Everything You Need To Know About Nootropics, The Supplements That Claim To Boost Brain Function

Although the concept of a ‘smart pill’ sounds like a scam, there are certain substances that have been shown to increase cognitive function. Known as nootropics, these compounds work by reducing fatigue, optimising brain function, increasing attention span, and enhancing mental performance. Much like adaptogens have their roots in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine, the newfound interest in nootropics can be largely attributed to the Silicon Valley crowd’s obsession with biohacking. 

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And honestly, the idea of eradicating that 3pm slump is pretty tempting. So, in the interest of sustained energy and improved mental stamina, we’ve taken a deep dive into everything you need to know about nootropics. 

What are nootropics?

“Nootropics are natural or synthetic substances that enhance brain function,” functional nutritionist Fran Dargaville tells Albert Review. Naturopath at Art of Healing Lisa Guy echoes the sentiment, adding that nootropics “have been found to enhance cognition, increase focus, and boost memory and learning.”

Although there are synthetic cognitive enhancers like modafinil and adrafinil, the kind of nootropics doing the rounds in the wellness industry are more likely to be found at your local health food store than a pharmacy. “Certain nutrients, antioxidants, amino acids and other compounds found in foods and herbs are classified as nootropics,” adds Guy, with one of the oldest and most widely consumed nootropics being caffeine. 

What are the benefits of taking nootropics?

According to nutritionist and Vita-Sol founder Fiona Tuck, nootropics work to “enhance cognitive function, primarily via stimulating or inhibiting certain neurotransmitters. Nootropics may therefore aid focus, mental alertness and memory.” 

“Researchers have found that nootropics benefit brain function by improving brain energy and blood flow, supporting the production of key brain neurotransmitters (serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine) and reducing brain oxidative stress and inflammation by reducing free radicals,” Guy elaborates.

On an individual level, nutritionist and naturopath Madeline Calfas tells us that “the benefits of nootropics will ultimately vary depending on the desired outcome, and range from increasing your ability to focus, boosting memory and concentration ability, giving your creativity and intelligence a bolster and increasing your motivation levels.”

What types of natural nootropics are available?

Natural nootropics are relatively easy to source, with Dargaville telling us that they “can be found in a variety of foods, beverages and supplements, from coffee and green tea to supplements and exotic herbs.”

Natural nootropics can range from amino acids like creatine and L-theanine to herbs like brahmi, ashwagandha, liquorice root, rhodiola, panax ginseng, gingko biloba, as well as medicinal mushrooms such as cordyceps, lion’s mane, maitake, reishi, and chaga. 

How to incorporate nootropics into your diet

Sipping on a few cups of green tea every day can be a simple yet effective way to reap the benefits of nootropics, with green tea containing two key nootropics; caffeine and L-theanine. 

“Caffeine is considered a nootropic that is known to help improve brain energy, says Guy, explaining that it “stimulates the central nervous system and increases energy metabolism throughout the brain.” Plus, it works cohesively with L-theanine, which has been found to improve attention levels, without the jittery effects often associated with caffeine. “It helps reduce caffeine’s stimulating effect while still enhancing its ability to improve focus and brain function.”

Dargaville recommends utilising nootropic adaptogens for their ability to “improve cognitive function whilst simultaneously helping the body adapt to stress.” Key nootropic adaptogens include ashwagandha, rhodiola, medicinal mushrooms, and gingko biloba, which can be taken in as tea or mixed into soups and smoothies in powdered form.

How to promote good cognitive health and improve your mental function

While nootropics are an excellent way to enhance your cognitive function, they’re most effective when taken in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. 

Calfas proposes regular mindful meditation as a means to enhance mental performance. “Whether this is from meditation only, or through yoga or tai chi, giving your brain the chance to switch off can really help with mental clarity.

“Frequently doing games such as puzzles, sudoku, and crosswords can help to train your brain and potentially boost your mental performance. The worst thing you can do is just switch off, especially as you age. Regularly doing these types of games has been shown to increase mental acuity, reinforce the connections between the left and right sides of the brain, and improve mental speed, visual-spatial reasoning and short-term memory.”

“Eating a well-balanced diet abundant in brain-boosting nutrients such as iodine, choline, B vitamins and essential fatty acids will help improve your memory and brain-power,” Guy tells us. “Add foods like coconut oil, wild salmon, walnuts, berries, eggs, and avocado to your diet to help enhance cognition and brain function.”

The best natural nootropic supplements

The increasing amount of interest surrounding nootropics has led to an abundance of nootropic supplements on the market. We’ve rounded up the 5 best nootropics on the market. 

1. Locako Keto Nootropic Powder

nootropics supplements locako

Made with coconut milk powder, the Locacko Keto Nootropic Powder is a delicious way to supercharge your morning coffee. Featuring a blend of popular natural nootropics like lion’s mane, ginseng, L-theanine, MCT, and green coffee bean, Locako Keto Nootropic Powder boosts mental clarity and function, enhances concentration, and promotes sustained energy throughout the day.

2. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee Mix With Lion’s Mane

nootropics supplements four sigmatic mushroom coffee

Designed to provide the taste and benefits of coffee without the jitters, this blend by pioneering medicinal mushroom company Four Sigmatic combines coffee with rhodiola, lion’s mane, and chaga. Designed to enhance focus and concentration, this Four Sigmatic blend eliminates the need for that mid-afternoon nap.

3. Golden Grind Wellbeing Mushroom Blend

nootropics supplements golden grind

Made with a blend of chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and reishi mushrooms, the Golden Grind Wellbeing Mushroom Blend utilises nootropic adaptogens to modulate hormones, improve immunity, and boost energy and concentration levels.

4. Melrose MCT Coconut Matcha Powder

The Melrose MCT Coconut Matcha Powder combines medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which have been shown to boost cognition and alleviate brain fog with matcha, a natural source of L-theanine, caffeine, and EGCG which work to promote sustained attention levels and energy. Ideal for mitigating that mid-afternoon slump, the Melrose MCT Coconut Matcha Powder makes for a delicious matcha latte. 

5. The Nue Co. Nootro Focus

nootropics supplements the nue co

The Nue Co. combines L-theanine and citicoline with nootropic herbs like bacopa, rhodiola, gingko biloba, and lion’s mane to reduce restlessness and improve concentration and cognitive function in the short term, and contribute to overall brain health and prevent memory loss in the long term with consistent use.

6. Arepa Nootropic Capsules

nootropics supplements arepa

Designed to reduce stress and fatigue while and promoting mental clarity, these capsules combine L-theanine with antioxidant and polyphenol-rich neuroberry blackberry and pine bark extracts.


Words by T. Angel
Feature image courtesy of Damon Baker