What Are Nootropics? How These Cognitive Enhancers Can Take Your Brain Health To The Next-Level

Benefits of nootropics

As powerful cognitive enhancers, nootropics have been shown to improve your brain health in more ways than one.

1. Improved memory 

Many nootropics are associated with enhanced memory retention and faster learning. Multiple studies have linked (1) certain nootropics like Bocopa monnieri with enhanced learning and memory. 

2. Enhanced focus and concentration

Nootropics can help individuals maintain a higher level of focus and mental clarity, making it easier to complete tasks and solve problems.

3. Stabilized mood

Certain adaptogenic nootropics like ashwagandha have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, leading to an improved overall mood and well-being. A recent study published in the journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, (2) found that regular supplementation with ashwagandha was linked to better sleep, improved memory and focus, and less stress and anxiety in as little as 90 days!

4. Creativity and problem-solving

Nootropics can stimulate (3) creative thinking and enhance problem-solving abilities by boosting cognitive flexibility and positive emotions.

5. Neuroprotection

Nootropics are known to have powerful antioxidant properties (4) that can protect brain tissue from neurotoxicity and decline.

Natural nootropics in beverages and supplements

If you want to approach the world of nootropics with some caution but you also want to boost your brain performance, dip your toe in by incorporating a few of these natural nootropics into your wellness routine. These are all easily accessible without a prescription with each one offering a unique benefit for your brain.

1. Caffeine

You might just think it helps perk you up in the morning, but caffeine is a superstar nootropic. Naturally occurring in coffee, tea, and chocolate, caffeine is hardly a stranger. You can also get caffeine in supplement form, if you aren’t a coffee or tea drinker. Caffeine helps you feel more alert and wakes you up by blocking (5) your brain’s adenosine receptors, and the result is a sharper brain and clearer thinking.

2. L-Theanine

Naturally occurring in tea, especially green tea, L-theanine is a great co-pilot to caffeine having shown that the combination (6) of these two resulted in faster reaction time and less mental fatigue.

3. Creatine

An amino acid your body uses to make protein and promote muscle growth, creatine is a popular supplement amongst athletes. It’s also great brain fuel because it binds with phosphate in your brain to provide energy (7) to your brain’s cells, increasing short-term memory. (8)

4. Gingko biloba

I always manage to throw an adaptogen onto my lists because they are my favorite tool for managing stress and boosting brain power, and gingko biloba is a particularly brain-beneficial adaptogen. The leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree are proven brain boosters, especially when it comes to improving memory (9) and alleviating stress by decreasing (10) levels of cortisol, your stress hormone.

5. Panax ginseng

Another adaptogen, this herb improves memory by reducing oxidative stress, thereby promoting the production of brain-protecting nitric oxide. Research has also shown that panax ginseng may prevent (11) age-related memory loss and improve long-term memory. (12)

6. Curcumin

You may have 99 problems, but if you use it regularly, curcumin has probably already solved 98 of them - and you can add improved cognitive performance to that list. With long-term use, this compound, abundant in the turmeric root, has been shown (13) to improve working memory. Curcumin can also increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), (14) reduce oxidative stress, (15) and reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines. (16) Check out my favorite curcumin supplement. 

7. Rhodiola

Another one of my favorite adaptogens, rhodiola is also a superstar nootropic that has been shown in multiple clinical studies (17) to alleviate fatigue and anxiety and enhance work performance and memory. One study (18) found that rhodiola had positive effects on neurotransmitters in your brain that influence your mood, resulting in improved anxiety, depression, and overall mood.

8. Omega-3s

Omega-3 fatty acids found abundantly in fish, have shown potential (19) in protecting brain cells from damage and aging. In fact, according to the Alzheimer's Society, (20) omega-3s are able to help improve symptoms of early stage dementia. Check out my favorite omega Supplement.

9. Green tea

An abundant source of both L-theanine and caffeine, green tea is one of my favorite natural nootropics. I love sipping green tea throughout my day to give my brain a little boost without having to take these nootropics in supplement form.

10. Lion’s mane

Lion’s mane mushrooms are known (21) for their adaptogenic and neuroprotective properties that are able to promote the production of nerve growth factors (NGFs) in your brain involved in memory.

How to use nootropics

It’s easy to add natural nootropics to your daily wellness routine. You can find most of these herbs and compounds in supplement form from any natural food or vitamin store, or online. You can also find adaptogens and turmeric in powder form, which you can throw into your morning smoothie, favorite recipe, or elixir.

If you decide to explore the amazing brain-boosting power of natural nootropics, it’s important to know that while these natural “smart drugs” are considered generally safe, research is ongoing but still limited. Everyone is different and has different reactions to foods and supplements so, depending on your health case, you may be more sensitive to certain nootropics, especially L-theanine and/or caffeine. For instance, some people have specific gene mutations that make it more difficult for them to metabolize caffeine. These people will probably not respond well to caffeine. My advice is to start slow, listen to your body, note any problems, adjust dosages accordingly, and always tell your doctor about your supplement use, no matter how natural the supplement may be.

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