What Are Nootropics and What Are they good for?
Nootropics is a term used to describe supplements that help increase cognitive performance and support brain health.
The term nootropic was coined in the 1970s by Romanian scientist Corneliu Giurgea. It originated from combining the Greek words for ‘mind’ and ‘bending.’
Today there are more than 80 different substances classified as nootropics. These include specific vitamins, herbs, phospholipids, choline sources, and amino acids.
Benefits of Nootropics
Nootropics can support brain health in many ways, with a growing body of research demonstrating their benefit in fending off age-related cognitive decline.
Key cognitive benefits include:
Memory and learning: Nootropics can impact various aspects of memory, improving memory recall and our ability to learn and process new information.
Focus and motivation: Nootropics can enhance attention span, improving focus, motivation, and productivity.
Stress resilience: Nootropics can help improve our resilience to mental and physical stress, enabling us to perform at our best in stressful situations. Nootropics may also help reduce nervous energy and help us better deal with our anxieties.
Mood and creativity: Nootropics can support our mental well-being, helping to balance our bodies adaptation to stress.
Why Nootropics Are So Beneficial
Today’s modern lifestyle means optimising cognitive performance and mental well-being is more critical now than ever before.
Nootropics, in conjunction with other nutritional and lifestyle interventions, represent an exciting frontier in helping to prevent the continued rise of these conditions. Many nootropics have already undergone scientific investigation to explore their ability to help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Powerful Nootropics inside Mindlift
Bacopa monnieri
Some of the most effective and widely researched nootropics are herbs, roots, and plants. One such example is Bacopa monnieri, a herb traditionally used to boost memory and cognitive performance in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo is one of the most widely used and researched nootropic brain herbs on the planet. Native to China and used widely in traditional Chinese Medicine, Ginkgo supports brain health, cognitive function and attention span
A systematic review and a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that 240 mg of Ginkgo Biloba per day saw positive symptoms in improved cognitive function.
Brondino, N., De Silvestri, A.,Re, S., Lanati, N., Thiemann, P.,(2013) A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ginkgo biloba. From Ancient Tradition to Modern-Day Medicine. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine :veCAM, 2013, 915691
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania, is a popular traditional Chinese medicine with demonstrated nootropic benefits. Ashwagandha is used to help the body to cope better with the mental demands of stress and improve cognition. KSM-66® ashwagandha is a premium ashwagandha herbal extract with a growing portfolio of clinical studies demonstrating its benefit for brain and nervous system support.
A randomised Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled revealed that daily treatment with 300 mg twice daily ashwagandha for a period of eight weeks produced significant enhancement versus placebo in a battery of cognitive performance tests.
Choudhary, D, Bhattacharyya,S , Bose, S (2017) Efficacy and Safety of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal) Root Extract in Improving Cognitive Functions. Journal of dietary supplements, 14(6), 599–612.
Who are Nootropics for?
Nootropics are suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their cognitive performance improve energy levels, or simply enhance their mental well-being. From students facing exams to high-stress executives and tired parents, anyone can benefit from the cognitive enhancement and neuroprotective effects of nootropics.
Nootropics represent a compelling tool for optimising cognitive function and promoting brain health in today's demanding world. With their diverse array of benefits and potent ingredients, these supplements offer a promising pathway to unlocking your cognitive potential and achieving peak mental performance. Experience the transformative power of nootropics and embark on a journey to greater clarity, focus, and vitality.