Sleep Better, Think Smarter with These Ingredients
Schisandra, Turmeric, Saffron, Tart Cherries, Pumpkin Seeds and Kiwifruit are among the ingredients that offer product developers sources of innovation for sleep and brain health products
As the population ages, and the economy forces longer hours, sleep deprivation is at epidemic proportions. And chronic sleep deficit is one of the primary causes of impaired cognitive performance. But there are foods and ingredients that can help improve both sleep and brain function. Think favorites from the simple— tart cherries, seeds (especially pumpkin seeds), nuts (almonds and walnuts), and kiwi fruit—to the more exotic, like schisandra, turmeric, and saffron.
On the more exotic side of things, we have stress berries. They are not actually called this, but schisandra (Schisandra chinensis) has a berry which has a long food use is also an adaptogen. Schisandra is a top ingredient from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) which has the very special quality of possessing all five flavors: sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty. It is said to help reduce stress and promote mental clarity, liver health, and energy.