Today we are explaining what are nootropics supplements, also known as ‘smart drugs’ and ‘cognitive enhancers,’ and what does nootropic mean. First, we will discuss whether nootropics work and if they are safe. Then, we’ll touch on what benefits of nootropics you can expect and how it affects your body, brain, and performance.

Whether a student preparing for exams, a busy leader looking to improve or an old guy with concerns about dementia, everyone might use it. Who doesn’t like a pill that will boost your brainpower?

What are nootropics?

Have you seen the movie Limitless with Bradley Cooper? Well, if you have, the pill he pops before receiving superhero powers is a nootropic. It’s called ‘NZT-48’, a smart drug that enhances human memory and intelligence. NZT acts as a perfect antidepressant and anxiolytic. Usually, best-selling nootropics will work, but popping a pill won’t make you a superhero. Sadly, you will get nowhere near the powers he gets in the movie.

What are nootropic supplements?

According to WebMD, “The term “nootropics” first referred to chemicals that met very specific criteria. But now it’s used to refer to any natural or synthetic substance that may have a positive impact on mental skills. In general, nootropics fall into three general categories: dietary supplements, synthetic compounds, and prescription drugs.”

Almost everyone uses a nootropic, whether you’re aware of it. Many popular nootropic ingredients are botanical, ranging from roots to herbal extracts. But, of course, the most famous nootropic you’re familiar with is caffeine. So what do you know about it? Probably that it will keep you awake. But it has also been shown to improve your thinking skills and give you more access to several neurotransmitters in your brain. That, for example, can help with short-term memory and learning.

Benefits of nootropics

People looking to buy nootropics online aren’t searching for coffee or tea. Instead, they want an immunity booster to nurture their mind, body, and spirit and enhance mental clarity and energy levels. Some, especially those in the older crowd, will want to ensure they stay on their top game with memory, focus, and cognitive performance.

They have become increasingly popular in today’s highly competitive world because they offer enhancement in the following areas:

• memory
• energy levels
• focus and attention span
• learning
• mood and motivation
• creativity
• stress and anxiety
• brain aging and cognitive decline

Better nootropic supplements on the market are caffeine free, with a detoxifying formula to improve your mood. The base goal for most of them is improving memory and clarity, energizing yourself, and staying focused. That’s definitely enough for me, and if it’s not for you, nootropic supplements are not the solution you’re looking for. Find out more on how to improve brain function.

Check out our recommendations on the best nootropics to improve your brain function and overall mental health.

When looking to buy nootropics online, make sure that you choose a brand that you can trust. Considering it’s a brain supplement – it has to be professionally formulated by certified experts to ensure its quality and make sure they use premium ingredients. Higher-priced nootropics will be non-GMO, free of hormones and gluten, and made of vitamins, minerals, and herbal extracts.

10 most popular nootropics

Caffeine

It is the most consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Why? Because it makes you less tired and it makes you more alert and attentive.

You can find it naturally in coffee, cocoa, tea, kola nuts, and guarana. It is often mixed into many sodas, energy drinks, and medications. Otherwise, you can take it as a supplement, on its own, or in combination with other substances.

L-Theanine

If you’ve ever gotten into food supplements, you’ve heard of L-Theanine. It’s a natural amino acid that has a calming effect and boosts creativity. L-Theanine is found in tea but is also unrarely consumed as a supplement. They are the most effective when combined with caffeine, which is why they are often used in performance-improving nootropics.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most popular and most-studied nootropics and brain boosters. Since I was a kid, I was always told I’ll be smarter if I ate a lot of fish, and boy, they haven’t lied. These fats are found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements and are essential for brain health. You must receive it from your diet.

Creatine

Another amino acid not any less important for the function of your body. Your body uses creatine to make the protein, promote muscle growth, and benefit your brain. This is why, you guessed, it’s a top-rated supplement among bodybuilders. It’s also a very popular choice for vegetarians and highly-stressed people, who benefit most from it.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa monnieri is a herb used in Ayurvedic treatments to enhance brain function. It can speed up information processing, reduce reaction times and improve memory. Yet, we must note that bacopa monnieri will only take effect when taken for several months.

Rhodiola Rosea

This one helps your body handle high amounts of stress better. This supplement can improve mood and decrease feelings of burnout in both anxious and stressed individuals.

Ginseng Root

Ginseng root is an ancient medicinal plant used to boost brain function. It’s been shown to reduce brain fatigue and improve performance on challenging tasks. But, your body may adapt to ginseng, making it less effective after several months of use. Do more profound research on its long-term effects if you plan to use it.

Nicotine

Yup, also a nootropic. It’s a naturally occurring chemical found in tobacco and many other plants. It’s the part that makes cigarettes so addictive. People consume it through nicotine gum or via a nicotine patch. It’s been shown to improve alertness, attention, and motor function. Although we mention it on this list, nicotine is not recommended due to the risk of addiction.

Noopept

Noopept is a fast-acting synthetic smart drug you can buy as a nootropic supplement. Unlike some other natural nootropics, the effects of Noopept take place within minutes rather than hours, days, or weeks. They last for several hours, but as a relatively new nootropic, we need more studies to understand how healthy adults should and might use it as a nootropic.

Pyrroloquinoline Quinone

PQQ is a super-antioxidant suggested to have up to 5000x the antioxidant activity of vitamin C. Beyond its formidable antioxidant power, it helps to protect and multiply the mitochondria powerplants that are crucial for achieving peak brain energy.

Are nootropics safe?

As with any supplement, there is a risk of side effects. It would be best if you spoke with your doctor about the safety of any supplement before taking it. The answer will often be different for me and you, between many deciding factors.

AddCounsel mentions a range of symptoms that might show up if you get addicted to the product, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, stomach pain, sleep issues, and high blood pressure.

So, once again, nootropics and smart drugs are natural and synthetic supplements that improve brain function. Prescription smart drugs like Adderall have the most substantial effects on memory and attention, and nootropics like Noopept still haven’t gotten enough research yet. Nootropics are often combined with one another to boost their effect. They can help you calm down and control your emotions.

If you want to learn how much time it takes for nootropics to work, click on the link.

Nootropics and smart drugs are rising in the modern world. However, we need more research to better understand their benefits and possible risks. Thus, if you decide to buy them, go with a reputable company that has undergone all the necessary tests.