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The human brain is a mysterious organ; although we know a lot about its function there is still so much more we need to learn. Just like every other part of your body, the brain needs different nutrients to function properly.

10 Best Nootropic Ingredients for Better Brain Power
Best Nootropic Ingredients for Better Brain Power

The greatest benefit of nootropic supplements is their potent list of ingredients that deliver much-needed nutrients to your brains.

Brain-boosting ingredients are numerous, but some are more powerful than others. In this post, we’re going to focus on top ten best nootropic ingredients you should look for when purchasing a product to improve brain power.

What Is The Best Nootropic On The market?

Finding a perfect nootropic supplement is more difficult than it seems. Sure, if you browse them on Google you’ll come across hundreds of these products claiming they can help you. Not every product is the same and purchasing the wrong one is incredibly frustrating. You get stressed out and lose faith in all products of this type and chances are high you spent a lot of money on a supplement that doesn’t work.

The best nootropic on the market contains the following qualities:

  • Reputable Manufacturer

    You don’t really want to purchase a supplement made by the brand known for ineffective products

  • Powerful Active Ingredients

    Dietary supplements contain a natural formula, but it’s important to ensure it contains ingredients that work. It’s always recommended to purchase a nootropic supplement that contains ingredients whose benefits are well-documented

  • Evidence

    It’s not enough to make a claim that regular use of the product will improve brain power, the brand has to provide evidence to support it

  • Money Back Guarantees

    As a customer, you are entitled to protection of your interests and finances. Reputable brands ensure their products come with money back guarantee that allows users to get a refund if they don’t find the product effective

While it’s difficult to pinpoint to the best nootropic on the market primarily because new supplements are released regularly, a great example of a supplement that meets the above-mentioned criteria is Alpha Brain. This product contains potent nootropic ingredients and the manufacturer carried out a study to confirm the efficacy that comes with regular use. [1]

What Are Nootropic Drugs?

You come across the term nootropic drugs all the time, but how many times have you wondered what it really meant? The term nootropic refers to substances, both natural and manmade, that exhibit cognitive-boosting effects.

In nootropic dietary supplements, of course, these substances are of natural origin. How do nootropics work? Nootropic drugs work to enhance a user’s memory and ability to learn, establish brain chemical balance, protect the brain from chemical and physical damage, among other things. These products improve your memory, focus and concentration, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive abilities. Of course, for best results, it is essential to purchase a product with the best nootropic ingredients.

What Is A Nootropic Stack?

Another common term we come across when looking for brain-boosting supplements is a nootropic stack. What is Nootropic Stacking?

Nootropic stack is a combination of two or more supplements that have beneficial effects on motivation, learning, focus, and memory.

A combination of different supplements in a nootropic stack has the purpose to exhibit a synergistic effect that is greater than their individual roles. Basically, two supplements show more powerful effects together rather than they would on their own.

Consumers have two options, they can either purchase preformulated nootropic stacks or they can create their own.

The latter option isn’t always recommended because it’s easy to combine two nootropics that don’t go together and experience some awkward side effects. Plus, more isn’t always better.

Nootropic stacks require thorough research and great knowledge about the subject, which is why it’s better to purchase some product that contains your desired ingredients.

Best Nootropic Ingredients

As seen throughout this post, it is of huge importance to consider which nootropics actually work when you’re looking for nootropic supplements to boost brain power. What are the best nootropic ingredients to look for? Here are great examples:

1. Huperzine-A

Huperzine-A is a natural nootropic extracted from the herbs of the Huperziceae family. This ingredient is well-known for its role of an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor meaning it stops an enzyme from breaking down much-needed acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for brain health. [2]

2. Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is a plant from Brahmi family and it has been used for medicinal purposes in many cultures throughout the history. Supplementation with bacopa has the potential to reduce anxiety and improve memory. A study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that bacopa is both effective and safe manner of improving cognitive function. [3]

3. Lion’s Mane Mushroom

Lion’s mane is a mushroom that has been used for brain-boosting effects in traditional Chinese medicine. Supplementation with this mushroom stimulates cognitive function and helps improve memory, according to a study from the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. It is also important to mention that lion’s mane improves blood flow, which is essential for brain health. [4]

4. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most notable herbs from traditional Chinese medicine and it is used today thanks to a number of health benefits it provides. The plant improves blood flow to a person’s brain and it protects cells from damage and diseases. Regular supplementation with ginkgo biloba improves memory and thinking, has a positive influence on social behavior, and improves your ability to perform the everyday task.

5. L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid found primarily in teas, especially green tea. It is known for promoting relaxation without sedative effects. Basically, l-theanine helps you manage stress, but it can do way more than that. This amino acid also has the potential to improve memory and cognitive functioning.

6. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is one of the most widely known Ayurvedic plants. The herb supports long life and specifically helps the mind and mental capacity. Ashwagandha also has neuroprotective effects that defend the brain from neurodegenerative diseases. This useful plant also improves memory, increases spatial and visual memory, and reduces oxidative stress.

7. Ginseng

Ginseng belongs to the group of the most popular medicinal herbs in the world. Supplementation with ginseng improves mood and reduces stress and increases blood flow. Moreover, ginseng also stimulates brain cells and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Aniracetam

Aniracetam is a well-known nootropic that works to enhance overall mood and cognition. Ever since it was developed in the 1970s, aniracetam has become a popular choice among nootropic users and it doesn’t require a prescription. Aniracetam decreases anxiety doesn’t cause severe side effects and improves memory retention.

9. L-tyrosine

L-tyrosine is an amino acid that improves working memory and executive function through chemical signalers in the prefrontal cortex. Regular supplementation also improves athletic performance, which is particularly important for active individuals.

10. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for overall health and wellbeing. Intake of these fatty acids is vital for brain health and development. They also protect your cells from damage and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects.

Final Verdict

In order to boost brain health and improve its function, most people use top rated nootropic supplements. For maximum results, it is important to consider ingredients found in a product’s formula. This post featured ten best nootropic ingredients to look for. Now you’re ready to find the perfect supplement for your needs.

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4 Sources

We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.

[1] Alpha BRAIN®: https://www.onnit.com/alphabrain/
[2] Huperzine A: https://examine.com/supplements/huperzine-a/
[3] Calabrese C, Gregory WL, Leo M, Kraemer D, Bone K, Oken B. Effects of a standardized Bacopa monnieri extract on cognitive performance, anxiety, and depression in the elderly: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2008;14(6):707-713. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0018
[4] Brandalise F, Cesaroni V, Gregori A, et al. Dietary Supplementation of Hericium erinaceus Increases Mossy Fiber-CA3 Hippocampal Neurotransmission and Recognition Memory in Wild-Type Mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:3864340. doi:10.1155/2017/3864340
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Lauren Ann Teeter, MS, CNS, LCSW

Lauren has dual graduate degrees in Clinical Psychotherapy and Nutrition, espousing an integrative approach to optimizing overall healt