Memory & Mood, Fine and Dandy Learning
What common denominator links memory, mood, and learning—ah, yes, what does dandelion have a lot of, great for your memory? Great for your mood? And great for you, to learn?
Phrased precisely, what is dandelion high in that your body converts to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter both in the peripheral nervous system and in the central nervous system, important in the brain for learning, mood, and memory? (Acetylcholine is low in people who have Alzheimer’s disease.)
Lecithin! This unique phospholipid—the main constituent being phosphatidyl choline—is a nutrient compound that emulsifies fat, lowers cholesterol, and protects the cardiovascular system. Dandelion is rich in this lipid, containing about 30,000 parts per million, nearly twice that of soybeans. Dandelion’s high content of lecithin, with its fat emulsifying properties, also makes it an effective digestive aid.
The important transmitter in the brain at nerve-to-nerve synapses, acetylcholine, uses another component:
Choline! Dandelion’s high concentration of choline and lecithin convert to acetylcholine. In the central nervous system, the resulting variety of effects as a neuromodulator include plasticity, excitability, arousal and reward.
Oh, another physiological function of the acetylcholine that dandelion helps your body make is particularly important: stimulation of muscle tissue.
Acetylcholine! Remember that… your brain is like a muscle! “Use it or lose it!”
In making “uplifting memories” drinking dandelion tea, there’s a lot to learn!
July 11th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Ruth, I enjoyed reading all about it. Roasting the root gives the dandelion a coffee-like flavor. I am glad Daddy likes dandelion leaves. Love, Mother
July 11th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
That is “dandy”!