If you are looking into nootropics, chances are you’re looking for ways to boost your intelligence and cognitive abilities. Perhaps you have an important test or exam coming up. Maybe you want to excel further at work. You might be older and looking to take a step back and experience the mental clarity of your younger years. Whatever your reasons, nootropics could significantly benefit you. The word “nootropics” refers to a group of “smart drugs” or substances – either natural or synthetic – that claim to have a profoundly positive impact on your mental functioning. It is claimed that you can easily increase your mental clarity and sharpen your focus with nootropics!
Nootropics will generally take one of three forms – dietary supplements, synthetic compounds or prescription drugs. If this is an area that you’re interested in, let’s take a moment to look at some of the most popular nootropics on the market today.
Fish Oils
We’ve long known that fish oils are good for us. This is why many of the older generation will have memories of a spoonful of cod liver oil a day, and why many of us still take the supplement in the more palatable form of a pill all these years later. When it comes down to it, fish oil tends to be a great source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). They also contain two different types of omega-3 fatty acids. Various studies have found this combination of fatty acids to significantly improve brain health. In particular, DHA plays an absolutely essential role in maintaining the structure and functioning of your brain, accounting for 25% of the total fat content found in your brain cells and 90% of their omega 3 fats. EPA complements DHA well, having positive anti-inflammatory effects that can protect your brain from damage, as well as the aging process. Those who take DHA supplements often report clearer thinking, better memory recall, and improved reaction times. However, supplements aren’t entirely necessary. You can generally gain all of these benefits by eating two portions of fatty fish per week.
Caffeine
Caffeine is often tarred with a negative reputation. It can keep you up at night and, if you consume large amounts of it regularly, you can develop somewhat of an addiction, experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms such as jitters and mild headaches when you cut it straight out of your diet. But caffeine, when consumed properly and responsibly, really can have some astounding benefits for your brain. Caffeine is a stimulant; It stimulates your brain and central nervous system, reducing feelings of drowsiness and helping you to feel more alert and present. Reports have found that caffeine intake can also hold benefits such as improved memory, reaction times and general brain functioning. While caffeine can be taken as a supplement, it can also be easily obtained from common food and beverage sources, such as tea, coffee and dark chocolate.
Ginkgo Biloba
You can often find ginkgo biloba in the form of tablets or capsules in health food stores. It is a natural, herbal supplement that is sourced from the Ginkgo Biloba tree. Studies have found that this supplement can reduce the presence of common age-related decline in brain functioning, and many people who take it report improved focus and memory. In fact, it’s one of the most commonly taken supplements for memory improvement! It is claimed that these effects are the result of ginkgo biloba increasing blood flow to the brain.
Creatine
Creatine tends to be a staple in any gym-goer or weightlifter’s cupboards. It is a substance that is naturally found in your muscles and plays an important role in energy metabolism. Many people aiming to increase their muscle mass take creatine supplements to top up the levels already present in their body and see desired changes in their physique. But creatine supplements have more benefits than increasing muscle mass alone. Studies into these substances have also found that creatine can improve both memory and thinking skills in individuals who lack meat in their diet, such as vegetarians and vegans.
S-Adenosylmethionine
Another substance that is already naturally present in your body, but which can also be increased with supplements, is s-adenosylmethionine. This plays an important role in your body, helping to break down important compounds like proteins, fats and hormones. However, for individuals experiencing depression, additional s-adenosylmethionine can reduce the decline of brain functioning that is often witnessed alongside depression.
Resveratrol
Chances are you’ve heard of some of the benefits of antioxidants already. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that is particularly good for the health of your brain! Found naturally in the skins of purple and red fruits (like grapes, raspberries and blueberries), resveratrol can actively help to reduce the deterioration of your brain’s hippocampus – an area strongly associated with memory.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a type of fat compound known as a phosolipid. It is naturally found in your brain, but supplements can actively increase phosphatidylserine levels in your body. Many people do this in order to preserve the health of their brain. Make sure to take an amount recommended by your doctor – sometimes this involves taking supplements several times a day – and you may experience an improvement in both your thinking skills and your memory.
Bacopa Monnieri
Made from the natural herb, Bocapa Monnieri, this supplement has been used by many individuals over many years in order to improve brain functioning. It can aid thinking skills in the young and the elderly alike. It is generally recommended that you take this supplement consistently over a long period of time to benefit as much as possible from it.
Of course, there are many more nootropics out there. But hopefully, the information above has helped to introduce you to some of the most popular and commonly used! Each holds its own unique benefits, but each will go a long way to improving the health of your mind!
