Super foods and super fats
Dear Friend,
Leading the charge in the concept of super foods are our friends across the pond, the Brits.
There are a couple of reasons for this.
First, they have a socialized medical system and have less of a vested interest in feeding the wallets of drug companies, and more of an interest in efficient use of their resources.
Ironically most of the studies they use to base their practices on come from the Good 'Ol U.S of A.
In other words, we are doing the scientific research, and they are taking it to the streets with population based studies and direct human intervention.
In American English that means they are practicing what we preach!
Smart.
Like all good societies, the Brits are trying to make sure their children are the future of their nation.
Much of their nutritional intervention happens in school age kids.
Like us, they have experienced an increase in behavioral and focus problems among their youngsters.
Unlike us they don't immediately reach for Ritalin or Prozac.
They reach for fish oil and other supplements and foods instead.
Most of the food and supplement research that we have done on enhancing brain function, memory, mood and focus, centers on brain chemicals that improve these assets, or decrease the effects of brain chemicals that block clear thinking and cause nervousness.
Serotonin plays a big role in mood, memory and focus.
Foods that contain an amino acid, tryptophan are usually suggested to raise serotonin levels.
The one you will most remember is milk and cookies.
Remember mom's remedy of milk and cookies to help you sleep?
Well, as it turns out she was right!
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