Your Guide to the Best Rated Brain Boosting Supplements
Our long working hours and busy lives are taking a toll on our brains. An overwhelming number of people feel mentally drained after a week of work or a long study session. Many of us also forget what we were looking for as soon as we step in a room. But there is an amazing solution for this problem, brain boosting supplements or nootropics!
What are Brain Boosting Supplements?
The term “nootropics” means “to shape or bend the mind” in Greek. The best brain supplements are over the counter medicines, designed to improve brain health and functioning. You can find nootropics for almost all aspects of cognitive performance, from increasing memory, focus and concentration to reducing age-related cognitive decline. Nootropics generally contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients that are essential for brain health, but tend to be missing or deficient in our daily diet.
At one time, these brain boosting pills used to be an underground phenomenon. But today they are incredibly popular. In fact, almost 25% of Americans over the age of 50 have used nootropics to boost their cognitive abilities.
What Makes a Brain Supplement Effective?
To be one of the best rated brain boosting supplements, the pills should contain ingredients that are proven to have positive effects on brain function. Some of the best ingredients used in brain support supplements are:
Noopept
Noopept is a synthetic drug that can show brain boosting effects within minutes. Studies on animals have shown that Noopept can increase the speed with which the brain retrieves and forms memories. It achieves this by increasing the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. BDNF is a compound that stimulates brain cell growth. Studies on humans have revealed that Noopept can help people recover from brain injuries quickly.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a fatty substance, which is naturally found in soy and cabbage. It protects and covers the brain cells and ensures smooth message transmission between neurons. It also plays an important role in the formation of the brain’s cell membrane. This helps in keeping memory sharp. Studies have shown that people who take phosphatidylserine supplements score higher on mood, concentration, and short-term memory tests. Phosphatidylserine is present in our body naturally, but with age, its levels decline.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian and East Asian medicine to enhance brain function. In a study, 200mg doses of panax ginseng were given to 30 healthy adults. After a single dose, they were asked to take a 10-minute mental test. It was revealed that panax ginseng significantly improved mental performance, lowered blood sugar levels, and reduced mental fatigue. Panax ginseng is also a powerful antioxidant and can reduce oxidative damage caused by free radicals to the brain.
Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri or Brahmi is another herb used for improving brain function. Several studies have proven that bacopa monnieri supplements can reduce reaction times, boost memory, and increase the speed with which the brain processes information. This is achieved via bacosides, which are active compounds present in this medicinal herb. These compounds enhance signaling in the hippocampus, which is the area where memories are processed in the brain. It also reduces damage to the brain due to oxidative stress.
L-Theanine
This is an amino acid commonly found in green tea. Multiple studies that proven that 200mg of l-theanine helps improve mood, without making one dizzy. Just taking 50mg of l-theanine has been found to boost alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are thought to be connected to creativity.
Ginkgo Biloba
Another ingredient commonly found in the top brand names of brain boosting pills is ginkgo biloba. In a study, when healthy older adults were given ginkgo biloba supplements, they experienced improvement in mental processing and memory. Ginkgo biloba reduces cortisol levels and improve blood flow to the brain. It also lowers stress related high blood pressure.
Apart from these, Acetyl L-Carnitine, L-Tyrosine, guarana, alpha GPC, vitamin B12, GABA, Huperzine A, Vitamin B6, vinpocetine, and caffeine are also commonly used in high-quality brain boosters.
What are the Best Brain Boosters?
The best brain supplements available today are:
LumUltra
When it comes to brand names of brain boosting pills, at the top is LumUltra. The supplement has been designed to increase concentration, memory and focus, reduce mental fatigue and promote mental clarity. It can also help people who struggle with occasional nervousness and uneasy feelings. People report being more at ease in social situations with the use of this nootropic. This supplement is made under very strict quality control, by a GMP certified manufacturer, at an FDA-approved facility.
Alpha Brain
One of the oldest nootropics, Alpha Brain has great ingredients as well as positive customer reviews. The supplement can be great for people who want to improve memory, the ability to concentrate on complex tasks, and enhance mental speed. The only drawback of this supplement is that some users have reported experiencing side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, and insomnia.
Optimind
Another popular nootropic is Optimind by AlternaScript. The brain booster is manufactured in the USA, in facilities which are GMP and NSF certified, and NSF approved. The supplement claims to improve memory, reduce mental fatigue and stress, and improve alertness. It also improves the flow of blood to the brain.
But before you use any brain enhancing supplement, be sure to check the dosage and side effects. Also, brain support supplements are generally not considered suitable for lactating or pregnant women. These supplements are also not prescribed for people under 18 years of age. However, there are certain exceptions, such as LumUltra Prep, one of the best brain boosting supplements designed specifically for children between 8 and 16 years of age. For those who have any existing medical condition, it is recommended to consult a physician first.
