeds, and the like. These oils will help

construct a

> healthy brain in your growing child.

> The Crazy Makers by Carol Simontacchi, page 80

>

> Glucose is not the only end product of photosynthesis. However, it

is

> the most important one--especially for us, since our brains would

starve

> in minutes without glucose. There are other carbohydrate end

products

> which are responsible for all the rich variety of vegetables,

fruits,

> grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds we enjoy.

> Complete Guide Health Nutrition by Gary Null, page 67

>

> The most important dietary fats are polyunsaturated fats, which are

> found in vegetable oils, nuts and seeds, and cold-water fish. They

are

> the most biologically active of all fats and are involved in energy

> production, cellular membrane structure, and a host of other

functions.

> Within this class of fats are two unique nutrients known as

essential

> fatty acids (EFAs), which play vital roles in the maintenance of

health

> and the optimal functioning of the brain.

> The memory Solution by Dr. Julian Whitaker, page 73

>

> By making conscious choices, not only did he feel good but his

tremors

> were completely gone, the brain fog lifted, and his mental clarity

> sharpened. He reported that every neurological and physical symptom

was

> gone simply by eliminating processed and unhealthy foods, eating

live,

> healing foods (including nuts, seeds, vegetables, tubers, and

fruits),

> drinking juices, allowing only positive thoughts, reorganizing his

day,

> exercising, cleaning the environment, and cleaning his colon.

Without

> any medical treatment his condition was reversed. He was not the

only

> person in the group to show tremendous improvement; another woman

with

> Parkinson's disease reported an improvement of about 90 percent by

> adhering to the protocol.

> Power Aging by Gary Null, page 178

>

> Low levels of DMG are present in meats, seeds, and grains. It is a

safe,

> nontoxic food substance that does not build up in the body. No

> deficiency symptoms are associated with a lack of DMG in the diet,

but

> taking supplemental DMG can have a wide range of beneficial

effects,

> including helping the body maintain high energy levels and boosting

> mental acuity.

> Prescription For Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A Balch CNC and

James F

> Balch MD, page 67

>

> Nuts also contain pyrazine, which triggers the pleasure center of

the

> brain. The mere smell of a freshly opened can of mixed nuts or a

jar of

> peanut butter provides a strong whiff of pyrazine and a hefty dose

of

> pleasure chemicals. Many of my clients binge-eat nuts due to their

> unfulfilled desires for pure fun and enjoyment.

> Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue PhD, page 196

>

> Fruits and nuts are brain food? Yes, according to recent

experiments by

> research psychologist James Penland, Ph.D., at the U.S. Department

of

> Agriculture's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center. That's

> because fruits and nuts are high in boron, a trace mineral diat

appears

> to affect the electrical activity of the brain. Skimping on boron

can

> subdue your mental alertness, says Dr. Penland, meaning you could

have

> difficulty performing certain tasks. Where, specifically, is boron?

In

> nuts, legumes, leafy vegetables such as broccoli and fruits,

especially

> apples, pears, peaches and grapes. You would get your entire test

dose

> of three milligrams of brain-stimulating boron if you ate only a

couple

> of apples (one milligram of boron) and three and a half ounces of

> peanuts (two milligrams of boron) in a day.

> Food Miracle Medicine by Jean Carper, page 278-9

>

> By the psychoactive chemicals we ingest through smelling. Foods in

the

> nut group--including coffee, chocolate, and all nuts--give off an

odor

> called pyrazine. Pyrazine triggers the pleasure center of the

brain,

> stimulating the production of many feel-good chemicals. This

> mood-altering chemical reaches our brain through our olfactory

> senses--that is, through our noses. That's one of the reasons why

the

> smell of ground coffee or mixed nuts makes us feel so good, when we

> first open the can.

> Constant Craving by Doreen Virtue PhD, page 114

>

>

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