With today marking World Brain Day, we wanted to highlight our continued  mission to save the world from the economic burden of neurological diseases.

We estimate that we've already saved $25 million of healthcare costs and over one million extra days of healthy neurological function thanks to our scientifically proven and neuroscientist formulated Brain Drinks. 

This year’s theme focuses on “Brain Health For All” in an attempt to share information about brain health and spark a conversation that brings awareness to the prevalence of brain disorders, the brain’s vital role in humanity, and how we can reduce the global burden of neurological disorders. 

So how does brain health affect me? 

A United Nations report in 2007 noted that as many as 1 in 6 people suffered from a neurological concern. Unfortunately, this number has been trending upwards and due to rising mental health incidence and the lasting effects of COVID-19, some experts place this number as high as 1 in 4 people in 2022.

In light of this, taking action to look after our neurological and psychological health is as important as ever. Increased awareness around the importance of brain health has led people in search of the most simple and effective ways to be proactive. Dietary interventions are incredibly effective and simply require additions and/or alterations to existing habits.

What is the financial burden? 

As dementia becomes more prevalent in the ageing population, the economic burden and associated medical costs continue to rise. A research team out of the University of Wollongong has found that dietary anthocyanins can help delay the onset of dementia and slow down the negative cognitive impacts. Work published out of the Mayo Clinic has also quantified the medical costs associated with dementia-related cognitive decline.

Our Brainfood products contain uniquely high levels of anthocyanins, meaning it can support ongoing brain health and help alleviate some of the medical economic burden. Based on this published data and the number of servings we have sold, we have estimated to have saved nearly 25 million dollars of healthcare costs and provided more than a million extra days of healthy neurological function.

Our mission is to save the world up to half a trillion dollars worth of burden per year through their science-backed brain food. Extrapolating on the potential economic burden alleviated though dementia-related neurological decline, we believe this goal is realistic and attainable.

What is the role of food in brain health and its processes

Your brain is always "on." It takes care of your thoughts and movements, your breathing and heartbeat, your senses — it works hard 24/7, even while you’re asleep. This means your brain requires a constant supply of fuel. That "fuel" comes from the foods you eat — and it's what is in that fuel makes all the difference.

Put simply, what you eat directly affects the structure and function of your brain and, ultimately, your mood.

Like an expensive car, your brain functions best when it gets only premium fuel. Eating high-quality foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants nourishes the brain and protects it from oxidative stress — the "waste" (free radicals) produced when the body uses oxygen, which can damage cells.

Unfortunately, your brain can be damaged if you ingest anything other than premium fuel. If substances from "low-premium" fuel (such as what you get from processed or refined foods) get to the brain, it has little ability to get rid of them. Diets high in refined sugars, for example, are harmful to the brain. In addition to worsening your body’s regulation of insulin, they also promote inflammation and oxidative stress. Multiple studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function — and even a worsening of symptoms of mood disorders, such as depression.

Fortunately, there are also countless options when it comes to high quality foods that support brain health and enhance cognitive function. Ārepa, for example, is scientifically formulated to improve brain performance and support long-term brain health. It incorporates ingredients that are backed by numerous clinical studies, to provide a product that everyone can benefit from.

Got some questions about your brain? Get in touch with Sam, our in-house Neuroscientist - sam@drinkarepa.com