Extraordinary Health Magazine Extraordinary Health Vol 27 | Page 54

Be Happy
you’re among those who might
appreciate better mood balance—
for yourself or others—then here’s
some happy news: certain probiotic
strains, blueberries and an herb
called ashwagandha can help support
a healthy mood.
When the word probiotics is mentioned,
gut health often comes to mind, but
probiotics can support mood health,
too. In fact, emerging science shows
a link between gut and brain health.
For example, the clinically studied
probiotics L. helveticus R0052 and B.
longum R0175—in specific amounts—are
shown to support mood, emotional wellbeing and relaxation.

Blueberries also have compounds
that appear to be good for the brain,
with research suggesting that flavonoids
in blueberries may improve memory,
learning and general cognitive function,
including reading skills, decision
making, verbal comprehension and
numerical ability.
With those findings in mind, Garden
of Life® selects Alaskan blueberries
exceptionally rich in beneficial flavonoids
and other nutrients. Why these
blueberries? Severe growing conditions
in the Alaskan Wilderness, including
near 24-hour sunlight summers and
frigid winters combined with year-round
cold soil temps which stress plant root
systems, cause plants to produce natural
stress-fighting compounds, especially
flavonoids. So, these Alaskan blueberries

contain up to 10 times the bioactive
compounds and antioxidant capacity
of berries grown in other conditions.
Then there’s ashwagandha. Used
in Ayurvedic Medicine, ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic
herb that helps restore balance to the
body, including supporting a healthy
stress response, mood and memory.
(Adaptogens help the body cope
with stress and work to bring it back
into balance).
Ashwagandha has been clinically studied
and found to be highly beneficial for both
mental and physical stress, while playing
a role in reducing stress hormone levels
and improving mood and mental
well-being.
Now that’s something to smile about?

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Extraordinary Health™ • Vol 27