Nootropic Nerds: Recent Episodes
Nootropic Nerds
Hi! We are the Nootropic Nerds, and we are dedicated to informing listeners on foods, drinks, and supplements that improve cognitive function and brain health. Each week, we’ll include one of our favorite recipes, what aspects of brain health it has the power to improve, and why exactly we love it so much. We’ll be breaking down the science behind everything we say, from nitty-gritty biochemical pathways to explaining why some foods are better eaten frozen over fresh. Ultimately, we hope you walk away from each episode feeling equipped to fuel your brain and body with ingredients that make you feel and think better.
New beginnings are always as daunting as they are exciting - especially for incoming college students starting a new chapter of their lives, alone, in a brand-new environment. But fear not: there are some amazing foods out there that can help combat stress, anxiety and depression, while providing an extra boost of energy to power through your days. In this episode, we discuss the common stresses that students encounter at the start of each semester or school year, reflecting upon our own post-pandemic college experiences in the past months. We also present the neurological benefits of some accessible foods, including tulsi, also known as holy basil (mind-soothing), pumpkin seeds (anxiety-reducing and sleep-promoting), and black pepper (mood-modulating). These ingredients can be combined into a nutritious brain-healthy salad that is as simple to make as it is delicious (and we will teach you how to make the salad)!
Disclaimer: We are not healthcare professionals. We are simply making recommendations based on quality peer-reviewed literature. Please consult a doctor before making any significant changes to your diet.
Recipe: Hearty Brain-Healthy Salad with Ginger Dressing (https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/237328/asian-inspired-ginger-dressing/) - just add dark leafy greens, basil, pumpkin seeds, and your favorite salad proteins and vegetables for maximum brain benefits and tastiness!
Research studies:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4296439/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21812651/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19253862/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5495712/
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tawheed-Amin-2/publication/340816454_CUCURBITA_MIXTA_PUMPKIN_SEEDS-A_GENERAL_OVERVIEW_ON_THEIR_HEALTH_BENEFITS/links/5e9f193e92851c2f52b88430/CUCURBITA-MIXTA-PUMPKIN-SEEDS-A-GENERAL-OVERVIEW-ON-THEIR-HEALTH-BENEFITS.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26805875/
https://www.jneuropsychiatry.org/peer-review/the-role-of-zinc-in-mood-disorders.html#127
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12832002/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23474283/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26175487/
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/73/suppl_1/1/1818932?login=true
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/probiotics-may-help-boost-mood-and-cognitive-function
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18639606/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29160763/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23102654/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24442916/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25049196/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31257265/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24680376/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31476432/
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Nootropic Nerds! In this episode, we discuss various foods (and recipes) that are conducive to mitigating the effects of Long Haul Covid Syndrome (LCHS). LCHS is essentially when someone who has contracted and then recovered from Covid-19 experience after-effects of the disease. This can include inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, memory, and cognitive problems. While there is currently no cure for LCHS, we have identified various anti-inflammatory and/or anti-histamine foods through our research that have the ability to help mitigate its effects. We will not only discuss these food’s benefits, mechanisms, and effects, but will also include dosage information and recipes on how to integrate it into your daily life.
Disclaimer: We are not health care professionals—we are simply making recommendations based on quality peer reviewed literature.
Recipe: Basil Pesto Pasta (https://www.throughthefibrofog.com/broccoli-pesto-pasta/)
Research Studies:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26805875/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33188864/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33188864/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29888232/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6656890/