Nootropics are natural substances that act as cognitive enhancers, potentially improving specific mental functions such as concentration, memory, and attention span. Nootropics, from Greek, meaning “mind-turning”, are substances that claim to act as ‘brain boosters to aid alertness, intelligence, and creativity.

Supplement your mind to get that edge over your competition!

Are there any side effects of natural nootropic supplements?

Thanks to natural, plant-based ingredients, Nootropics don’t come with the same warning labels as the prescription kind. As with any supplement, just be sure to only consume the amount prescribed on the label and consult a GP if any health issues could respond badly to the ingredients in your focus-enhancer of choice.

Our picks to get you started!

EGCg, Green Tea Extract

Green tea’s bioactive compounds include polyphenols and catechins, which are known to exhibit potent free radical neutralizing properties. Its most abundant catechin, EGCg has been scientifically demonstrated to assist in maintaining healthy tissues in the face of normal metabolic stress and to support proper cell cycle regulation.

Lion’s Mane

This beautiful mushroom species appears as a white waterfall of cascading icicles and is found on broadleaf trees and logs. The subject of recent studies, Lion’s Mane is renowned for providing support to the brain and nervous system. Expect, uplifted mood and prolonged concentration.

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Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola is a stress-modulating adaptogen that promotes cellular energy metabolism. Clinical trials suggest that Rhodiola Rosea has beneficial effects on physical and mental performance, physical endurance, and more. Rhodiola encourages higher measures of mental performance like associative thinking, short-term memory & concentration. Rhodiola has been shown to improve physical endurance and has traditionally been used to increase mental performance. Its especially good at boosting associative thinking, short-term memory, concentration, calculation, and audio/visual perception speeds.

L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. By improving the rate of neurotransmitter synthesis, tyrosine stimulates the central nervous system. It appears to function as an adaptogen by relieving physical symptoms of stress, such as mood swings. Expect an uplifted mood and a positive outlook on life after regular consumption.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb that is extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional herbal system in India. Ashwagandha is used as a general tonic and “adaptogen,” helping the body adapt to temporary, normal stress. In addition, preliminary data suggest that ashwagandha supports a healthy immune system.

Bottom Line

If like millions of other people you are looking to improve your memory, alertness, and increase your productivity, you may be considering a nootropic. You could benefit from nootropics as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Nootropics aren’t a magic bullet, so consider tweaking your lifestyle in ways that can enhance whatever effects nootropics might impart—for instance, by improving your quality of sleep, your diet, or your exposure to natural light and fresh air.