We often come across different types of ingredients in supplements - not just your typical vitamins and minerals. Now you would find a range of botanicals, "superfoods", adaptogens, and nootropics to name a few.
In this article, we will be discussing nootropics - what are nootropics? And how can they be beneficial to our health?
What are nootropics?
Nootropics are substances that can improve brain performance. They are often referred to as “Brain Boosters” or “Cognitive Enhancers”.
Natural nootropics include substances such as...
🌿 Lion’s Mane Mushroom - AKA the brain-boosting mushroom, widely used in Eastern medicine
🌿 Natural caffeine - found in tea, coffee, and cacao, widely known to stimulate the brain
🌿 Gingko Biloba - leaves or extracts from the Gingko tree, which may enhance mental function and memory
🌿 L-Theanine - a naturally occurring amino acid found in tea
🌿 Cacao - an antioxidant with flavonoids, a compound found naturally in plant-based products
🌿 Ashwagandha - an adaptogen which helps the body manage stress
🌿 B Vitamins - including thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), folic acid, and vitamin B12
How do nootropics work?
Naturally-derived nootropics tend to work by improving blood circulation (and oxygen) in the brain, which increases the supply of oxygen and vital nutrients.
They reportedly stimulate the release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and acetylcholine. Theories suggest that nootropics inhibit homocysteine and oxidative damage on blood vessels.
Nootropics have been found to...
🧠 Improve concentration, attention, focus and mental clarity
🧠 Reduce brain fog
🧠 Improve quality of sleep
🧠 Boost attention span
🧠 Enhance cognitive function, motivation, and memory
TOP TIP: Neurotransmitters are responsible for helping different parts of your brain send and receive messages to each other. For example, when you do something fun or rewarding, your brain sends out a dopamine hit - helping you feel pleasure, excitement, and motivation.
Nootropics and Adaptogens = a match made in heaven?
If you drink tea & coffee, or consume foods rich in Vitamin B, then good news - nootropics are already present in your diet! Take your nootropic intake to the next level by combining with adaptogens.
➡️ Adaptogens help our bodies manage stress and restore balance to our bodies after experiencing stress - with examples including roots, herbs, and plants.
The amino acid Theanine, found naturally in tea leaves, is thought to have beneficial actions on the brain by promoting focus, alertness, and a sense of calm.
This amino acid is thought to act both as a nootropic and an adaptogen by regulating the stress response. Studies have found that Theanine can increase levels of neurotransmitters; dopamine and serotonin, which can improve memory and learning.
Another great example is Ashwagandha. This ancient medicinal herb is also classified as both a nootropic ingredient and an adaptogen - meaning it has the ability to reduce mental and physical stress. The perfect pairing for those who need a boost of focus and clarity on a busy Monday morning.
Our pHKind Mind Health Supplement contains a high strength dose of Ashwagandha, along with other complementary nootropics such as B Vitamins and L-Theanine. Discover your daily dose of calm.
References
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415189/
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/features/nootropics-smart-drugs-overview
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
Banner image by Kier in Sight Archives via Unsplash.
Additional photography by Nubelson Fernandez and Rodrigo Flores via Unsplash.
