The brain is perhaps the most important element of the human body. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to perform basic everyday functions such as breathing, speaking, eating and reasoning. That is why when the brain endures an injury, it is absolutely vital that injury be attended to as quickly as possible, so that no long-term damage has a chance to take hold. It is also the reason why, in many hard-contact sports, athletes wear protective gear on the head, the intent being to reduce the chance of brain trauma.
When it comes to the subject of a “healthy brain,” many experts in the area of cognitive medicine have agreed upon what is referred to as the Six Pillars of Brain Health, which refers to the way lifestyle has a profound impact on the brain. Indeed, what we eat and drink, how much we exercise, how well we sleep, the way in which we socialize and how we manage stress are all critically vital to the wellbeing of our brains.
According to Elise Caccappolo, PhD, an associate professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, many people don’t start thinking about their brain health until they notice some cognitive changes and memory loss in their 60s or 70s – but, she says, there are many things we all can do, starting as young as childhood, to keep our brains as healthy as possible throughout our lifetimes.
In keeping with the topic of this article, nootropics are natural supplements that offer a beneficial effect on brain function in healthy individuals, and many of these can boost memory, motivation, creativity, alertness and general cognitive function. Nootropics may also reduce age-related declines in brain function.
Here, we’re going to take a closer look at the top supplements and habits for supercharging your brain, so get ready to expand that mental power.
- Fish Oils
Fish oil supplements are a rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two types of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been linked to a myriad of health benefits, including improved brain health (x). DHA plays a vital role in maintaining the structure and function of your brain; in fact, it accounts for around 25-percent of the total fat and 90-percent of the omega-3 fat found in the brain cells (x) (xx).
The other omega-3 fatty acid in fish oil, EPA, boasts anti-inflammatory properties that may protect the brain against damage and aging (x). Taking fish oil, which contains both these fats, has been shown to help reduce the decline in brain function associated with aging (x).
Overall, we can say that the best way to get the recommended amount of omega-3 fatty acids is by eating two portions of oily fish per week or adding a fish oil supplement to your regimen.
- Resveratrol
This is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the skin of purple and red fruits like grapes, raspberries and blueberries, and is also found in red wine, chocolate and peanuts. It has been suggested that taking resveratrol supplements could prevent the deterioration of the hippocampus, a vital part of the brain associated with memory (x). One study on a small group of healthy older adults found that taking 200 milligrams of resveratrol per day for 26 weeks improved memory (x).
- Caffeine
This natural stimulant is most commonly found in tea, coffee and dark chocolate, and while there are no known supplement versions of it, there isn’t really any need when you can obtain it from these sources. Caffeine works by stimulating the brain and central nervous system, making you feel less tired and more alert (x).
Studies have shown that caffeine can make you feel more energized and improve your memory, reaction times and general brain function (x) (xx) (xxx).
- Phosphatidylserine
This is a type of fat compound known as a phospholipid, which can be found in the brain, and it has been suggested that taking such supplements could be helpful for preserving brain health (x). Studies have shown that taking 100 milligrams of phosphatidylserine three times per day could help reduce age-related decline in brain function (x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx).
Additionally, healthy individuals who take phosphatidylserine supplements of up to 400 milligrams per day have been shown to experience improved thinking skills and memory (x) (xx).
- Acetyl-L-Carnitine
This amino acid is produced naturally in the body and plays an important role in the metabolism, particularly in energy production. According to certain studies, taking acetyl-L-carnitine supplements may make an individual feel more alert, improve memory and slow down age-related memory loss (x).
In humans, studies have found that it may be a useful for improving brain function in people with mild dementia or Alzheimer’s (x) (xx) (xxx) (xxxx) (xxxxx) (xxxxxx).
- Ginkgo Biloba
This is one of the most widely-recognized supplements for brain health, as evidenced by the plethora of television commercials and advertisements at health food stores that applaud its benefits. Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement derived from the Ginkgo biloba tree, and has become an incredibly popular supplement that many people take to boost their brain power.
It is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the brain and is believed to improve brain functions such as focus and memory (x).
Where to Buy Brain Health Supplements
You can purchase brain health supplements at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute food and other supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying brain health supplements? Contact BulkSupplements.com to learn all about the different variants we carry, and which one is right for you.
Bottom Line
When it comes to the subject of a “healthy brain,” many experts in the area of cognitive medicine have agreed upon what is referred to as the Six Pillars of Brain Health, which refers to the way lifestyle has a profound impact on the brain. Indeed, what we eat and drink, how much we exercise, how well we sleep, the way in which we socialize and how we manage stress are all critically vital to the wellbeing of our brains.
According to Elise Caccappolo, PhD, an associate professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, many people don’t start thinking about their brain health until they notice some cognitive changes and memory loss in their 60s or 70s – but, she says, there are many things we all can do, starting as young as childhood, to keep our brains as healthy as possible throughout our lifetimes.
On the subject of supplements for brain health, nootropics are natural supplements that offer a beneficial effect on brain function in healthy individuals, and many of these can boost memory, motivation, creativity, alertness and general cognitive function. Nootropics may also reduce age-related declines in brain function.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.