Do brain foods live up to their claims, or is it all just wishful thinking?

Studies show some do work For thousands of years, many in Asia have believed in the brain-nourishing qualities of a diverse group of foods, from the very expensive ginseng to the humble walnut. Some have become outright commercial successes, such as essence of chicken a dark, pungent brew very different from chicken stock. But is there any science at all to the herbal remedies and if not, are there any dangers to over-consumption? When it comes to the science behind ginseng and ginkgo, researchers have yet to conclusively agree. The ginkgo tree, cultivated in China, Japan and Korea, is considered a living fossil as all other plants in its botanical division are now extinct. Popularly prescribed by herbalists for Alzheimers disease, ginkgo is believed to promote circulation and brain functions like concentration and memory. Early clinical studies found links to support this, particularly in the improvement of blood circulation to the brain. But more recent, larger studies, suggest that ginkgo does not offer any benefits for healthy individuals over a placebo. Still, ginkgo leaves and seeds remain popular with herbalists and also as a common ingredient in many non-herbal Asian dishes such as desserts and soups. Studies are equally inconclusive for ginseng, which many believe to be a stimulating tonic particularly good for boosting the powers of recollection. Interestingly, a 2000 study by the University of Northumbria in the United Kingdom found that when ginseng and ginkgo are taken together, they appear to increase both concentration and memory more effectively than when they are separately consumed. Normally when you speed people up, you lose a bit of accuracy, or if they are more accurate they take longer to respond, said researcher Andrew Scholey. These two herbs added together [interact] synergistically in a remarkable way [] What seems to be happening is that it is improving the available mental energy. But stop before you start reaching for the ginkgo. The plant can be toxic in large amounts and may not be safe for people with Vitamin B6 deficiency, researchers warn. The nut, in particular, can be dangerous if not prepared properly, and can cause headaches, seizures, breathing problems and other central nervous system symptoms. Ginseng, when overconsumed, has reportedly led to insomnia although when compared to ginkgo, is generally considered a safe supplement. An even safer bet would be essence of chicken. No dangers have been reported from the high levels of consumption of chicken of essence, which is produced from the chicken

juices cooked at high temperature and pressure one manufacturer claims that one whole chicken goes into producing a single bottle. To many in Asia, the strong-smelling, evil-looking brew is linked to childhood memories of stressful examinations and anxious parents there are stories of parents forcing the drink down their childrens throats in the hopes that it would give the brain a critical turbo boost for the exams. In addition, several studies seem to support the claims that chicken essence boosts mental alertness and relieves fatigue qualities that are certainly very useful for students keeping late nights. In one randomised, double blind study in 2003, researchers in Malaysia found that consuming commercially produced chicken essence improved students test performance. In all, 173 medical students at the Universiti Sains Malaysia were given the chicken essence, a placebo, or a drink of protein and carrageenan, which is an emulsifying food additive made from algae. Researchers then ran a battery of tests designed to measure their memory and anxiety levels. Compared to the control groups, students taking the chicken essence were significantly less anxious after two weeks, and performed better on four out of the five memory tests administered. We are not claiming that this substance can make people brilliant but for those who have been preparing for a test, this food product, which in essence is a functional food, can perhaps enhance their already good ability to reduce mistakes, wrote the researchers. They suggested that consumption of chicken essence leads to increased alertness and better concentration by affecting the brains serotonin system.

For those who prefer their brain-nourishing foods to also be easier on the palate, there is the humble walnut. Described in Chinese traditional medicine as brain fruit, the common snack is also believed to strengthen the bones, marrows, blood and kidneys.

Scientists have long known that many nuts are a good healthy addition to the diet but it has only been in the last few years that studies are starting to emerge that may confirm the link between walnuts and better cognition. In a study reported in 2007, for example, American scientists found that old rats given diets containing 2%, 7% and 9% walnuts had reversed certain signs of brain ageing. They found that the walnuts can also act as power antioxidants as they contain alpha-linolenic acid, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, and other polyphenols that may actually block the signals produced by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules formed by exposure to pollution and normal cell breakdown. Antioxidants can protect the brain by binding free radicals, which damage brain cells and lead to slower learning and poor memory. Best of all, there are no health dangers related to high levels of walnut consumption although traditional practitioners warn that too much walnut can lead to digestive problems and worsen diarrhoea. So, it seems that there is quite a bit of science out there on whether traditional medicinal beliefs hold up after all. And if you are feeling a little brain drained after surveying all the evidence, perhaps it is time to trust the science and give yourself a boost. Walnuts or chicken essence, anyone? SL & DT