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Smart supplements are packed with brain-friendly ingredients that enhance your focus, attention span, and overall cognitive performance. Ray Sahelian, MD, a family practitioner in Marina Del Ray, Calif. and the author of Mind Boosters explains about these supplements. He says, “It could mean several things. It could mean herbs or nutrients that enhance clarity of thinking, alertness, focus, concentration, memory, and even mood.”
Numerous brain boosters are crowding the supplement market. Likewise, there is a wide array of minerals, vitamins, and herbs to choose from. Such a variety only makes the decision of getting a good supplement complicated.
Improving brain function:
1. Fish oils
Fish oils are packed with two powerful omega-3 fatty acids called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both of these correspond with a range of health benefits including spiraled cognitive performance. Around 30,000 published studies shed their spotlight on the subject of omega-3s, which speaks volumes about the significance of these for your health.
DHA is responsible for maintaining your brain’s structure as well as function. It adds up to 25% of the total fat in brain cells. On the other hand, EPA boasts anti-inflammatory effects, which help curtail inflammation and age-induced damage to it. You can easily get your fill of omega-3s from dietary sources such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring. Adding these fishes to your diet can help you lower the risk of developing mixed dementia.
However, most people don’t eat these fish, which sets the importance of fish oil nootropics. Research links DHA supplementation with amped-up reaction time, thinking skills, and memory. EPA, on the other hand, is not directly related to improved cognitive function. Instead, it helps uplift the mood of depressed individuals.
2. Gingko Biloba
Gingko Biloba has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine. Alongside fish oil smart supplements, these are highly applauded for their effectiveness in boosting brain function. This supplement is known for saving the brain from damage due to free radicals and balancing its chemistry.
A study indicates that ginkgo biloba is helpful in enhancing blood circulation to the brain. An increased blood flow translates into greater oxygen and nutrient supply to the brain, which helps augment brain power.
Studies also suggest that ginkgo biloba supplementation is helpful in upgrading memory and focus. Additionally, it is credited for reducing cognitive impairment attributed to ageing. Research has also found that this supplement is linked with polished thinking skills and memory.
3. Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Acetyl-L-Carnitine or ALCAR is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. It is commended for its crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy production. The amino acid is responsible for maintaining the levels of both mental and physical energy.
Having Acetyl-L-Carnitine supplements is associated with revamped memory, and slowed the decline in age-induced memory loss. It assists in making you more alert too. An animal study provided evidence that ALCAR prevents cognitive decline that is linked with ageing. It boosts learning capacity as well.
Concerning humans, there is sound evidence that correlates ALCAR supplementation with increased mental acuity and improved mood. It is known for lessening ageing-related decreases in brain power. Since Acetyl-L-Carnitine is a potent antioxidant, it works to protect the brain from free radical damage as well. Moreover, a study has found that it can enhance brain function among individuals who suffer from mild dementia.
4. Bacopa Monnieri
This Brain Pill booster ingredient can be traced back to an Ayurvedic herbal remedy. Stories reveal that ancient scholars used it for committing lengthy scriptures to memory. Bacopa monnieri is associated with improved memory and thinking among both healthy individuals and senior folks with poor brain power.
It spirals the blood flow to your brain, which provides more nutrients and oxygen to it. It is considered an adaptogenic. These have the potential to de-stress the mind and boost its energy without stimulation or sedation. Subsequently, it works as a regulator of emotions, helping to alleviate stress.
A study compared ginseng, modafinil, and Bacopa monnieri as cognitive enhancers. The results ranked bacopa monnieri as the best among the three. Not only does science back the use of Bacopa monnieri but it has the support of time as well. It has been used as a brain and nerve tonic for improved learning, concentration, and memory for nearly 3,000 years. As a result, it is great for boosting brain power and getting rid of depression, anxiety, and stress.
5. Curcumin
Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric. It protects your central processing unit in numerous ways. To begin with, curcumin showcases anti-inflammatory characteristics as it is a powerful antioxidant. This allows the ingredient to fight inflammation that chips in damage to your brain. It helps break up protein plaques that correspond with Alzheimer’s disease.
Over and above that, curcumin plays a significant role in bringing up the levels of serotonin and dopamine. These are brain chemicals that encourage happiness. Consequently, curcumin is effective in reducing depression. In fact, a study concludes that curcumin is as useful for depression as Prozac, the well-known antidepressant.
Additionally, it also promotes greater blood flow to your brain. This equates to a multiplied supply of nutrients and oxygen to the brain, which is critical for its health. A clinical trial also showed that curcumin sharpened the attention and memory of healthy older adults within an hour of having the first dose. The participants also reported better working memory, uplifted mood, and enhanced energy.
Conclusion
There are various herbs, minerals, and vitamins that serve as good supplements for brain health. Of these, ginkgo biloba, Bacopa monnieri, curcumin, fish oils, and acetyl-l-carnitine are excellent for enhanced cognitive functioning. Extensive research confirms their active role in boosting brain power. You can include fish oils and curcumin in your diet directly. Other than that, you can take them in the form of supplements. This yields improved memory, better thinking skills, and sharpened focus. Most of these also assist in dealing with depression and alleviating stress.
ABOUT
Alycia Gordan is a freelance writer who loves to read and write articles on healthcare technology, fitness, and lifestyle. She is a tech junkie and divides her time between travel and writing. You can find her on Twitter: @meetalycia
