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| 5 HTP |
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Review
Summary |
It seems that many people spend hours working out their quads, triceps, pec’s and delt’s, but people seem to spend very little or no time working out their brains. The fact is many of us take great care in staying slim and trim, as well as helping keep skin aging at bay by working out, using holistic weight loss formulas and using creams to minimize wrinkles and fine lines. And even though the same resources are available to us for cognitive health, we often don’t give our brains a second thought until we can’t remember someone’s name or we forget our cell phone or car keys.
At these moments sheer fear often leads us to start looking up ways to get and keep our cognitive health on track. There are lots of brainteasers, puzzles and books that may help us, over time, increase our brain fitness. But experts often suggest that we start infusing our bodies with the nutrients it needs to work properly. This may include results driven nutrients like Alpha GPC, Vinpocetine, Folic Acid, Vitamins B6 and B12. However, other extracts and elements have emerged onto the market claiming to also benefit brain health, and a recent upstart is 5 HTP, an element that is found in a wide array of formulas ranging from calmatives to weight loss products. The question many consumers have been asking is can it really increase cognitive heath as well? Let’s take a look.
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| Ingredient At A Glance |
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5 HTP is actually an amino acid that is already found in the human body. It is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter, and it is also a metabolite of Tryptophan. While it is an element that many of us may think we are not familiar with, many of us actually are familiar with its affects without knowing it. 5 HTP is part of the reason why we are often tired or relaxed after eating Thanksgiving turkey and warm milk. This is also why this element is found in a wide range of holistic calmatives and sleep aids. Yet, it is also found in products geared toward augmenting weight loss and easing depression.
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| Ingredient in Focus |
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In many ways 5 HTP is actually a very valuable and interesting holistic extract that has a wide range of potential uses that include helping us sleep better, eat less and feel better emotionally. In fact, it is currently being studied in a variety of clinical settings to see what its exact benefits are in each of these areas. In some very preliminary studies it has shown some good results along with Tryptophan in easing depression, but scientists indicate that more studies need to be done.
Many developers suggest that 5 HTP may help increase cognitive function as well. However, while it is still in initial clinical studies, it is not really considered to be a cognitive enhancer, even though it may have an affect on sleep and mood, due to its relationship with serotonin. While serotonin clearly plays a role in mood, it is acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter, which plays a role in focus, memory, alertness and reasoning.
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| Lifestyle |
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In fact, the more effective products on the market seek to increase acetylcholine production through the use of certain extracts and elements. 5 HTP cannot affect acetylcholine production, but L Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine or Alpha GPC can. This element is already employed by the body, and it has been shown in over 22 studies to have a direct affect on its production. In these studies users reported that they had a high level of mental alertness, information processing, reasoning and overall mental performance. Researchers also found that they exhibited better long and short term memory and in some cases saw reversal in memory damage as well. These same kinds of results were not associated with 5 HTP.
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| Positives |
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• Being studied as a way to ease depression
• May decrease appetite and increase sleep
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| Negatives |
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• Not a proven cognitive enhancer
• Has not been shown to be able to increase acetylcholine production
• No known affect on memory
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| Final Thoughts |
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5 HTP is being studied as a way to ease depression, decrease hunger and help address insomnia. However, it is often promoted as being a cognitive enhancer as well, but its strengths have not been shown to lie in this arena. While it may have a profound affect on serotonin, it has not been shown to have the same ability when it comes to augmenting acetylcholine production, which is what is needed to increase everything form reasoning and alertness to augmenting short and long term memory.
The fact is that most experts suggest that consumers look for products that contain extracts, like Alpha GPC, which have been shown to have a direct and profound affect on cognitive health by ramping up the brains’ access to acetylcholine. There are formulas out there that feature this extract, along with other heavy weights like Vinpocetine, Folic Acid, Vitamins B6 and B12; it’s just a matter of taking the time to find the best available options. Reading some of the popular consumer review blog sites may be the best way to begin your search, as such reviews often provide great insight into a product’s real abilities.
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| Our
Editors Choice:
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Week
of: Tue Jul 27th, 2010 |
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Neurostin® -
Neurostin™ is a blend of non-prescription ingredients that were carefully formulated to reverse and prevent the depletion of the nutrients your brain needs to perform optimally. This is a very well received product that customers speak highly of. The unique formula of Neurostin™ provides your body with all the necessary building blocks to make choline which is the most vital component needed by the cells that comprise both short and long term memory. The formula has also been proven to produce both oxygen and blood flow to the brain which decrease and reverse the effects of deterioration. Neurostin is one of the few formulas that regulates the levels of homocysteine which is key in preventing both long term memory loss and Alzheimer’s. This is an awesome overall formula that enhances overall brain function, sharpness and clarity Click Here to read our full review. |
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