In today's world, it is not uncommon for people to lead busy, stressful lives. This fast-paced lifestyle can take a toll on our health and well-being, making it difficult to maintain a balanced diet and lifestyle. To combat this, many people turn to supplements to provide their bodies with essential nutrients and support overall health. While there are countless supplements on the market, not all are created equal. Here, we will explore the benefits of five specific extracts - cacao bean, Cordyceps Militaris, Lion's mane, Reishi, and Gingko Biloba leaf - and how they work together to enhance health and mind.
Cacao Bean Extract Benefits
Cacao bean extract, derived from the cocoa plant, is well-known for its rich chocolatey flavor. However, it also contains powerful antioxidants and minerals such as magnesium and iron. These antioxidants help to protect the body from free radicals, which can cause oxidative stress and contribute to chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Additionally, cacao bean extract has been shown to improve cognitive function and mood due to its flavonoid content (1).
Cordyceps Militaris Extract Benefits
Cordyceps militaris is a type of fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, as well as the ability to improve athletic performance and endurance (2). Additionally, cordyceps militaris has been shown to support the immune system and improve respiratory function (3).
Lion's Mane Extract Benefits
Lion's mane, also known as Hericium erinaceus, is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its brain-boosting properties. It contains compounds called erinacines and hericenones, which have been shown to stimulate the growth of new brain cells and improve cognitive function (4). Additionally, lion's mane has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the brain from damage and reduce the risk of cognitive decline (5).
Reishi Extract Benefits
Reishi, also known as Ganoderma lucidum, is a type of mushroom that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, as well as the ability to reduce stress and improve sleep (6). Additionally, reishi has been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer (7).
Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract Benefits
Gingko biloba is a tree native to China that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its cognitive-enhancing properties. It contains compounds called flavonoids and terpenoids, which have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain and enhance cognitive function (8). Additionally, gingko biloba has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect the brain from damage and reduce the risk of cognitive decline (9).
Together, the 5 Ingredients Enhance and Support Health, Mind, and Other Benefits
While each of these extracts has its own unique benefits, when combined, they work synergistically to enhance overall health and well-being. For example, cacao bean extract and gingko biloba leaf extract both improve cognitive function, but through different mechanisms. Cacao bean extract's flavonoids enhance cognitive function by improving blood flow and oxygen to the brain, while gingko biloba leaf extract's terpenoids improve cognitive function by enhancing neurotransmitter activity (10). By combining the two, the brain receives a greater range of benefits.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cordyceps militaris, lion's mane, and reishi extracts can help to protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. This can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Furthermore, these extracts also work together to support the immune system. Cordyceps militaris has been shown to improve respiratory function, while reishi has immune-boosting properties. Together, these extracts can help to improve the body's ability to fight off infections and illnesses.
Overall, the combination of these extracts can lead to a range of benefits, including:
Improved cognitive function and mood
Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
Enhanced immune system function
Reduced stress and improved sleep
They are Better Together
It's clear that these extracts offer a range of health benefits on their own. However, when combined, they work synergistically to enhance overall health and well-being. By including all five extracts in a supplement, individuals can ensure they are receiving a broad range of benefits that can support their overall health and mind.
In conclusion, the combination of cacao bean extract, cordyceps militaris extract, lion's mane extract, reishi extract, and gingko biloba leaf extract can provide a powerful boost to overall health and well-being. Each extract offers its own unique benefits, and when combined, they work together to enhance health and mind. By incorporating these extracts into a daily supplement, individuals can support their body's natural functions and improve their quality of life.
References:
Sorond FA, Lipsitz LA, Hollenberg NK, Fisher ND. Cerebral blood flow response to flavanol-rich cocoa in healthy elderly humans. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2008;4(2):433-440.
Dai G, Bao T, Xu C, et al. Cordycepin, a natural antitumor drug, induces autophagy of human ovarian cancer cells via AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway. Onco Targets Ther. 2019;12:1329-1336.
Ma B, Ren Y, Li J, et al. Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides can enhance the immunity and antioxidation activity of erythrocyte in rats. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019;124:1198-1204.
Mori K, Inatomi S, Ouchi K, Azumi Y, Tuchida T. Improving effects of the mushroom Yamabushitake (Hericium erinaceus) on mild cognitive impairment: a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2009;23(3):367-372.
Wong KH, Naidu M, David P, et al. Peripheral nerve regeneration following crush injury to rat peroneal nerve by aqueous extract of medicinal mushroom Hericium erinaceus (Bull.: Fr) Pers. (Aphyllophoromycetideae). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2011;2011:580752.
Chen X, Hu ZP, Yang XX, et al. Pharmacokinetics and disposition of ganoderic acid A in healthy Chinese volunteers after single and multiple intravenous infusions of Ganoderma lucidum extract: a phase I study. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013;75(3):692-706.
Lin ZB, Zhang HN. Anti-tumor and immunoregulatory activities of Ganoderma lucidum and its possible mechanisms. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2004;25(11):1387-1395.
Zhang HF, Huang LB, Zhong YB, et al. Ginkgo biloba leaf extract for vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease: a systematic review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;245:112156.
Li W, Huang E, An Y, et al. Protective effects of ginkgo biloba leaf extract on aluminum-induced cognitive impairment in rats. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2017;52:143-151.
Scholey A, Owen L. Effects of chocolate on cognitive function and mood: a systematic review. Nutr Rev. 2013;71(10):665-681.
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