In today's hectic times, we are often driven to the edge of our physical and mental strength. It is therefore not surprising that in recent times there has been a proliferation of so-called 'smart drugs' which are supposed to help us think, promote brain health, prevent stress and so on. Is this really the case? What kind of substances are they? Are there any more comprehensive alternatives? Find out in this article.
What are smart drugs?
Smart drugs (or also nootropics) started to appear in a big way during the 1970s. These are mostly substances that prevent depression, attention deficit disorders or neurodegenerativediseases, and in the elderly, they help prevent them to maintain proper brain activity. They are currently very widespread among students, but are becoming very popular among working people as well. Nootropics are used to help them concentrate better at work or study, to be able toto learn a greater volume of material, or simply to be able to cope with the pressure of the day. But let's take a closer look at specific representatives.
1. Ginseng
Ginseng has been traditionally used in China, Japan or Korea, for example, for its healing effects. It contains substances that help to prevent stress while supporting brain function. It is very useful as a source of energy, as it counteracts fatigue, even though it does not contain caffeine. In addition, it also strengthens the heart, has a good effect on the nervous system and improves concentration, libido and sexual performance. Ginseng can normalise arterial pressure levels, which means it helps both high and low pressure.
Nowadays it is very easy to get ginseng in tablets as a dietary supplement, but ginseng tea or ginseng drops, for example, are also very popular.
2. L-theanine
L-theanine is abundant in green tea, which is also the only plant that produces it. This substance acts directly in the brain to induce a state of relaxation and relaxation, all without feeling sleepy or tired. This amino acid improves memory and promotes creativity. One of the most important properties of L-theanine is to improve learning and concentration, which is why it is so popular among students.
Again, L-theanine can be found in the form of dietary supplements, but it is much easier to drink a cup of green tea about 40 minutes before studying or working. However, green tea also contains other substances that can reduce the effect of L-theanine.
3. Rosehip
Rosehip is a significant adaptogen. This means that it can stabilize the activity of the human body (e.g. The golden root, as the stonecrop is called, has a beneficial effect It has a beneficial effect on cognitive function, improves memory and learning, and helps with calming emotions. St John's Wort is very effective in combating so-called brain fog. This condition is manifested by dullness, slowness, irritability and impaired memory.
St. John's Wort is also found in our mountain areas, but it is strictly protected, so it is easier to get it as a dietary supplement in the form of drops or capsules.
4. Peruvian watercress (maca)
Watercress is literally loaded with substances beneficial to the human body. It is very popular in Persian medicine, as this high-altitude plant is found mainly in the Andean regions of South America. It was formerly used as a remedy mainly for menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms or male potency. Nowadays, its beneficial effects on memory, promoting concentration and overall psychic energy are used. Recent research has even reported that maca alleviates the symptoms of schizophrenia, neuroses and insomnia.
Like the other nootropics in this article, maca can be found in dietary supplement form. In addition, maca is often consumed raw, baked, or even processed into jam.
5. MCT oil
MCT oil is extracted exclusively from the flesh of coconuts. This oil contains medium-chain triglycerides and, due to its simple structure , is used as a quick source of energy without storing it in fat reserves. This property is particularly beneficial in reduction diets. In addition to its nutritional properties, MCT oil is essential for proper brain function. It is beneficial for brain function and has the ability to supply energy to dying brain cells, which is why it is very important in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. In addition to supplying energy to the brain, MCT oil is a great antioxidant and helps prevent stress.
MCT oil has appeared on the Czech market relatively recently, but today it can be easily found in the form of classic oil or instant powder.
Are there any more complex blends?
Although it is not difficult to find complex supplements abroad that specialize in neurostimulation, the choice is still quite limited here. In our experience, we can recommend, for example BrainMax 3.0 Anabolic Dagger from Votamax, which we recently reviewed. It is a very effective pre-workout stimulant that is also designed for hormonal optimization, neurostimulation and energization of the body.
On the one hand, taking a complex product is far more practical, but ultimately, in my opinion, it is not necessary and the positive effect will occur even if you take just the individual key ingredients we have mentioned in today's article.
And that's it for this article. If you have your favourite stimulants, feel free to get in touch in the comments, where you can equally direct any questions you may have.
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Sport has been my lifelong passion, I have been close to it since I was a child. For a long time I was primarily involved in athletics, which also eventually led me to the gym. Every good sprinter knows that to get one tenth of a start, he must therefore sacrifice hundreds of hours in training. And it was this toil behind the curtain, which no one sees, that was my greatest passion.
Every kilo in the gym helped me to move a little closer to my goal and I fell in love with the gym very quickly. Even though I don't race anymore, nothing has changed in my relationship with uncompromising training.