Bugs Bunny’s Brain-Boosting Secret

When it comes to keeping your brain firing on all cylinders—and reducing your risk of Alzheimer’s with age—every little bit helps.

About one-fifth of folks under 75 suffer from some degree of cognitive dysfunction. About 30 percent of people over 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s.

Throw in other troubling issues like brain fog and mild cognitive impairment, and it’s clear our brains are under attack.

With that in mind, I have some ammo to add to your arsenal today that can help in the fight to protect your brain.

I’m sure you’ve heard that beta-carotene is good for your eyesight before. After all, how ELSE could carrot-munching Bugs Bunny see so well in the dark?

But a recent study revealed just how beneficial the nutrient is for your BRAIN as well.

This meta-analysis included data from 16 studies of people without mental disorders.

In seven out of 10 of the epidemiological studies included in the review, blood levels of beta carotene were associated with improved cognitive function.

In the intervention studies, long-term use of beta carotene was ALSO associated with improved cognitive function (while short-term use had no impact).

And the studies that focused on taking beta carotene in combination with other nutrients (like vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and selenium) also found beneficial cognitive effects.

After compiling all the evidence, the researchers concluded that beta carotene likely acts hand in hand with other nutrients to maintain cognitive function. Making it a perfect choice for supporting our aging brains.

(Hm, maybe THAT’S why Bugs was so clever!)

The findings of the new study fall right in line with other research I’ve read.

In one, for example, beta carotene blood levels predicted semantic memory performance. That’s the kind of conscious long-term memory critical for grasping meaning, concepts, and understanding of things in the world.

In another, low levels of brain-supporting beta carotene were linked to decreased cognitive performance.

And yet another found that folks taking a 50 mg supplement of beta carotene every other day had improvements in verbal and cognitive memory.

Getting MORE of this vital nutrient is easy. Choose more fruits and vegetables that are orange or yellow in color, like sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, squash, carrots, pumpkin, and yellow or orange bell peppers.

Some greens provide a good amount of brain-friendly beta carotene, such as spinach, broccoli, lettuce, and collard greens.

So, go ahead and start munching on more beta-carotene-rich foods starting today.

P.S. Chomping on more beta-carotene-rich carrots is a great place to start. But don’t stop there. Try these OTHER simple hacks to boost an aging brain.

SOURCE:

Abrego-Guandique, et al., “The Effect of Beta-Carotene on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review.” Brain Sci. 2023, 13, 1468. doi. org /10.3390/brainsci13101468