Just like our body needs supplements to enrich our diet, so do our brain and mind. With the advent of modern technology, science and biochemistry, neuroscientists and researchers have been able to engineer medications that are made of brain-boosting nutrients and can thus work as supplements.
This article will answer the question of what are the best brain boosters. It will cover in detail how these boosters help the brain work efficiently. The article will also highlight why brain boosters are important and what research says about them. The article will answer some frequently asked questions in the end.
What is the best brain booster?
Starting with some natural brain boosters, omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), Acetyl-L-carnitine, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, and folic acid. Omega-3 Fatty acids can be found in fish oils, and they are considered to be important for the development of an infant’s brain. DHA, which is a form of Omega-3 fatty acid, can also be found in fishes like wild salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, tuna as well as in nuts.
Though not much is known about the effects of Acetyl-L-carnitine on the healthy brain, it is said to have favourable effects on maintaining brain cells. Studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s disease benefit from consuming this brain booster.
Brain boosters can also have positive effects on neurotransmitters. DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol), is believed to change the acetylcholine levels in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that is related to Alzheimer’s disease. This explains why taking this brain booster can help with Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, apart from these, some herbs are also known to have brain-boosting abilities as well. The upside to herbs is that they will have other components, as opposed to stimulants like amphetamine and caffeine. Herb with brain-boosting ingredients includes ‘ginkgo Biloba- or the leaf of the gingko tree.
Found primarily in China, the ginkgo Biloba is one of the oldest plants to be found on earth. Ginkgo is also scrutinized by researchers and scientists alike because of its potential to tackle Alzheimer’s and other age-related cognitive degeneration.
Neuroscientists and researchers believe that ginkgo functions by acting as a blood thinner, which is proven to improve blood flow to the brain; and as we all know, the brain is a glutton for oxygen and even the most minute rupture in the circulation of blood could lead to a decline in brain performance.
Why does the human brain need brain boosters?
The human brain, packed with a staggering amount of 86 billion neurons protected within the bones of our skull is a machine to reckon with. It’s systematic, organized and faster than the fastest computer. And every machine needs to be oiled well and maintained accordingly. Especially a machine that never rests.
The human brain is always at work. While it is understood that might be the case when we’re awake, it is also true when the human brain is at rest. The reason for that is that the brain conducts all operations related to repair and recuperation when we are sleeping.
Along with the rejuvenation work, which requires a lot of energy, especially when recovering from illnesses and injuries, the brain also consolidates memory and carries out the process of incubation for creative processes.
The brain needs to be nourished with not just food, but also additional supplements as it is more complex and performs more functions than all the other organs combined. In fact, the brain ensures the rhythm and coordination between all other organs, as well as with each organ and the brain itself.
This means that the brain consumes an immense amount of the total energy the body produces. To be precise, this powerhouse of an organ uses around 25% of the body’s total energy production to only provide energy to the neurons in the brain. It probably uses even more energy when it is resting.
What do you need to consider before taking brain boosters?
Before you consider taking brain boosters and other supplements, it is very important to remember a few things. The first thing is that these supplements cannot replace the nutrients one receives from actual food that we consume in our daily life.
Supplements and boosters are meant to complement your diet instead of replacing them, so it is wise to ensure that the food you consume is rich in proteins, minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins and other nutritious elements that are necessary for us to remain healthy and vigorous.
Genetic predispositions and physiology should also be accounted for before we consume any brain boosters. Chronic physical or mental illnesses, brain injuries or other problems we are facing will not magically disappear overnight once we start consuming brain boosters or supplements.
Our intelligence, creativity, personality as well as other behavioural and psychological aspects would not automatically get altered just because we have started to consume brain boosters.
Although these characteristics could be enhanced with the help of these brain supplements, they cannot be completely overhauled and you will very much retain them.
Another aspect about brain boosters that would be beneficial to keep in mind is that the research on brain boosters is fairly new. There is a lot we don’t know about the brain itself, as and when we learn about the brain, we also learn about the brain boosters and their effects on the structure and functions of the brain.
As a general rule of thumb, just keep in mind that the idea that herbs or other supplements could boost brainpower has still not been proven inconclusively. This calls for more research on this particular aspect of brain studies, neuroscience, and neurocognition.
We should keep in mind that these are dietary supplements and not drugs. These supplements go through appropriate trials and are approved by the concerned governing authority.
Even so, one should consult their physician before taking any of these supplements, especially when have any chronic illnesses or a history of brain damage or stroke.
Given how many toxins, and pollutants like microplastics have entered our food chain and are disrupting our bodily functions, it becomes imperative for us to take care of our diets and use supplements, if need be, after consulting an appropriately licensed physician or medical expert.
This makes it even more important for us to not just ensure that our diet is nutritious and we are taking other supplements to ensure brain functioning, it also tells us that we should be sleeping on time, investing our time and energy in exercise and other kinds of body movement, and taking care of our emotional and mental health.
And remember to keep in mind that there is no conclusive evidence yet about how brain boosters work and they most definitely do not have the ability to change the brain’s structure and functions or make you a genius overnight.
Conclusion
This article answers the question of what are the best brain boosters. It covers in detail how these boosters help the brain work efficiently. The article also highlights why brain boosters are important and what research says about them. The article will answer some frequently asked questions in the end.
Frequently Asked Questions: What is the best brain booster?
What is the weight of the male human brain and female human brain?
The male brain has a brain volume of 78 cubic inches or 1,274 cubic centimetres on average as compared to the female brain which has a volume of 69 cubic inches or 1,131 cubic centimetres.
What is the main part of the brain?
The cerebrum is considered to be the main part of the brain and it is located in the front area of the skull. The cerebrum makes up around 85% of the brain’s weight (Im et al., 2008).
What do omega-3 fatty acids help?
Research has highlighted that omega-3 fats help in maintaining mood swings, especially the ones seen in bipolar disorder. In fact, if these findings are replicated further, there could be a look into how omega-3 fatty acids can be included in the treatment plans for disorders of schizophrenia and depression (Sinclair et al., 2007).
Why should I ban trans fats from my diet?
Trans fats are actually more harmful than both saturated and hydrogenated fats combined! They increase your cholesterol levels and thus can endanger your brain and body for the worst. You may want to have a complete, or partial ban of trans fats from your diet because they work against your brain.
References
Sinclair, A. J., Begg, D., Mathai, M., & Weisinger, R. S. (2007). Omega 3 fatty acids and the brain: review of studies in depression. Asia Pacific journal of clinical nutrition, 16(S1), 391-397.
