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Boosting Brain Power: The Nootropic Nutrients Revolution

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Go Vita

Cutting-edge research into nootropic nutrients and herbs shows that they improve cognition, memory and mental alertness. Join us as we explore the remarkable journey of improving brain power through natural and innovative means while embracing the future of mental acuity uncovering the secrets that can elevate your cognitive abilities to new heights.

Nootropics is a medical term used to define a variety of substances that support and enhance cognitive function, thinking, learning and memory. Nootropics include some medicinal prescription drugs and an increasing number of natural substances, primarily antioxidant nutrients, amino acids and herbs.

Here are the ones to look for.

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

A staple of Ayurveda, the centuries-old healing tradition practised in India, ashwagandha improves psychological balance and wellbeing by increasing cognitive ability, improving sleep quality, and sharpening focus.

2. Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)

A neuroprotective mushroom, this works to minimise damage to the brain caused by oxidation, which increases with age, and to fight mental fatigue, improve learning capacity and memory, and to support overall mental health and brain function. Cordyceps also improves physical stamina and performance by increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the brain, which boosts the transfer of energy, blood and oxygen to all cells in the body. This action also has benefits for heart and brain health, with small-scale studies suggesting a potential role in recovery from brain injuries. As an adaptogenic herb, cordyceps regulates mood disorders, stress and anxiety.

3. Folic acid

Folic acid is probably best known for its ability to prevent birth defects; however, a growing body of research points to its critical role in nervous system health, especially in supporting brain health and both short- and long-term memory. There is also evidence of its importance to the ageing brain, especially in mental and emotional balance and motor function. Nutrient-dense greens, such as alfalfa, wheatgrass and spinach, are all excellent sources of folic acid.

4. Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Long used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve brain function, reduce brain fatigue and speed recovery from illness and debility, this is an adaptogenic herb, which means that it helps the body to adapt to stress and maintain mental focus during difficult times. Contemporary research has proven that it does improve mental function, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory action, which protects the brain from oxidative stress.

5. Lion’s mane (Hericium erinaceus)

This medicinal mushroom is rich in antioxidants and plays a role in regulating cortisol levels which rise during stressful periods, as well as having been shown to have potent effect on cognitive function and memory and increasing overall vitality and energy and having a mild pain-relieving effect. Research shows that taking lion’s mane boosts reaction time, alertness, and focus.

6. L-theanine

This natural amino acid is found in tea, particularly green tea. It can be used in a concentrated form as a nootropic, with studies showing that it improves memory and focus, without putting the body under stress or causing jitters. L-theanine has been shown to increase the alpha-waves in the brain, which is the state that encourages creativity, deep concentration and lateral thinking.

7. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT)

Derived from coconut oil, medium-chain triglycerides are a must-have in any brain-boosting diet. They have been shown to reduce the ageing process in the brain, and to reduce ‘brain fog’ and increase speed of recall and response to stimuli. This is largely due to ketones influence on brain health – the liver converts MCTs’ into ketones, a preferred and more sustainable energy source for the brain than glucose.

8. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC)

This is an important amino acid, which the body requires to make glutathione, an antioxidant that is needed for a wide range of metabolic functions to occur correctly. It plays a specific role in liver detoxification and in simultaneously increasing the brain neurotransmitter glutamate and reducing toxic inflammation that damages brain cells and tissue.

9. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)

Another adaptogenic herb, research shows that rhodiola not only boosts mood and mental stamina and promotes calm in everyday life, but it is also especially effective in preventing burnout and anxiety in people who are in excessively stressful situations, such as students taking final exams. It also boosts alertness, attention, and motor function.

Information presented is for information purposes only and is not intended to replace advice or treatment from qualified healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to treat or diagnose. Always consult your healthcare professional before taking nutritional or herbal supplements. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have any allergies or diagnosed conditions, or are taking prescription medications, always consult your healthcare professional before taking nutritional or herbal supplements.

Go Vita Loves...

MyBrainCo Nootropic Greens™

A powerful daily supplement containing the finest nootropics, such as GoMCT® Coconut MCT Oil, Suntheanine® L-Theanine, KSM-66® Ashwagandha and Quatrefolic® Levomefolate, plus medicinal mushrooms, nutrient-dense greens, collagen and superfoods, and potent antioxidants like n-acetyl-l-cysteine that all work to elevate brain health, energy levels and immune function. All myBrainCo products are free from soy, dairy, gluten and GMO ingredients.

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