Fat is not only obtained from food, but is also produced naturally by the body. Just as with any hormone or enzyme. The fat that is produced by the body known by the name of phosphatidylserine. Constituent elements of this fat is important for the health of the body, especially the brain. Lets know more deeply what is phosphatidylserine and What is the function of phosphatidylserine to the body.
Knowing phosphatidylserine, a constituent of fat that is important for body cells
Phosphatidylserine (C13H24NO10P) is a constituent element of fat consist of fatty acids and amino acids. These fats are produced naturally by the body to protect nerve cells and helps launch signals from the senses to the brain. Phosphatidylserine is considered as a key in maintaining the sharpness of memory as you get older. Unfortunately, the body only produced this fat in small quantities so you still need the extra intake of these fats from foods. High source of phosphatidylserine food is the brain and liver of cattle, soybeans, cabbage, milk products, as well as white beans.
Aside from the food, phosphatidylserine can also be obtained from a supplement. Phosphatidylserine supplement originally manufactured from cow brains. However, because it was feared at risk can transmit a variety of diseases, such as mad cow and other allergic reactions, eventually supplements made from the extract of soy beans and cabbage.
What is the function of phosphatidylserine
The function of phosphatidylserine fat for body health
- Improving the capacity to exercise and athletic performance
A study published by Sport Medicine year in 2006 indicate that phosphatidylserine supplements used by athletes can reduce muscle damage after exercise that often cause muscle pain. The function of fat in the form of phosphatidylserine supplements also reportedly keeping the levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) remained balanced when the athletes doing physical exercise that can cause stress.
Another study found that consuming 750 gram supplements of phosphatidylserine which comes from soy per day, it could help increase the stamina of bicycle athletes. As a result, they could be cycling for longer periods of time without easily exhausted.
- Preventing stress and reducing symptoms of depression
Lack of intake of fatty acids in fact can make the brain function is weakened and distracted. The study published in the journal of Mental Disorder in 2015 reported that consumption of phosphatidylserine supplements and omega-3 as much as 3 times a day in 12-week can strengthen the relationship of the between nerve cells in the brain. This relates to an increase in mood and decrease the severity of depression.
Read also: Healthy habits to fight depression
- Sharpen your memory
Getting older, the ability of the brain like memory will begin to decline. That is why, you will more easily forget or have difficulty learning new things.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition in 2010, researching the use of phosphatidylserine supplements on the elderly with mild cognitive disorder for 6 months. The results indicate that research participants experience increased memory, cognitive ability and behavior, as well as mood.
Read also: How to maintain brain health.
- Treating ADHD
A study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics investigated 36 children aged 4 to 14 years who have ADHD without medication. After being given a supplement of phosphatidylserine as much as 200 mg per day for 2 months, their ADHD symptoms gradually diminished, the mood became better, their impulsive behavior more controlled, and improve concentration. Investigators eventually concluded that phosphatidylserine can be included into the list of nutrients that must be met by the ADHD children so that their brain and mental performance will be better.
- Lowering the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are both characterized by a decline in cognitive function of the brain, which causes a person difficult Recalling and thinking. Phosphatidylserine supplements reported to potentially increase the levels of chemicals in the brain that can enhance memory and reduce symptoms of mild Alzheimer’s disease. People with Parkinson’s are known to usually have low levels of phosphatidylserine so most likely the intake of supplemental phosphatidylserine can improve mood and brain function of them. However, further research is needed on the actual functioning of phosphatidylserine fat in people with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. disease
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