Cognitive-enhancing compounds can sharpen focus, boost memory, improve mental clarity, and promote productivity. Discover the potential of these scientifically-backed nootropics to keep your brain sharp, agile, and functioning at its best, regardless of age.
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Keep Your Brain Young With the 5 Most Powerful Nootropic Supplements is an original (NootropicsPlanet) article.
Cognitive enhancement naturally and safely
Cognitive decline, often associated with aging, can also affect younger adults. Mental fatigue and “burnout” can occur due to overwork, boredom from repetitive tasks, or dietary deficiencies. Sometimes, multitasking leads to a loss of concentration, diminished productivity, and cognitive overload.
In response, a market has been developed for supplements to counter cognitive decline and mental sluggishness and increase alertness and brain function. These supplements are called “nootropics.” According to the National Library of Medicine, “Nootropics are a diverse group of medicinal substances whose action improves human thinking, learning, and memory, especially in cases where these functions are impaired.”
While they are known as “smart drugs,” Nootropics won’timprove your IQ or make you more intelligent or creative. However, some nootropics canmeasurably impact brain function by affecting neural connectivity and possibly creating new neural networks.
Psychology Today states, “Nootropics can modulate a range of biological processes which aid with neurotransmission, intracellular signaling and various molecular processes. Subsequently, this can improve cognition, memory and learning.” They also assert that “Many nootropics can also improve the production of proteins which offer neuroprotection and foster brain health.”
5 Powerful nootropic supplements
Among the diversity of natural, non-prescription nootropics, these five are recognized for effectively providing tangible benefits:
Nootropic supplement:
1. L-theanine amino acid
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in green tea and the Bay bolete mushroom; it is also available in supplement form. Clinical trials suggest L-theanine has anti-anxiety effects and promotes relaxation, sleep, and cognitive function, especially the processing and understanding of information. Animal lab tests have shown that L-theanine can improve memory and reverse cognitive shortcomings in models of Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies among healthy adults found that L-theanine “decreased errors, increased attention, enhanced working memory, and promoted verbal fluency, which is the retrieving of information from memory,” notes Very Well Health. Animal studies also suggest that L-theanine may regulate serotonin, GABA, and dopamine, which can help balance mood. Ultimately, this calming effect allows clarity of mind, which can improve performance and concentration abilities for mentally strenuous and intellectual tasks.
Nootropic supplement:
2. Choline
The human body needs choline to function properly. According to Cleveland Clinic, “Choline is a vital nutrient that helps your liver and brain function correctly, and supports your lipid metabolism and liver health.” The liver produces some choline, but most of the choline the body needs comes from ingested food. Choline helps the central nervous system control memory and mood, as well as “Helping cells to form, repair cellular membranes, and break down lipids and convert them to memory.”
A balanced diet with adequate meat, dairy, fish, eggs, whole grains, and vegetables may supply sufficient choline, but many diets are deficient. A choline supplement can help ensure the body gets enough choline to function properly.
Choline may also be derived from a precursor molecule, Citicoline (CDP-choline). According to Psychology Today, this “Naturally occurring molecule [is] vital for key neuronal functions, particularly those related to cognition, learning and memory.” Citicoline is the first step in a cycle of conversions. First, it becomes choline once in the body; choline then synthesizes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which influences attention and alertness. The cholinergic system of neurons is widely implicated in various aspects of cognition, attention, learning, and memory.
Nootropic supplement:
3. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea, also known as arctic root and golden root, is an adaptogen (an active ingredient in plants and mushrooms that can affect how the body deals with stress, anxiety, and fatigue), historically used in traditional Russian and Scandinavian medicine. Siberians brought the herb to the Caucasian Mountains. Chinese emperors sent expeditions to Siberia to source rhodiola for medicinal preparations. “More recently, Rhodiola rosea has earned the title of ‘nootropic’ due to the claimed benefits of the herb on fatigue, concentration and memory,” Cleveland Clinic notes.
Two studies involving 154 participants examined Rhodiola’s effects on cognitive processing measures. They found a significant positive impact from using Rhodiola. The findings suggest that Rhodiola can significantly improve memory, focus, and energy.
Nootropic supplement:
4. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms (Hericium erinaceus) are white, globe-shaped edible fungi, medicinal mushrooms capable of inducing a large number of modulatory effects on human physiology ranging from strengthening the immune system to improving cognitive functions. They may be consumed or taken as supplements, which deliver a higher level of active ingredients. According to MedicalNewsToday, “Research suggests that they may offer a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved cognitive and heart health.”
Other researchers have suggested that the mushrooms may potentially treat or prevent diseases that cause a decline in cognitive health, such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. A 2012 study evaluating the “Medicinal potential of 14 types of mushroom found that lion’s mane had the fourth highest antioxidant activity, which researchers described as ‘moderate to high.’”
Nootropic supplement:
5. Omega-3 Phospholipids
“Omega-3 phospholipids are fatty acids involved in natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms in the brain, playing important roles in maintaining the structure of cell walls (membranes) and regulating nerve cell communication, especially in the brain,” reports Neuro Reserve. Phospholipids are building blocks for brain health and the neural networks that affect thinking, memory, and cognition.
Nutritionally complete Omega-3s are found almost exclusively in cold water seafood: salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, for example, provide the most natural phospholipids, built from Omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Another source of the highest nutritional quality Omega-3 phospholipids is krill oil, harvested from Antarctica’s pure, icy waters and easily taken as a nutritional supplement.
Kori Krill Oil Multi-Benefit Omega-3s
Kori Krill Oil is a leading supplier of pure Antarctic krill oil, which is becoming increasingly known for its potent, bioactive Omega-3 phospholipid content and numerous health benefits. Kori natural Omega-3 phospholipids are absorbed and digested better than Omega-3s in fish oil (which are destroyed during processing) and have more nutrients for whole-body health. Krill oil’s superior absorption also prevents any “fishy” aftertaste.
Kori Krill Oil Mind & Body is a unique formulation of krill oil-sourced Omega-3s, brain-nourishing plant antioxidants, essential vitamin B12, and turmeric curcumin. The supplement also provides an ample dose of choline, a precursor to acetylcholine, which is an essential neurotransmitter in the brain. Together, these nutrients support memory, attention, and nervous system function while providing vibrant energy and overall health benefits.
Kori Krill Oil’s leadership in sustainability
In addition to recognizing Kori Krill Oil for the quality and reliability of its Omega-3 products, the company is commended by News 7 Health for the precedent-setting sustainability policies behind its operations. Thanks to Kori Krill Oil and its fishery partner, the pristine ocean waters of Antarctica and their abundant seafood bounty have become an example of worldwide environmental responsibility.
Omega-3 supplements for optimal cognitive enhancement
Omega-3s are an essential nutrient with excellent nootropic brain health and cognitive benefits. However, over 70% of Americans have deficient Omega-3 levels due to insufficient seafood consumption. Research findings indicate a daily nutritional supplement of pure Antarctic krill oil can provide the equivalent Omega-3 cognitive and health benefits of two weekly servings of cold water fish. By harnessing the power of Omega-3s in krill, you get the nootropic benefits that encourage mental well-being and promote overall health.
Further reading for additional knowledge
The Atlantic: Experimenting With Nootropics to Increase Mental Capacity, Clarity
Mayo Clinic: “Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)”
Dr. Axe: The Best Nootropics (or Brain Supplements) to Boost Learning, Creativity & More
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
