Natural Nootropics for Boosting Brain Power and Enhancing Cognitive Performance
Whether it's boosting brain power or warding off memory loss, nootropics can help you improve your mental performance.
Nootropics help improve cognitive functions and memory. Caffeine, lion’s mane mushroom, and green tea are all sources of natural nootropic supplements or cognitive enhancers. Nootropics have been used in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda for thousands of years. They're just starting to become mainstream.
Whether it’s boosting cognitive functions before a test or warding off dementia in old age, people take nootropics for various personal and professional reasons. Regardless of the reason, they're all looking to get more done in less time.
With the increase in demand for productivity, there has been an increase in popularity of both natural and synthetics nootropics. Here's a look at the best nootropic supplements, and how they support your brain and memory.
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Green tea is an excellent source of L-theanine, a naturally derived amino acid, and an effective nootropic. It is an amino acid that uses your body’s protein to support mental functions.
Studies have shown that L-theanine increases attention, improves sleep, boosts brain performance, and learning, and promotes relaxation. It could also be beneficial for patients who suffer from anxiety disorders. L-Theanine has been shown to have neuroprotective effects, which means it can help restore and regenerate brain cells.
Bacopa monnieri, or Brahmi is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Bacopa is a plant called rice field weed. Its purple flowers have oblong leaves and grow throughout the Indian subcontinent.
It thrives in moist, tropical climates and can even survive underwater for long periods. They're known to support mental performance, reduce stress, and have anti-inflammatory properties. One additional benefit of taking Bacopa Monnieri supplements is that they contain adaptogens, which help fight against free radicals and oxidative stress.
Ginseng is one of the oldest and most popular herbal adaptogens. It comes from traditional Chinese medicine and has long, light brown roots with green leaves and a bittersweet flavor. There are two main types of Ginseng: American and Asian ginseng (Panax). Both have a positive effect on immunity.
Ginseng can support healthier blood sugar levels and increased focus may help with menopause, cancer, blood pressure, and heart disease. Since ginseng has the power to interact with other drugs, it may not be a good idea to take it if you're taking any medication. Consult with your doctor before taking ginseng as a supplement.
Rhodiola Rosea is an evergreen plant that grows in cold climates, and is sometimes called "arctic root." This adaptogen has been shown to help treat depression. It contains over 140 different active ingredients and has both an antidepressant and fatigue-fighting effects, and is also used to help treat anxiety in Russia and Scandinavian countries.
A study compared Rhodiola Rosea to the nootropic drug, Zoloft which has an active ingredient called Setrainine. Results showed that, while the synthetic chemical drug had a greater impact on reducing overall symptoms of major depressive disorder, the herbal remedy was easier to tolerate because its side effects were generally milder.
Ginkgo Biloba extracts are known to improve mental clarity as they are used in traditional Chinese medicine for this purpose. It has been shown to help improve memory, especially age-related memory decline and enhance the mental clarity of older adults and healthy adults.
Preliminary evidence suggests that Ginkgo Biloba may help treat age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss. Another benefit of Ginkgo Biloba is its ability to reduce stress-related high blood pressure and a stress hormone called cortisol.
These benefits are thought to be caused by improved blood flow to the brain, which may help prevent cognitive decline. It improves blood flow to the brain, which helps you remember things better and concentrate. That is why Ginkgo Biloba plays a role in reducing the risk of having a stroke. However, more research needs to be done to fully understand its effects.
Lion’s Mane mushrooms are shaggy white mushrooms that can be eaten cooked, raw, dried, or in tea form for enhanced brain function. There’s no definitive link between lion’s manes and Alzheimer’s disease.
However, a study on mice has found that the mushroom has neuroprotective effects on treating or preventing neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by loss of memory and cognitive impairment due to dysfunction of the cholinergically-mediated nervous system.
These are often a source of chronic inflammation, cell damage, and brain damage in people. More research needs to be done to see if the mushroom works in humans.
How to Choose the Best Natural Nootropics
Consider the abundance of naturally occurring nootropics found in nature. Plants and herbs offer many adaptogenic, or stress-relieving compounds that help increase focus and relax you.
Natural nootropics, in their natural form, do not cause any side effects similar to other psychoactive drugs. Look for high-grade nootropic herbs that are without artificial ingredients.
What Are Natural Nootropic Supplements?
Natural nootropic supplements help boosts the production of neurotransmitters, which contributes to brain boosting. They're dietary supplements used to improve brain cell membranes, intelligence, motivation, and creativity. Nootropics (also known as smart drugs) can help you boost your cognitive abilities and improve your mood.
Nootropics offer a range of cognitive benefits, including faster reaction times, improved alertness, increased memory, and reduced mental fog. Some nootropics are also known as adaptogens, which means they can help your body handle stress better.
Nootropics serve a similar purpose as any other nootropic. They're natural supplements that help improve brain function. They are made of natural substances. Herbal Nootropics are often used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance mental functions.
They're safe and effective, unlike synthetic smart drugs. And they've been proven to improve brain health without causing any side effects. These types of nootropics contain standardized high-quality herbs without artificial or common allergens.
Beneficial Effects of Natural Nootropics
While nootropics can have many benefits, they shouldn't be used as a replacement for healthy habits. Sleep, nutrition, and stress management are essential for achieving optimal cognitive performance. Once a person incorporates the changes mentioned above into their lives, nootropics can help improve mental sharpness, reduce mental fatigue, and the chances for an age-associated decline in cognitive performance.
There are a wide variety of brain boosters available, however, some may contain harmful ingredients and/or have serious side effects. That’s one reason why it’s important to know what to expect when looking for nootropic supplements. The first thing to note is whether the nootropic is natural.
Natural Nootropics Adverse Effects
Nootropics are supplements that improve brain function without causing any adverse side effects. Most of the time, the only adverse effects are from taking larger than prescribed amounts.
True nootropics do not cause any harmful adverse effects. It is because standardized herbal extracts are used when creating one. Effects can vary, and there may be adverse reactions if you attempt to make these compounds without proper knowledge or equipment.
Natural Nootropics vs. Synthetic Nootropic Drug
Both natural and synthetic supplements increase blood circulation and provide necessary nutrients. Natural stimulants protect the brain from inflammation and toxins.
Nootropic supplements also stimulate the release of various neurotransmitters, which help boost your brain function. However, just like anything else, it takes time to see the benefits.
Studies have shown that synthetic nootropic drugs can help clear brain fog, treat anxiety, and recover from brain injuries. However, further research is needed to confirm these claims. These smart drugs are safe, but be careful because they can cause serious health issues like addiction and high blood pressure.
Natural Nootropics FAQs
What foods are high in nootropics?
Nootropics are often touted for their ability to improve memory, concentration, focus, and motivation. Some common foods that contain these substances include dark chocolate, green tea, eggs, blueberries, turmeric, and spinach.
Is green tea a nootropic?
We would go as far as to call it a genuine powerhouse of a cognitive enhancer that should be part of every mental performance supplementation program.
Can nootropics cause brain damage?
The misuse of nootropic substances might potentially be dangerous and deliver to the human brain, especially for people who have a history of mental or drug abuse disorders.
Is dark chocolate a nootropic?
Minimally processed chocolate (at least 80% cocoa) is one of the most effective nootropic supplements available.
Natural Nootropics for Brain Health
A growing interest in brain health and productivity has led to a variety of nootropic dietary supplements, but not all are without risk. Because many synthetic nootropics have side effects, natural nootropics are a much healthier and less risky option. At the same time, the supplement is helping the body systems including blood circulation and energy booster.
Natural nootropic supplements offer a variety of benefits for overall wellness and brain health. Incorporating these supplements into your daily routine can help you better understand yourself and how to optimize your health.