Nootropics are cognitive enhancers that can be taken in various forms, from coffee to L-theanine and creatine supplements. Nootropics can help improve focus, reduce anxiety and boost memory – as well as being an alternative to synthetic stimulants like caffeine. Nootropics have become an increasingly popular natural solution. Caffeine found in coffee is often considered an nootropic as is L-theanine and creatine.

Caffeine

Caffeine is an all-natural central nervous system stimulant and the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive substance. A methylxanthine compound, it can be found naturally in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa beans and yerba mate as well as being added to sodas and energy drinks – it is also produced synthetically. Opiates are an odorless substance with a bitter flavor, typically appearing as white crystal powder that is moderately soluble in water and organic solvents while only slightly so in alcohol. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and quickly converted to paraxanthine, theobromine, and theophylline in the liver, where it inhibits phosphodiesterase, increases intracellular cAMP levels, antagonizes adenosine receptors and raises blood pressure, heart rate, urine production rates as well as increases blood pressure, heart rate and urinary output. Caffeine forms unstable salts with acids while decomposing under strong solutions of alkali solutions.

Even though caffeine is commonly thought of as a nootropic, in its strictest sense it does not fall under this classification. Nootropics are supplements designed to improve mental performance; caffeine may help alleviate fatigue; however it should not be seen as the sole component in nootropic blends.

L-Theanine

L-Theanine, an amino acid found in both green and black tea leaves, has been shown to promote relaxation without inducing sleepiness, reduce anxiety and boost concentration and cognitive function. Not only is L-theanine an excellent stress reliever; it’s also a potency antioxidant and could potentially treat conditions like depression or insomnia while improving both mental and physical wellbeing by helping decrease blood pressure levels.

L-Theanine can also be used to increase alpha brain waves, which occur when your mind becomes focused on an activity or task and is similar to meditation’s effects. L-Theanine works this way because it increases GABA production – an organic neurotransmitter responsible for producing feelings of relaxation throughout the body.

This amino acid has been widely documented to possess numerous beneficial properties, including increasing GABA levels to aid sleep and ease anxiety, as well as raising levels of serotonin (a calming neurotransmitter) and dopamine, both which help the individual feel relaxed yet focused.

Theanine is a non-toxic compound that is safe to consume in large doses without producing adverse side effects. Studies have confirmed this for most individuals; however, pregnant and breastfeeding women and those prone to low blood pressure may want to reconsider its consumption.

Food sources that contain it include fish, meat, eggs and dairy products as well as tea. Umami flavor plays an integral part in giving foods their savory texture; in addition, research suggests it improves concentration and focus.

L-theanine is an amino acid derived from glutamic acid, produced through chemical synthesis. Though this is a time-consuming process, the resultant product boasts an outstanding purity level of over 98% and non-toxicity for mammals with an LD50 value over 5 000 mg/kg. Studies have also indicated anti-inflammatory properties that make L-theanine useful in treating hypertension, depression and digestive disorders.

Medicinal mushrooms

Coffee is one of the most renowned nootropics, a natural stimulant which improves reaction time and concentration. You’ll often find caffeine combined with other natural substances to maximize its impact. In comparison, synthetic nootropics require a valid prescription from a medical practitioner and may cause harm at large doses; natural nootropics derived from mushrooms, herbs or plants tend to have more subtle effects that make them safer choices for most individuals.

Mushrooms have been used for centuries as immune boosters and antibacterial agents. Now they’re becoming more widely recognized in Western culture as powerful nutritional supplements – adding them to foods like hummus, kale chips or smoothies can give your mind a boost at work or school.

Medicinal mushrooms are macroscopically-grown fungi (mostly higher basidiomycetes) consumed as extracts or powder to prevent, alleviate, or heal diseases and nutritionally support the body. Although not a miracle cure-all, medicinal mushrooms may help improve immune system health while relieving stress and fatigue. Mushrooms provide antioxidants which fight free radical damage while supporting digestive health – all great qualities in any medicine cabinet!

These mushrooms, typically grown in Asia and China, have long been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as both an antidote for ailments and food supplements. Containing vitamins D, potassium and niacin among many others; medicinal mushrooms also offer many other health benefits for skin, heart and nervous systems. Available as tinctures, capsules or teas.

When selecting a mushroom coffee drink, opt for one with high-quality ingredients and no warning labels like Prop 65; these could contain low quantities of mushroom extracts. Two excellent products to consider are Real Mushrooms 5 Defenders and NeuBrain; both use 100% fruiting bodies while NeuBrain contains multiple high-quality extracts in its blend. However, all mushroom supplements don’t come equal so be sure that the one you select provides a verified dosage of your chosen medicinal mushrooms.