The brain is a complex organ. The 1.4 kg jelly-like tissue contains almost 100 billion neurons. And, each of these neurons is connected to hundreds, if not thousands, of other nerve cells, through synapses. Not only is our brain the most complex organ, it is also the one with the most responsibilities as well. Unfortunately, our lives today put even more stress on the brain, affecting its functioning and leaving it exhausted.
No wonder then that the popularity of brain health supplements has been on the rise in recent times. These smart pills claim to improve memory because they contain vitamins that supposedly make you smarter. However, before you try any such smart drugs or memory enhancer pills, it is best to check out the objective reviews of the best brain enhancement supplements & brain boosters on Top Brain Enhancements.
Here’s a look at what you should know about these memory & concentration pills, also known as nootropics.
What are Nootropics?
The word “nootropic” means “to shape or bend the mind” in Greek. These pills are known by many names, such as brain boosters, memory enhancing pills and brain enhancing supplements. These smart drugs are designed to improve the cognitive functioning of the brain, such as focus, thought clarity, overall mood and memory.
Earlier, nootropics used to be an underground phenomenon. But in the past decade, they have become much more mainstream. A large segment of the population, including students, working adults, athletes and the elderly are reaping their benefits.
Ingredients of a Top Brain Enhancement Pill
The best brain enhancement supplements & brain boosters usually contain a variety of ingredients. When these capsules are made of natural ingredients, side effects are minimal, if not absent. The natural ingredients are chosen for the benefits they offer. In most cases, the blend of multiple ingredients work to increase the effectiveness of the supplement.
Some of the most commonly used ingredients in memory & concentration pills are:
- Bacopa Monnieri
This is the most common ingredient of brain supplements for adults and helps to increase focus, concentration and memory. It is an herb found in India and South-East Asia and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Many clinical trials have found Bacopa Monnieri to improve memory and sharpen focus.
- Gingko Biloba
Gingko biloba contains terpenes and glycosides. Terpenes has been found to make the blood less viscous, while glycosides cause the blood vessels to expand. Together, they help in improving the blood flow to the brain. Gingko biloba has also been found to reduce age-related cognitive decline.
- Cat’s Claw
This is a vine native to the rainforests of the Amazon. Cat’s claw is used for strengthening the immune system in many traditional medicines. But in nootropics, it is used because of its ability to improve memory.
- Alpha GPC
Alpha GPC enhances the levels of acetylcholine available to the brain. Acetylcholine is an organic chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter. It improves all aspects of brain functioning, from working memory to the processing of information. Alpha GPC also improves cognitive functions, such as focus and concentration.
- Huperzine A
Huperzine A primarily works towards inhibiting the enzyme, acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme causes the breakdown of acetylcholine. When the levels of this enzyme are reduced, acetylcholine concentration in the brain begins to increase. This helps in enhancing mental stamina, focus and memory.
- L-Theanine
This is an amino acid found in green tea leaves. It acts by enhancing the GABA and dopamine levels in the brain. This results in increased alpha brain activity and reduced stress. It has also been found to improve the quality of sleep.
- Rhodiola Rosea
This herb increases endurance, strength, stamina and mental capacity.
- Phosphatidylserine
This compound is essential for the proper functioning of the brain and building of the brain’s cell membranes. One of the functions of phosphatidylserine is to indicate to the immune system regarding the completion of the life cycle of a neuron. With age, the levels of this compound decrease gradually. Some of the other benefits of phosphatidylserine include better memory and sharper focus.
- Tyrosine
Tyrosine can be helpful in improving cognitive performance during times of extreme stress, such as exposure to cold, loud noises and sleep deprivation. Tyrosine can also improve memory and mood.
- St. John’s Wart
This herb is known to reduce anxiety and have a calming effect on the mind. It also improves the quality of sleep.
- Vitamin B
The B Vitamins are great for mental health and have even been found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. Studies have shown that Vitamins B6 and B12 can reduce the degeneration of parts of the brain vulnerable to Alzheimer’s.
How to Choose the Right Brain Supplement?
There are a lot of brain health supplements in the market and choosing the perfect one for you can be confusing. Here are some things to consider when making a choice:
- Know Your Goals
It is important that you have a clear idea about what you want from the brain enhancing supplement. Different nootropics provide different benefits. There are smart pills to improve memory, others have vitamins that claim to make you smarter.
- Ingredients
Going through the ingredients is important. Make sure all the ingredients are of high quality. Also ensure that the supplement does not contain anything that you might be allergic to, such as dairy or shellfish. In case you are vegetarian or vegan, make sure that it does not contain meat or dairy.
- Side Effects
Many synthetic supplements can cause side effects, such as nausea and rashes. It is better to check with nootropic reviews and choose ones made with natural ingredients. Also, keep in mind that most nootropics are not recommended for those under 18 years, women who are trying to conceive, are pregnant or lactating.
- Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a good way to know how effective a particular nootropic is. Make sure to choose one that has mostly positive customer reviews.
- Pricing
Memory enhancer pills can be quite expensive. But that does not always mean quality. It is a good idea to choose something affordable if you are not sure about the results.
Also, check out the reviews for the best brain enhancement supplements & brain boosters on Top Brain Enhancements. We ensure that all reviews are completely objective so that you can make an informed decision.