Nootropics are brain-boosters: they are known to enhance cognitive performance & improve brain health. They work in many ways to produce a wide range of benefits across memory, focus, motivation, verbal fluency & more.While they may be new to many of us, nootropics have been used in both Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic healing for thousands of years.

Many nootropics have adaptogenic properties – helping your mind & body adapt to physical, mental & emotional stressors and find balance from within.

Here are some to the top Nootropics:

Rhodiola Rosea

A powerful adaptogen known for it’s effects on stress levels & brain functioning, our Rhodiola extract is wildcrafted in the pristine Altai Mountains in Siberia. There is strong evidence that this powerful adaptogen has many benefits including helping you to adapt to physical and mental stress, reducing mental fatigue & brain fog and improving memory & cognitive health.

Mushrooms:
Lions Mane

Lion’s Mane is an ancient medicinal mushroom that’s known to help support memory, focus & concentration. It’s a proven neuroprotectant & is known to induce NGF (nerve growth factor) resulting in neurogenesis – the growth of new neurons. Studies show taking Lions Mane regularly may improve long-term memory, mental clarity & brain health

Cordyceps

Cordyceps are known to support energy and stamina; they can increase oxygen flow to muscles, aerobic capacity & resistance to fatigue. They’ve also been found to have strong antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.

This mighty adaptogen has been used for thousands of years in the East, and is known to increase blood flow & oxygenation of cells. Recognised for its ability to help you adapt to physical & mental stressors and increase endurance – it pairs perfectly with Cordyceps for vitality and strength.

A powerful adaptogen used by Ayurvedic practitioners for thousands of years, our Ashwagandha is the highest concentration full-spectrum root extract available today. Proven to have a high bioavailability, it’s been shown to alleviate anxiety, enhance memory & cognition and help the body adapt to physical & mental stressors.

Caffeine

Caffeine is naturally found in many sources such as coffee, cocoa, guayana, kola nuts and some teas. It is usually added to many sodas, energy drinks and medications. Caffeine works by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain, making us feel less tired. Caffeine can increase alertness, improve attention and reduce reaction times.


L-theanine

Green tea is a natural source of L-theanine, a common and efficient nootropic. Studies have shown L-theanine to increase attention performance, improve sleep, boost reaction time, and promote relaxation. It could also be therapeutic for patients who suffer from high anxiety. These benefits are linked to L-theanine’s neuroprotective effects, meaning it can restore and regenerate nerve cells in multiple ways. 2 cups of brewed tea have been known to increase alpha-waves within the brain which is linked to more creativity.


Creatine

Creatine is another amino acid utilised by the body to make protein. It is popular amongst the fitness industry as it promotes muscle growth and has benefits for the brain. It has been shown to also improve short-term memory and reasoning.  5g of creatine supplement per day is a safe dose to take.

Ginseng

Ginseng is an ancient medicinal plant root used to boost brain function. Ginseng can support healthy blood sugar levels and increased concentration may help with menopause, cancer, blood pressure, and heart disease. Since ginseng is a powerful herb, it has the ability to interact with other drugs and may not be a good choice for people taking certain medications, so consult with the GP first before taking.


Gingko biloba

Gingko biloba is one of the oldest living tree species. It’s a popular natural nootropic that may have a positive effect on cognitive function, anxiety and stress management. It has been shown to improve mental processing and memory this is due to increased blood flow to the brain.

Conclusion

Although Nootropics can have many health benefits for the brain, they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for healthy habits. Getting enough sleep, eating a nutrient dense diet and managing stress are fundamental for achieving cognitive performance.

Natural nootropics are much safer than synthetic forms because, in their purest version, they don’t produce side effects similar to other neuro-psychotropic drugs. So, make sure to look for high-quality nootropic herbs that are standardised or that feature certain trademarks or labels, such as GMP, which shows its good manufacturing practices.

Also look for Nootropics without artificial ingredients or common allergens. Manufacturers concerned with safety will clearly define the presence of ingredients and allergens, such as gluten, soy, and dairy.

Nootropic Recipes

Creamy mushroom cacao latte

Ingredients:

1 cup nut milk ( planish oat, almond, cashew, coconut)
1 tsp Organic mushroom blend ( including lions mane and cordyceps)
1 tp maple syrup
1 tsp cacao powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon

How to:
Heat the chosen nut milk in a small pan on the stove or in the microwave
While heating, add the mushroom blend, cacao, cinnamon and maple syrup to a mug and stria to create a paste
Pour the heated milk into the mug, over the paste and mix with a small whisk until frothy and no lumps left.
Sprinkle with some extra cinnamon and or some rose petals
Enjoy sipping on your creamy mushroom cacao latte.

Powder available from : London Nootropics Coffee blend, No evil nutrition mushroom blend.


Matcha green tea chia pudding

Ingredients:

1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 tbsp water
1 tsp matcha powder, 1 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup


How to:

In a glass jar, add in all the ingredients, place the lid on top and give a good shake or stir until combined. Leave to sit for 10 minutes then go back and re-stir making sure all the mixture is combined.
Leave the container in the fridge for up to an hour for the pudding to set.
Serve up how you wish, with some coconut yoghurt, berries, coconut flakes, almond butter or simply on its own.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.


Turmeric Moonmilk

Ashwagandha is a adaptogen which are plants that have been researched to help us cope with stressful times. This herb is calming and rebuilds our vital energy to help us cope with stressful and bussling times.

Ingredients:

250ml milk of your choice - almond / oat / coconut milk
250ml hot water
2 teaspoons of ashwagandha root powder
1/4 tsp of ginger and cinnamon with a crack of black pepper and nutmeg powder.
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 - 1stp raw honey

How to:

On a stovetop, place a small saucepan and slowly warm up the milk and hot water. Add in the cacao and ashwagandha powder and give it a whisk to dissolve the powders. Add in the spices and honey and leave on a low heat to warm up. Once ready, serve in your favourite mug and wind down for the evening.


Smokey pulled Lion’s Mane mushroom tacos

Lions mane mushrooms are a great alternative to meat substitutes due to the natural ‘meaty’ texture and flavour.

Ingredients:
Makes 5

250g Lions mane mushrooms
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 cup ( BBQ sauce, I used hunter and gatherer)
1 tsp coconut oil

Lentil ‘Meat’

1 tin precooked green lentils
1 small white onion
2 garlic cloves
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp coconut oil

Extras:
1 pack of 6 taco tortillas
1 cubed avocado
Pickled red onions
Freshly chopped coriander


How to:

Drain and rinse the lentils from the can, then in a frying pan, add the tsp of coconut oil, sauté the onions for 4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Add in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Transfer the lentils to the pan, add in the spices and coat evenly and cook for 2 more minutes.
Add in the tamari / soy sauce and keep stirring until lentils are cooked through, set to the side and keep warm.
Wash the mushrooms, trim off the hard wood roots and tear into small shredded pieces with your hands.
In a large, non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat and when hot, toss in the shredded mushroom. Then add in the spices; smoked paprika, onion powder, turmeric, garlic powder, cumin and oregano, to evenly coat the mushrooms.
Leave the mushrooms to cook and turn brown on each side for 3-4 minutes each.
Once, the mushrooms are golden brown turn off the heat and transfer to a small saucepan.
Pour over the BBQ sauce and bring to the heat, until the sauce thickens. Take off heat after.
Place mushroom and lentil mixture together and assemble in taco tortillas, top with avocado, coriander and red onion.
Enjoy