Ginkgo: Nature's Way to Improve Intellectual Functioning

[Guest guest]

You have permission to publish this article electronically

or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are

included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be

appreciated - send to moniquesmusicbox@....

Title: Ginkgo: Nature's Way to Improve Intellectual Functioning

Word Count: 448

Author: Hawkins

Email: moniquesmusicbox@...

Article URL:

http://www.submityourarticle.com/articles/easypublish.php?art_id=3846

The article is preformatted to 60CPL.

Ginkgo: Nature's Way to Improve Intellectual Functioning

Copyright 2005 Hawkins

Humans are starting to live longer. Unfortunately, for some

people, the aging process can result in impaired

intellectual functions. However, this need not happen.

Maintaining a good and nutritious eating plan, continuing

physical activity, and engaging in challenging mental

activities can all help one retain their mental clarity for

years.

Why Humans Can Suffer from Impaired Mental Functioning

Why are humans potentially suffering from impaired mental

functioning? There appears to be three primary reasons for

this: The first reason is because the brain cells begin to

decline. This can be caused by damage from free radicals.

Also, there appears to be a gradual loss of some of the

conductivity of the brain's neuron membranes.

Second, at the body begins to age, it does not absorb

nutrients as effectively as it did in the younger years.

The science team from USANA Health Sciences states: " The

brain requires adequate amounts of oxygen and nutrients to

form properly. As we age, our gastorointestional system

absorbs essential nutrients from food less efficiently, and

the cirulatory system becomes less effective in delivering

oxygen to the tissues. To function optimally in our later

years, the central nervous system needs help to obtain the

nutrients it needs. "

Third, one's intelluctual functioning can be impacted by

the earth's toxic environment. The environment subjects

everyone to pollutants such as insecticides, solvents, and

heavy metals that can cause damage to brain tissue. In

addition, the body's response to stress restricts blood

circulation in the brain, which, in turn decreases the

supply of oxygen and nutrients. Research has shown that

long term stress can cause damage to brain cells.

The Benefits of Ginkgo

The question is, how can Ginkgo help support the brain's

cells? As it turns out, this herbal supplement has many

benefits. The Chinese have used this herb for many, many

years and Europeans have been using Ginkgo leaves for

decades to enhance memory, attention span, and other

neurological activity. Another good thing about Ginkgo is

that extracts from it helps promote the antioxidant

activity in the brain. This increases the brain's ability

to fight free radical damage.

The most important role, once more according to USANA

Health Sciences' science team, is Ginkgo's ability to

enhance bloor circulation throughout the body and improve

oxygenation to the brain. More oxygen to the brain means

more efficient use of nutrients which, in turn, results in

better mental performance, memory, and overall cognitive

functioning.

The good news is that aging does not have to mean a person

will suffer from decreased cogntive funtioning, decreased

memory, or a overall poor functioning brain. Everyone has

the potential to be mentally alert, be in optimal health,

and live a long and full life.

About the Author:

Hawkins is an Associate with USANA Health Sciences.

One of her passions is encouraging and supporting others to

obtain optimal health and wellness. Visit

http://www.usana.com/en/products/us/essentials/what_essentia

ls.shtml ,

http://www.usana.com/en/products/us/sense/index.shtml and

her music box website at http://www.my-music-box.com