Enhance Your Cognition with Nootropics

As a Registered Dietitian, I wanted to learn more about the growing category of nootropics.

Just like ashwagandha, I needed to learn more about what natural products or supplements are going into my food and drink to confidently promote the product to my clients. So, I did the digging for you and here is what I found!

Nootropics are known as “smart” supplements due to their cognitive support benefits and ability to improve thinking, learning, and memory. Quite smart indeed! Like any medication/drug or supplement, it takes time for the body to adjust. That is because nootropics are metabolically active, meaning they need time to put in good work on the brain! Nootropics do not act directly by releasing neurotransmitters, they improve the brain’s supply of glucose and oxygen, have anti-hypoxic effects, and protect brain tissue from neurotoxicity. Simply put, they prevent low oxygen in the brain and protect the brain from toxic substances! Noo-way, how cool!

Nootropics can fall into one of three groups: dietary supplements, synthetic compounds, and prescription drugs, and most are natural in origin, so one can easily obtain them in the form of food supplements or herbal extracts. Although they come in three forms, we will focus on the dietary supplement form of these magical substances. Nootropics are found in everyday drinks like coffee or tea, but there is such thing as too much of a good thing, especially caffeine. And I say that as someone who drinks a lot of coffee ha. The latest trend is selecting those dietary supplements of ginseng, gingko, CDP-choline, and L-Theanine. And where have we seen that L-Theanine before... THAT’S RIGHT. In HOP WTR! Paired with that bursting beer-like flavor and alleviating ashwagandha benefits, the L-Theanine nootropics makes HOP WTR a powerhouse of a drink!

But I want to talk more about L-Theanine! L-Theanine is a non-protein, water-soluble amino acid that is characteristically found in tea plants. The benefits of L-Theanine are extensive, including antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties, mental protection of the brain, anti-anxiety properties, cardiovascular, liver, and kidney protectant properties, and immune regulatory effects. Let’s look at those mental protection benefits for the brain. L-Theanine works to promote better cognition and attention levels. This amino acid has the capability to mitigate symptoms of depression and stress related disorders. Further research supports a possibility of L-Theanine even relieving memory impairment and preventing damage to the hippocampus! With such unique characteristics, L-Theanine paves the way to being included in functional foods, or foods that are minimally processed or all natural and have numerous health and nutrition benefits.

Sooo... I am going to crack open a Ginger Limeade HOP WTR and attempt a Sudoku puzzle! I’ll report back soon!