Scientists from the United States Center for Applied Health Sciences found that supplements based on Guayusa tea extract and Hericium erinaceus mushroom improved cognitive abilities. results published In the nutrition magazine.
Guayusa tea leaves are known for their stimulant and antioxidant properties. They can protect body cells from the destruction of reactive oxygen species. The caffeine found in these leaves improves cognitive performance and mood by blocking adenosine receptors in dopamine-rich areas of the brain. Similarly, the chlorogenic acids in Guayusa tea improve executive function, that is, one’s ability to plan ongoing actions in accordance with a common goal and modify responses depending on context.
Hericium erinaceus mushroom has neuroprotective properties. It is rich in phenols and sterols (special plant compounds) that can protect brain cells from harmful effects.
40 people between the ages of 18 and 50 participated in the study. Scientists took blood samples from them and also tested them for an initial assessment of cognitive abilities. Then the volunteers were divided into three groups. The cognitive abilities of participants in both groups were assessed several times throughout the day of the experiment before they received supplements with Hericium erinaceus (for the first group), Guayusa tea leaves (for the second group), or placebo (for the third group) and 60 subjects were evaluated. or after 120 minutes. Tests (neuropsychological examination) assessed mental processing, reaction time, cognitive control, alertness, and vital physiological signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.
It turned out that taking the supplement helped improve the cognitive skills of the participants in the first group. Volunteers showed increased attention, speed of mental reactions and accuracy of information processing, which allowed them to better cope with the tests. But when tested 60 minutes after taking the supplements, participants in the placebo group made fewer errors. After 120 minutes, participants in the first group showed the best results. This shows that supplements take time to be effective.
Guayusa tea leaves are said to improve general cognitive abilities and promote feelings of happiness, while Hericium erinaceus mushroom is said to improve working memory, complex attention and speed reaction times.
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