Definition: pertaining to a drug that enhances mental functions, such as memory.

There are three key parts to a  complete nootropic supplement:

1. Cholinergics
2. Dopaminergics
3. Serotonergics

What Are Cholinergics?

Cholinergics are what have an influence on the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

What is Acetylcholine?

- Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that has an effect on focus, memory, and thoughts.

Examples of Cholinergic Supplements:

DMAE, Alpha GPC, Huperzine A

What Are Dopaminergics?

Dopamenergics are what influence the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine helps with alertness, memory, mood, and attention.

Examples of Dopaminergic Supplements:

Rhodiola Rosea, Thiamine, Yohimbe

What Are Serotonergics?

Serotonergics influence the neurotransmitter serotonin which is responsible for helping with memory, mood, learning, and sleep.

Examples of Serotonergics:

Rhodiola Rosea, Reservatrol, 5-HTP

The problem with most nootropic supplements on the market is they do not offer a balance of these key ingredients. A complete and quality nootropic supplement should contain a mix of properly proportioned ingredients that not only stimulate acetylcholine with cholinergics, but also serotonin and dopamine.

That was one of the key ideas behind the development of Braintech 1.0. We wanted balance; a complete formula for a premium nootropic supplement with ingredients from the cholinergic, dopaminergic, serotonergic supplement catagories.  By creating a balanced supplement we believe that we have come up with an excellent product for focus, wether it be used by students to help with studies or by athletes to help them get the focus they need to perform at optimal levels, we wanted Braintech 1.0 to be the go to solution.

Students / Athletes / Business Professionals

Here is the article:

Two current discoveries by researchers at the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research laboratory under the direction of Nobel laureate Dr. Paul Greengard have now made it possible to prevent accumulation of beta-amyloid in nerve cells and in the brain. One involves inhibiting the formation of beta-amyloid. The second discovery involves stimulating the breakdown of beta-amyloid. According to Dr. Greengard, “the combination of inhibition of formation and acceleration of breakdown of beta-amyloid represents a new and powerful strategy for treating Alzheimer’s disease.”

In the first project, Dr. Greengard and researchers in his laboratory identified gamma-secretase activating protein (gSAP), and showed that it stimulates an enzyme called gamma secretase that is responsible for producing beta-amyloid. This discovery was published in the September 2 issue of the journal Nature. The process of inhibiting gSAP did not prove toxic to the cells in models of Alzheimer’s disease, a factor that has plagued many other experimental treatments that inhibit beta-amyloid. This discovery therefore opens a new door for research into highly specific anti-amyloid drugs that do not harm the body.

In the more recent study, published in the March 7, 2011 issue of the Journal of Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), they succeeded in accelerating the breakdown of beta-amyloid. They discovered that a process called autophagy reduces the buildup of beta-amyloid in isolated cells and might be utilized to eliminate the buildup of beta-amyloid in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients. Autophagy is a process cells use to “clean out” the debris from their interiors, including unwanted materials such as the protein aggregates that are hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. The scientists discovered that a compound called SMER28 lowers the level of beta-amyloid found in nerve cells. This occurs because SMER28 stimulates autophagy, which then rids the cell of beta-amyloid.

“Our work demonstrates that small molecules can be developed as therapies, by activating autophagy, to prevent Alzheimer’s disease,” says Marc Flajolet, a research assistant professor in Greengard’s lab. “By increasing our understanding of autophagy, it may be possible to stimulate it, pharmacologically or naturally, to improve the quality of life for aging people.”

By ALZinfo.org, The Alzheimer’s Information Site. Reviewed by William J. Netzer, Ph.D., Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research at The Rockefeller University.

This is exciting news for the medical industry and anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease. Continuous support for organizations like the Fischer Center For Alzheimer Research and others working towards cures and advanced Alzheimer treatments will surely allow for positive future expectations in defeating this disease.

Taking into consideration one of the reasons “BRAINTECH 1.0″ was created was to help individuals with focus, we feel it our responsibility to assist with awareness of mental illness and how everyone can help. Check out ALZinfo.org and make a donation to take part in the battle against Alzheimer Disease and promote new Alzheimer Treatments.

The internet is overflowing with companies and supplements that all profess to having the best supplement for brain health. The lists are a mile long and if you buy them all, you are sure to go broke. So I have done a little research to clear up some discrepancies and focus on some crucial elements when it comes to taking care of an often neglected part of our body.

What are two of the most renowned brain supplements, along with newest herbs that have shown promising test results? What are some other brain boosting supplements? How can you get started with a brain friendly diet and what is the most effective supplementation? Lets get started.

Lets Start With The Most Crucial: Choline

Choline is one of the most crucial nutrients your body requires for brain health. It is a key nutrient your body requires to produce acetylcholine. It has been found that acetylcholine benefits the brain in terms of memory and mood, along with proper brain function. Choline is found in many common foods that many of us eat everyday. Some of these foods with the most abundant choline content are:

• Eggs
• Peanut Butter
• Beef
• Almonds

It is also possible to supplement this nutrient if you are not eating enough choline rich foods. The catch is, there is some skepticism about supplemented choline crossing the blood-brain barrier.  This problem can be remedied by stacking the choline with other supplements that help with transportation of choline to the brain. One of the newest and most promising is known as Alpha GPC.

What is Alpha GPC and How Can It Help?

A choline compound that is already found in the brain, known as Alpha GPC, rapidly helps transport choline through the blood-brain barrier. It is one of the newer supplements that have hit the market that has shown some pretty phenominal health benefits for the body as a whole, but because this article is about brain health, we will save the other benefits for another day.

There is quite a bit of detail that goes into explaining how this supplement performs, so in a nut shell, this supplement is a “nerve stimulator.” When alpha GPC is combined with B vitamins and choline, you have an enhanced transport system for choline to the brain.

Another Must Have Brain Booster: Omega 3 Fatty Acids

• (ALA) Alpha-linolenic acid
• (DHA) Docosahexaenoic acid
• (EPA) Eicosapentaenoic acid

Just like choline we are able to get our omega 3’s from common foods that we eat. An abundance of Omega 3’s can be found in:

• Fish (especially salmon and sardines)
• Eggs
• Milk
• Cheese

Omega 3’s are fantastic for supplementation, especially DHA. There is a huge concentration of DHA in the gray matter of the brain. I’ll take this as a tip to make sure you get enough intake of DHA. This is a supplement that I have to recommend you researching more about, because it has major benefits to our entire body, especially our heart.

Other Brain Boosting Supplements

• Bacopa Monnieri: This is an amazing plant that has been shown to have a number of health benefits, ranging from neurotropic and antioxidant properties all the way to anti-anxiety benefits.
• Coenzyme Q-10: Also found in the human body already, coenzyme Q-10 supplementation has had many beneficial studies conducted showing that it may help with headaches, blood pressure, and is currently being investigated for potential cancer treatment.
• DMAE: Relates to choline and is found naturally in fish like sardines. It is known that DMAE is processed by the liver into choline. Vigilance and alertness are reported benefits in short term studies.
• Ginkgo Biloba: Now, one of the top selling herbs in the United States. Ginkgo Biloba has been said to be beneficial for us in many ways. But most important there is promising evidence that has favored Ginkgo for memory enhancement.
• Gotu Kola: Studies on Gotu Kola have suggested that it may reduce anxiety and mental clarity. One study done even showed to reduce a person’s startle response, meaning a decrease in anxiety. It is said that it boosts circulation to the brain.
• Huperzine A: Chinese studies that have been done with Huperzine A have shown elderly people with Alzheimer’s disease who have taken Huperzine A saw their symptoms lesson. More studies are being done that are showing its neuro protective effects.
• Phosphatidylserine: There have been over 60 clinical trials on phosphatidylserine that have been shown to benefit cognitive function. The most important conclusion that has been drawn from these studies has been that it rejuvenates brain cell membranes. This means potential increase in strength of memory, better concentration, and better overall cognitive function.
• Rhodiola Rosea: Said to be effective in decreasing depression and improving mood. It has been used to improve mental and physical performance.
• Vincpocetine: Helps with blood flow not only through the brain, but through the entire body. This means better transportation of oxygen in the blood and circulation throughout the body. So many studies have shown beneficial results of vinpocetine that even more are being done to see how else we can benefit from this supplement.

3 Ways To Better Your Brain Today

1. Feed It: Become more conscious of the foods that you are putting in your body and make adjustments to your diet that are brain-nutrient friendly. Some common foods that were listed above were eggs, milk, fish, and almonds. Research some more to find out what other foods have these nutrients that you can add to your diet.
2. Supplementation: Taking supplements along with a balanced diet is a sure way to make sure your getting everything you need. Choline and omega 3’s are huge! Look into  alpha GPC as well, to assist choline in breaking the blood-brain barrier.
3. Exercise: Exercising the brain can be as simple as stimulating your brain with word puzzles and a good book. Challenge your mind and you will benefit.

The Most Effective Supplementation

The most effective supplement for brain health besides a good diet can be a supplement that acts as a vitamin for the brain. It needs to not only provide choline and omega 3’s, but other herbs and supplements that act uniformly to stimulate and feed the brain.

There are many combined brain and memory supplements on the market, but many are overpriced and lack ingredients that work in unison, to have your body fully utilize and absorb them. There are a select few that are worthy of the claims they make and that you can surely benefit from. Buying a brain supplement with many nutrients and herbs combined would be the equivalent to a multi-vitamin. These are great supplements if you know what to look for. We can consider these multi-vitamins for your brain.

Summary

There isn’t just “one” best supplement for brain health, there are many.

A healthy brain requires not only the right nutrition, but a combination of healthy practices. The two vital nutrients you should be feeding your brain are choline and omega 3’s. They are key players in making sure your brain is fueled and functions at optimum performance. You are able to supplement these nutrients if a diet is hard to follow, but look into getting some B vitamins and alpha GPC to help more of the choline supplement make it past the blood-brain barrier. Make sure to challenge your mind on a regular basis to keep it sharp and maybe even read some fantasy books to spark your imagination.

Multi-brain supplements combine nutrients and herbs that work together to benefit the mind and body as a whole. Supplements like these will save you tons of money and have all ingredients combined instead of buying a multiple bottles of supplements. Eat right, feed your brain, exercise it regularly and you will be on your way to a healthy mind.

Many of our posts are focused on health and nutrition, but we figure that sometimes its fun to mix things up a bit. So today we will be sharing a guest post that was submitted from an inspiring individual: Carlos Hidalgo. He shares with us a tasteful and metaphorically genious piece we hope will bring you positive thoughts and aspirations. After all, mental health is just as important as physical.

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Surfin On Success

It’s been said that less than 5 percent of the ocean has been explored. The lifeblood of Earth, covering more than 70 percent of the planet’s surface, is to this day a dark and mysterious part of this world.

The ocean is much like life and it’s potential successes. We live our days on shore where we feel safe and secure.Every now and then we will take a dip in the water and splash around, always conscious of not floating too far from land. The moment we feel we have strayed, we panic and rush to return to “safety”.

This sounds much like the life of mediocrity. The life of someone who fears venturing out into the unknown. The waves of the ocean are like life’s opportunities. Ones close to the shore are small and plentiful, but voyage out and they become greater and more meaningful.While these waves far from shore are much bigger and intimidating, they are only as scary as you allow them to be. So instead of fearing the unpredictable, get a board and paddle toward it. Once you’re out there, stand up and surf. A surfer can submit the most enormous waves and ultimately be its master.

Don’t just be content with the ocean’s soothing waves near the shore; instead paddle out as far as you can go and surf the biggest wave the ocean has to offer.

- Carlos Hidalgo

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We would like to thank Carlos for submitting this post. Sometimes life is coming at us so fast that we need some words of wisdom to stop us in our tracks and look at what is really is front us. Keep the positive vibes flowing Carlos.

We ask for anyone who has read this guest post from “Carlos Hidalgo”, and has been impacted in a positive way, to please leave some comments and show some support for Carlos. Thank you.

“Muscle and Performance” magazine did a small excerpt on one of the key ingredients used in Braintech 1.0 known as Rhodiola Rosea. We had to put it in a post to share with all of you.

Rhodiola Rosea
Active Ingredients: Rosavins  and salidroside. (thought to be responsible for antidepressant actions of this plant)

Traditional Use: Boosting the body’s resistance to chemical, biological, and physical stresses.

Bodybuilding Benefits: Improving muscle endurance.

How it Works: Increases adenosine triphosphate (transports chemical energy within cells for metabolism) levels in muscles, giving them more energy, and boosts oxygen content in the blood stream.

Dose: 300 to 500 milligram on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and another dose 30 to 60 minutes before exercise.

THE COMMON MISCONCEPTION: Barefoot running is dangerous, and hurts not only your feet, but your body.

It just so happens that barefoot runners have a completely different running style opposed to sneaker runners. There is a video at the end of this post that shows the difference between the two. A sneaker runner will strike the ground with the heel of their foot, sending a solid shock throughout their body; where as a barefoot runner will strike the ground with the front of their foot, therefore reducing the overall impact of the strike. Because of this, it is now believed that barefoot running is much healthier and safer than sneaker running.

When wearing sneakers, a runner’s typical impact point is their heel. This is why the modern running sneaker design has a huge cushioned area on the heel of the shoes that helps to absorb this impact. This style of running may be why so many runners end up getting injured. The constant impact on the joints and heal causes a massive amount of stress to a persons joints, legs, and back. Also an interesting thought, from a business stand point of the sneaker industry is: How many shoe campaigns have been designed around the heel design of a shoe? It’s a major selling point!

Ex.) Nike “Shox.” Puma “Cell”. Nike “360”. Reebok “Zigtech”. Reebok “Easytone”.

Customers spend hundreds of dollars a year on a good running shoe, when they might just be better off running barefoot! Unfortunately people are skeptical about running barefoot because of the vulnerability of the foot and they are under the impression that there is far worse of an impact on the foot. Luckily a company called Vibram came up with a solution to this problem by creating the Vibram Five Fingers barefoot shoes. The shoes slide over your foot like a sock would, with just a thin layer of rubber to protect your foot from the elements. (The picture included in the post are the actual shoes.*) You can check out their site at http://www.vibramfivefingers.com.

Enough of the talking, I have a 6 minute video about barefoot running that is well worth your time. Let me educate you:

It’s that time again, to hit the books and crunch for tests. BRAINTECH 1.0 will be priced at $29.95 for a limited time only as a back to school special.

The feedback we have received has been nothing short of exceptional. We offer not only an incredible focus and alertness supplement, but an interactive website that is community based with a health blog that is updated regularly.

We appreciate everyone that has left us feedback and has helped grow our brand. We welcome any consumer input that can help improve our company.

Get the #1 premium focus and alertness supplement now for only $29.95.

//FOCUS FOR CLASSES

// STUDY FOR TESTS

// RETAIN MORE INFORMATION

// MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BRAIN

What is Quinoa ?

Quinoa is a grain like seed with awesome health benefits. It has been grown in South American countries for centuries and was adopted by the Inca Tribes as part of their main diet.

Why is it good for you?

It is loaded with protein and essential amino acids. It is said to be one of the most complete forms of a protein source from plant foods. Along with amino acids, it is loaded with B vitamins, calcium, and iron.

Quinoa is an excellent addition to any healthy diet.

Quinoa Recipe: Spicy Quinoa

Ingrediants

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

3/4 cup quinoa

1 1/2 tsp curry powde

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 cup chicken stock

1 (14 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

1/2 cup raisins, soaked in hot water and drained

Directions:

1) Stir together the olive oil, onion, and garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the quinoa, curry powder, salt, pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer 20 minutes until the quinoa is tender.

2) Once the quinoa has finished cooking, stir in the drained garbanzo beans, and raisins. Serve warm or cold.

Enjoy!

Please let us know what you think in the comments.

Lets start with some general information about olive oil:

Fruit or Vegetable?

• Fruit

How is olive oil produced?

• Unlike other cooking oils like vegetable oil, that are industrially processed and refined for their oil, olive oil is basically squeezed (loosely termed) from the fruit of the olive tree (the olive itself). This means that the olive oil is not only healthier, but it is maintaining all of its antioxidants and other healthy components. Vegetable oils that are processed and refined are not only unhealthy, but lose many of their nutrients and flavor in the refining process.

What is the difference when it comes to the choices of olive oil?

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: This is the best! It has the best taste, aroma, and color.
• Regular Olive Oil: This is actually a refined version of olive oil with a small blend of virgin olive oil for taste and flavor.
• Light Olive Oil: This is actually not a reduced fat version of olive oil. It has the same fat content of other olive oil, but with a lighter taste and aroma.

Now that you have a little background information on olive oil, let’s find out if it is better to cook with regular olive oil or extra virgin olive oil:

The argument was basically that it’s better to use regular olive oil for cooking because when extra virgin olive oil is heated, it would lose or burn off the nutrients present in the oil. I thought this sounded ridiculous so I decided to dig a bit deeper into the issue. After some thorough research it turns out that this is……. NOT TRUE! The only thing lost in the cooking and heating of olive oil is the esters and alcohols in the oil. This means that the nutritional value stands and the only thing lost is the flavor and aroma of the olive oil. This is why it is common to hear people say that extra virgin olive oil should be saved for a garnish on salads and vegetables.

So in conclusion: Do not worry about the nutritional benefits of your extra virgin olive oil being jeopardized, but be prepared to sacrifice flavor!