Unlocking Cognitive Potential with Nootropics

If you’ve ever come across the term in the past, Nootropics certainly are like adaptogens in the sense of the many health benefits they provide. Some of the more popular Nootropic substances popularised today have in fact seen age-old use among the world’s oldest civilisations. However, an examination of how this category of ‘neuro supplement’ was coined, may reveal a clearer definition of its purpose. 

Coined by Romanian psychologist Corneliu Giurgea in 1972, nootropics feature a combination of the Greek words for ‘mind’ and ‘turn. Corneliu Giurgea also provided an outline for identifying nootropic substances, through these six features:

1. They enhance learning acquisition (improve learning and memory)
2. These substances support brain health by ‘resisting impairing agents’
3. They facilitate interhemispheric transfer of information
4. Enhance resistance to brain ‘aggressions’
5. Improve focus and attention

Cordyceps

These are a medicinal mushroom that have seen centuries of use within a variety of East Asian cultures. Known to provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, Cordyceps sinensis provides a natural energy boost and protects against health problems such as fatigue. Some even believe that Cordyceps can boost libido, and slow the aging process. 

L Tyrosine

L Tyrosine is an amino acid that features considerable benefits to improve brain function, and a person’s mood. The compound is closely associated with stress regulation, especially when it comes to helping users focus their attention during a demanding task. Additionally, L Tyrosine is used by the human body to produce other ‘feel good’ chemicals, including Dopamine and Adrenaline. Running low on L Tyrosine is often what causes people to feel like they’ve hit a blank, or mental ‘wall’ when it comes to maintaining their focus at work.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

Often abbreviated as ALC, Acetyl-L-Carnitine is the synthesised version of L-Carnitine — a compound produced naturally within your liver and kidneys. Interestingly, ALC helps to fuel your cellular mitochondria, which in turn conveys a boost to your body’s physical and mental capacity. As it also features antioxidant properties and is a necessary ingredient for acetylcholine - a neurotransmitter - ALC also aids in boosting a person’s memory and mental alertness.

Rhodiola

Famed as a remedy for fatigue, poor concentration and decreased memory, Rhodiola Rosea - also known as Golden Root - possesses qualities that have seen its use for centuries. Along with its stress-relieving properties, Rhodiola is also an anti-inflammatory nootropic supplement. With plenty of research conducted to study its efficacy, this famous herb is also renowned for its usefulness in treating a host of other ailments, including impotence, tuberculosis, and cancer. 

L-Theanine

Here’s an everyday amino acid that you’ll be surprised to know, comes from green tea. Similar to the neurotransmitters L-glutamate and l-glutamine, L-theanine is easily absorbed through the blood-brain barrier within a matter of 30 to 45 minutes. It’s no wonder that a cup of tea is so easily enjoyed, when its active ingredient, L-theanine, provides benefits to relax, and help a person improve their focus. 

Creatine

Creatine happens to be another naturally-occuring nootropic molecule that’s produced within the human body. While it’s a supplement that’s long been associated with improving athletic performance, it also provides cognitive enhancements by improving energy levels in your brain. As a result, these effects have been studied to confer benefits in terms of focus, reasoning ability, and mental endurance.

Ginkgo Biloba

Also known as Maidenhair, Ginkgo Biloba is among one of modern history’s oldest species of trees. These trees and their derivatives - such as the Ginkgo nut - have seen use in Chinese medicine over centuries. Known to boost mental alertness and improve cerebral circulation, Ginkgo supplements have long been recommended to those looking to improve their cognitive ability, whether for work or study.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an adaptogen that was first revealed in ancient Ayurvedic texts. Known through these texts as Brahmi, after the supreme Hindu god Brahma, Bacopa Monnieri aids in improving an individual’s neurocognition. As it also features antioxidant effects, this nootropic comes highly regarded for its neuro-preservative qualities. Additionally, it also produces mood regulation effects, and is often used by those wanting to improve their anxiety levels.

At AusVitality, we aim to support the cognitive and overall well being of everyday Aussies who seek to find a practical improvement in their everyday lives. Whether it’s through finding that energy boost that helps you achieve healthy, productive states of mind for your work, or just to have the energy you need to be present with every family moment at home, we believe nootropic supplementation may offer a safe and viable option that our customers can consider. With plenty of peer reviewed study to show for the abundant benefits that nootropics can provide in helping a person live with more focus and vitality, there is simply no reason why you should miss out on your chance to achieve a life more fulfilled.

If you’re ready to explore a better, healthier version of yourself, be sure to check out Mindlift over at our our shop page to find out more.