“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”
— John D. Rockefeller
Regardless of a person's motivation for using nootropics, the goal is typically to accomplish more in less time. That also means triggering brain chemicals to react effectively or as they should.
The global demand for nootropics is rising, with some individuals who prefer synthetic over natural nootropic sources. But although synthetic nootropics are highly potent, they frequently come with several disadvantages and adverse effects.
Experts advocate natural nootropics more frequently since they deliver tremendous brain-boosting benefits without unpleasant side effects.
In this blog, you’ll discover the advantages of natural nootropics over their synthetic counterparts and the top natural nootropics to boost your mental performance.
What’s the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Nootropics?
“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”
— Coco Chanel
Synthetic nootropics are man-made, chemically-based cognitive enhancers. Some examples are Modafinil, Racetams, Adrafinil, and Noopept.
Consequently, despite the fact that these products would improve cognitive performance, they also produce some negative effects.
Some synthetic nootropics or smart drugs, such as Ritalin and Adderall (both of which are routinely used by people with ADHD), are prescription drugs that have been related to adverse effects, including sleeplessness, hallucinations, and heart problems. These are prescription drugs to treat certain diseases and can also be abused by users in addiction.
In addition, illegal narcotics such as cocaine are frequently used as nootropics despite their extremely dangerous adverse effects, which include significant mood swings and addiction.
The potential dangers and guaranteed adverse effects of synthetic nootropics should be sufficient causes to avoid them when you’re not required to take them. On the other hand, many of the best natural nootropics deliver the same cognitive benefits without the severe side effects.
The use of nootropic plants and herbs is a far safer and more hygienic approach to gaining the benefits of enhanced concentration, relaxation, mental clarity, improved sleep, and a great deal more. Since they affect brain chemicals, they can also prevent memory loss and improve physical performance.
Now, let's examine the best natural nootropics and how they benefit the mind and body even more.
Natural Nootropics
“Rich people have small TVs and big libraries, and poor people have small libraries and big TVs.”
― Zig Ziglar
1. Citicoline
Citicoline, also known as CDP-choline, is a naturally occurring nootropic associated with numerous cognitive-enhancing properties.
Simply put, citicoline aids in delivering choline and cytidine to the brain. This is necessary to form essential chemicals in the brain, including critical neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.
It improves cognition, including sharper concentration, faster information processing, muscle contraction, and greater working memory. And when it comes to reducing brain fog, you can rely on citicoline, too.
Note: there’s an effective dose of citicoline as Cognizin® in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about citicoline on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive and about the benefits of citicoline for brain power here.
2. Uridine
Uridine is transformed into uridine monophosphate and subsequently eliminated from the blood by the liver.
Dietary uridine is present in a vast array of foods. Uridine, which is mainly absorbed through the diet, may necessitate supplementation to realize the plethora of exceptional benefits, notably those linked with cognition.
It has been discovered that uridine supplementation readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, uridine must be converted into CDP choline. Choline is also necessary for producing acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in memory, mood management, muscular control, and other brain and nervous system activities.
Uridine is one of the most effective and best natural nootropics for enhancing mood. In a study published in Nutrition Reviews, the combined effects of uridine promote and enhance neuroplasticity, which is the brain's capacity to reconstruct and change in response to learning and brain training [1].
And according to an article published in Biological Psychiatry, uridine exhibited a dose-dependent decrease in depressive-like behaviors in rats, both alone and in combination with omega-3 fatty acids, which is believed to be due to the influence of both compounds on phospholipid metabolism and membrane fluidity [2].
Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Pharmacology has been studied and demonstrated to alleviate depression associated with bipolar disorder in teenagers via a similar mechanism [3]. The delivery of uridine to healthy persons increases brain phosphomonoesters, which are believed to play a role in depression and bipolar disorder, according to a study published in Bipolar Disorders [4].
These findings demonstrate that uridine enhances mood and cognitive performance without creating brain fog. This effective brain pill is one of the most effective cognitive enhancers for mood due to its many benefits. By aiding in the regeneration of neurites, the primary mechanism by which neurons become axons or dendrites.
Note: There’s an effective dose of uridine at 99% purity in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about uridine on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive or read more about the benefits of uridine here.
3. Bacopa Monnieri
Bacopa monnieri is one of the best natural nootropics and cognitive enhancers and has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic medicine.
This ayurvedic herb is believed to be a potent nootropic that supports and enhances numerous brain functions, including memory, attention, learning, and neuronal transmission. It’s believed that this nootropic supplement is powerful in eradicating brain fog.
Bacopa can be regarded as an effective natural brain pill and, like most natural nootropics, is an adaptogenic herb, meaning that it helps our body cope better with the physical impacts of stress.
Note: There’s an effective dose of organic bacopa monnieri leaf extract at 50% minimum bacosides in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more on bacopa on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive, and also check out blog about the benefits of bacopa.
4. Lion’s Mane Mushroom
Lion's mane is an ancient Chinese medicinal mushroom widely acknowledged as an effective dietary supplement with various cognitive benefits.
Lion's mane mushroom brain pill has been used to treat neurological illnesses for millennia, and extensive study has proved its potential antidepressant and anxiolytic qualities.
This brain booster natural nootropic supplement, mane mushroom, is effective in preventing cognitive impairment such as dementia, speeding up neuronal recovery, and many more.
This sought-after nootropic mushroom offers a wide range of benefits, including the promotion of nerve and neurological health, the enhancement of the immune system, and the possible improvement of digestive health.
Note: There’s an effective dose of organic lion’s mane full-spectrum fruiting body at 40% minimum beta-glucans in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about lion’s mane on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive, and also check our blog about the benefits of lion’s mane.
5. Ginkgo Biloba
This and other antioxidant-rich plants can aid in treating and preventing a wide range of illnesses. Due to its resemblance to Pycnogenol, this substance is readily available and has a similar but enhanced effect.
Ginkgo biloba extracts are known to improve cognitive function as they’re traditionally used in Chinese medicine.
Ginkgo Biloba increases blood flow to the brain and penetrates the blood-brain barrier, both of which are advantageous.
Ginkgo enhances the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. As a result, their impacts are multiplicative.
This improves the clarity and vivacity of your thinking, which boosts your energy and enables you to speak more effectively and with a broader vocabulary–an excellent cognitive trait for anyone.
In addition, ginkgo biloba extract has been demonstrated to improve the health of stem cells in many brain regions.
This makes ginkgo one of the best natural nootropics, as it permits a discernible increase in brainpower, which has a cumulative effect on memory and recall.
Note: There’s an effective dose of organic ginkgo biloba leaf extract at 24% glycosides and 6% terpene lactones in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more on ginkgo on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive, and also check our blog about the benefits of ginkgo.
6. N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine
L-tyrosine is the most important amino acid precursor utilized to produce neurotransmitters involved in memory, emotion, and cognitive function. Dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine constitute these neurotransmitters.
Its benefits include enhancing working memory under multitasking situations, enhancing alertness, mood, and mental clarity, and maximizing mental function in exhausted states.
L-tyrosine also aids in stress management by inhibiting the generation of specific stress hormones in the brain, thereby protecting the brain.
Note: There’s an effective dose of L-tyrosine as N-acetyl L-tyrosine in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about N-acetyl L-tyrosine on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive, and also check our blog about the benefits of tyrosine.
7. L-Theanine
The majority of individuals who take caffeine prefer coffee instead of green tea. This isn’t ideal from a nootropic standpoint, as coffee drinkers are deprived of L-theanine, a crucial amino acid brain enhancer in tea.
L-theanine is a dietary supplement that, when consumed, generates a characteristic "relaxed yet aware" brain state on the EEG scale known as alpha brainwaves.
You can combine L-theanine powder with a caffeine source, though, to decrease caffeine's jittery side effects while retaining its stimulatory qualities.
Research published in the Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that tea containing L-theanine gives a calm, composed, anxiety-relieving burst of concentration and energy. [5]
L-theanine in Maximum Mind has been proven to reduce vasoconstrictive and behavioral effects while preserving its performance and attentional task benefits in healthy adults.
Note: There’s an effective dose of L-theanine from organic green tea leaf extract in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about L-theanine on the Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive and check our blog about the best caffeine and L-theanine combination.
8. Huperzine A
Huperzine A was identified in preparations of Chinese club moss (Huperzia Serrata). Huperzine A gives various advantages. It promotes enhanced acetylcholine signaling. By modulating the cholinesterase enzyme, this neurotransmitter enhances memory and cognitive processes.
In general, it increases acetylcholine levels considerably. Its relationship with cholinergic signaling explains its importance for memory and cognitive functions such as focus.
Huperzine-A has shown anti-cholinesterase activity in complementary and alternative medicine (a chemical essential to learning and memory).
The benefits of huperzine-A on acetylcholine and working memory make it one of the most advantageous nootropics for cognitive health. Huperzine may bring further advantages. It is well-known for boosting REM sleep and lucid dreaming.
Despite the lack of current studies, this reputed influence on sleep is linked to acetylcholine modulation.
This natural nootropic has neuroprotective effects as well. This neuroprotection is a result of Huperzine's capacity to increase acetylcholine levels. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that decreases oxidative stress and regulates other potentially detrimental activities.
This compound has been traditionally used as a treatment for various skin conditions in Southeast Asia for thousands of years. It helps people with Alzheimer’s, middle school students, or healthy adults.
Synthetic nootropics like Noopept and Piracetam are widely available. However, there's not enough research on their effectiveness in healthy adults.
Note: There’s an effective dose of huperzine A at 50% purity in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about huperzine A on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive, and also check our blog about the benefits of huperzine.
9. Alpha GPC
In terms of pharmacological effect, alpha-glycerophosphocholine (alpha GPC) is a naturally occurring nootropic found in a wide range of choline-rich meals. However, higher doses tend to be more effective.
It’s one of the best natural nootropics for boosting energy, especially when used with uridine and citicoline. Choline prodrug, alpha GPC, is widely disseminated throughout the body since it is the most efficient route of delivering nutrients from food to the body when consumed orally.
According to research published in the International Society of Sports Nutrition, releasing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine by alpha GPC enhances learning and memory (both short-term and long-term memory). Alpha GPC supplementation can also boost endurance performance and growth hormone secretion in athletes. [6]
This potent brain supplement is an effective nootropic that elevates mood and enhances mental energy.
Note: There’s an effective dose of alpha GPC at 99% purity in each dose of Maximum Mind.
Read more about alpha GPC on Marco’s Grounds Deep Dive and check our blog about the benefits of alpha GPC.
The Best Natural Nootropic Supplement
“When it’s hard and there’s a struggle, see what you become in the process is more important than the dream.”
— Les Brown
Now that your mind has been blown away by the wealth of the best natural nootropics that deliver maximum cognitive enhancement with few side effects, it is time to introduce you to Maximum Mind, the ultimate nootropic mix!
While nootropics might have distinct effects, stacking them may synergize and increase these effects, resulting in a more potent cognitive boost encapsulated in an all-natural brain pill.
Stacking nootropics can be a complicated process, and if you want to get the most out of it, it’s essential to conduct a study before manually stacking nootropic substances.
However, a supplement such as Maximum Mind removes the element of chance from stacking methods.
Maximum Mind combines all of the natural nootropics in a novel mix that targets numerous brain pathways to maximize cognitive enhancement.
Maximum Mind brain pill has only the highest quality components and is devoid of harmful additives or stimulants, resulting in a product with minimum negative effects.
Thus, if you wish to:
- Improve your physical and mental performance
- Improve your memory, learning, disposition, and drive
- Restore, preserve, and feed your brain cells
- Feel increased clarity and alertness, and improve your focus
…you ought to take Maximum Mind!
Conclusion
“You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.”
― Zig Ziglar
The best natural nootropic ingredients are all contained in the world's most potent brain pill supplement, Maximum Mind.
Maximum Mind increases blood circulation to the brain, which boosts oxygen and glucose levels to give the brain fuel and energy.
Maximum Mind helps people work hard and recover better. It improves memory, repairs brain cells, and expands mental energy, even during rest.
So, why not benefit from the best natural nootropics in their purest form and other clinically studied compounds to increase brain performance and health with Maximum Mind?
Literature
- Wurtman, R. J., Cansev, M., Sakamoto, T., & Ulus, I. (2010). Nutritional modifiers of aging brain function: use of uridine and other phosphatide precursors to increase the formation of brain synapses. Nutrition reviews, 68(suppl_2), S88-S101.
- Carlezon, Mague, S. D., Parow, A. M., Stoll, A. L., Cohen, B. M., & Renshaw, P. F. (2005). Antidepressant-like effects of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids are potentiated by combined treatment in rats. Biological Psychiatry, 57(4), 343-350.
- Kondo, D. G., Sung, Y. H., Hellem, T. L., Delmastro, K. K., Jeong, E. K., Kim, N., Shi, X., & Renshaw, P. F. (2011). Open-label uridine for treatment of depressed adolescents with bipolar disorder. Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 21(2), 171-175.
- Agarwal, N., Sung, Y. H., Jensen, J. E., daCunha, G., Harper, D., Olson, D., & Renshaw, P. F. (2010) Short-term administration of uridine increases brain membrane phospholipid precursors in healthy adults: a 31-phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy study at 4T. Bipolar Disorders, 12(8), 825-833.
- Nobre AC, et al. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 01/2008; 17 Suppl 1:167-8.
- Ziegenfuss, T., Landis, J., Hofheins, J. (2008). Acute supplementation with Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine augments growth hormone response to and peak force production during resistance exercise. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 5(Suppl 1): P15.