Nootropics are natural supplements or medications that improve brain function in healthy people.
Many of them have been shown to improve memory, motivation, creativity, attentiveness, and overall cognitive performance. Nootropics may also help to slow the aging process of brain function.
Here are the top ten nootropic pills for improving brain function.
1. Fish Oils
Fish oil supplements are high in omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
Many health advantages have been associated to these fatty acids, including increased brain function.
DHA is essential for the proper formation and function of your brain. In fact, it accounts for around 25% of total fat and 90% of omega-3 fat present in your brain cells.
EPA, the second omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, has anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the brain from damage and aging.
In healthy persons with inadequate DHA intakes, taking DHA supplements has been associated to better thinking abilities, memory, and response speeds. It has also helped patients who have seen a moderate loss in brain function.
EPA, unlike DHA, is not necessarily associated with increased brain function. However, it has been linked to advantages such as increased mood in patients suffering from depression.
Taking fish oil, which includes both of these fats, has been proven to aid in the reduction of brain function decrease associated with aging.
The evidence on fish oil's preservative benefits on brain health, on the other hand, is equivocal.
Overall, eating two meals of oily fish each week is the best approach to receive the necessary quantity of omega-3 fatty acids.
If you are unable to do so, a supplement may be advantageous. Many supplements are available online.
More study is needed to determine how much EPA and DHA are useful and in what ratios. However, consuming 1 gram of mixed DHA and EPA per day is widely suggested to preserve brain health.
2. Creatine
Creatine is a naturally occurring chemical that aids in energy metabolism. It occurs naturally in the body, mostly in the muscles and in lesser levels in the brain.
Although it is a popular supplement, it may be found in various meals, namely animal products such as meat, fish, and eggs.
Interestingly, creatine supplementation can boost memory and reasoning skills in vegetarians.
3. Resveratrol
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in the skins of purple and red fruits such as grapes, raspberries, and blueberries. Red wine, chocolate, and peanuts all contain it.
It has been proposed that consuming resveratrol supplements might help to prevent the degradation of the hippocampus, a critical area of the brain related with memory.
If this is true, this medication may be able to halt the deterioration in brain function that occurs as we age.
Resveratrol has also been found in animal experiments to boost memory and brain function.
Furthermore, a small sample of healthy older persons in one study discovered that consuming 200 mg of resveratrol every day for 26 weeks enhanced memory.
However, there aren't enough human research to be certain of resveratrol's benefits right now.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine is a naturally occurring stimulant found in tea, coffee, and dark chocolate.
Although it may be taken as a supplement, there is no need when you can receive it from these sources.
It works by activating the brain and central nervous system, making you feel more alert and less weary.
Caffeine, in fact, has been demonstrated in tests to increase energy and enhance memory, response speeds, and overall brain function.
The caffeine content of one cup of coffee varies, although it is typically 50-400 mg.
Single dosages of about 200-400 mg per day are typically regarded safe and sufficient for most people.
Caffeine, on the other hand, can be counterproductive and has been related to adverse effects such as anxiety, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.
5. Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid, which is a kind of fat component present in the brain.
It has been proposed that consuming phosphatidylserine supplements may be beneficial for brain health.
These vitamins are easily available online.
Taking 100 mg of phosphatidylserine three times per day has been proven in studies to help decrease age-related deterioration in brain function.
Furthermore, healthy adults who take phosphatidylserine supplements of up to 400 mg per day have better thinking and memory.
Larger trials, however, are required before its impacts on brain function can be completely understood.
6. Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-carnitine is an amino acid that your body naturally produces. It is essential for your metabolism, notably for energy generation.
Taking acetyl-L-carnitine supplements is said to increase alertness, enhance memory, and decrease age-related memory decline.
These supplements are available at vitamin shops and online.
Some animal studies have found that acetyl-L-carnitine supplementation can help to avoid age-related declines in brain function and boost learning ability.
Human investigations have discovered that it may be a valuable supplement for delaying the loss in brain function caused by aging. It may also help persons with mild dementia or Alzheimer's disease improve their brain function.
However, there is no evidence that it has a favorable impact in otherwise healthy people who do not have a decrease of brain function.
7. Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba is a herbal supplement made from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. It's a very popular supplement that many people use to increase their brain capacity, and it's accessible both in shops and online.
It is considered to boost cognitive functions such as attention and memory by increasing blood flow to the brain.
Despite its extensive use, the outcomes of research exploring its effects have been inconsistent.
According to some research, consuming ginkgo biloba supplements can help minimize age-related deterioration in brain function.
One study indicated that consuming ginkgo biloba supplements improved boost memory and reasoning skills in healthy middle-aged persons.
However, not all research have discovered these advantages.
8. Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri medication is derived from the plant Bacopa monnieri. It is used to improve brain function in traditional medical techniques such as Ayurveda.
It has been demonstrated to boost thinking abilities and memory in both healthy persons and older people suffering from cognitive decline.
It should be noted, however, that only regular usage of Bacopa monnieri has been demonstrated to have this effect. People typically take around 300 mg each day, and it may take four to six weeks to see any results.
According to research, Bacopa monnieri can infrequently produce diarrhea and stomach distress. As a result, many individuals advise taking this supplement with food.
9. Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is a supplement made from the plant Rhodiola rosea, which is commonly used in Chinese medicine to boost health and brain function.
It is believed to increase brain processing by lowering weariness.
People who use Rhodiola rosea have been demonstrated to benefit from less tiredness and improved cognitive function. However, the outcomes have been varied.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recently stated that further study is needed before scientists can determine if Rhodiola rosea helps reduce weariness and improve cognitive function.
10. S-Adenosyl Methionine
S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring chemical in your body. It is employed in chemical processes to produce and degrade essential molecules like as proteins, lipids, and hormones.
It may be beneficial in boosting the benefits of some antidepressants and minimizing the loss in brain function found in persons suffering from depression.
According to one research, adding SAMe to an antidepressant prescription for persons who had previously not responded to treatment increased their chances of remission by around 14%.
A recent study discovered that SAMe may be equally beneficial as certain antidepressant medicines in some cases.
There is no proof that this supplement aids persons who are not depressed.