A significant number of individuals are on the lookout for straightforward methods that will help them enhance their concentration, memory, and production. Because of this, “smart drugs,” commonly referred to as nootropics, are gaining an ever-increasing amount of popularity.
There is evidence that several naturally occurring and synthetic substances, together referred to as nootropics, can improve a person’s cognitive ability. There are literally hundreds of different nootropic products available, but there are a few beverages that already have nootropic components integrated into them.
Some beverages even make claim that they improve the functioning of your brain due to the components, such as antioxidants or probiotics, that they contain. The list that follows contains 17 different brain-boosting drinks (juices and beverages) that could potentially increase cognitive performance.
1. Green Tea
One of the best brain-boosting drinks is Green Tea. This nut-flavored alternative to coffee contains caffeine. Tea boosts mental alertness like coffee. It might also block out background noise, like a chatty coworker. Growing evidence suggests green tea improves recall and alertness. According to researchers, no single feature makes these leaves brain-healthy. It’s likely owing to the synergistic effects of its plant components.
Green tea has less caffeine than coffee. It contains l-theanine and epigallocatechin gallate, two nootropics (EGCG). Alone or with coffee, l-theanine can soothe or enhance focus and concentration, according to research. A meta-analysis of 21 human studies found that green tea improves cognition. EGCG can pass the blood-brain barrier, suggesting it may have neuroprotective or neurodegenerative advantages. Research is needed.
Also See: Health Benefits of Green Tea
2. Coffee
Like you, many people require coffee in the morning. 75% of Americans drink coffee, with half doing so daily. Caffeine in coffee makes you feel alert. Coffee can help you focus and perk up on Mondays. Coffee drinkers had a lower risk of Alzheimer’s and stroke, according to studies.
Coffee is a nootropic beverage. Caffeine is responsible for most of its good effects on the brain, but chlorogenic acid may also help. 40-300 mg of caffeine, or 0.5-3 cups of coffee, may improve focus, alertness, reaction time, and memory.
Coffee may also prevent Alzheimer’s. In a week-long rat study, 500 mg of caffeine per day, or five cups of coffee, prevented and treated Alzheimer’s disease. Up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, or 4 cups of coffee, is not dangerous, according to studies. Coffee is another very popular drink for brain-boosting.
3. Berry Juices
Try juicing or blending blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries. Berries are a nutritious powerhouse for your brain. Their antioxidants prevent cell damage. Anthocyanins in these small fruits boost memory. Avoid store-bought juices. Sugar may be present.
Blueberries contain cognitive-boosting polyphenol plant compounds. Anthocyanins give these berries their blue-purple color. A meta-analysis of 400 participants was inconclusive. Contrary to most of the research in this review, others have shown that blueberry eating has no positive impact on the brain. Whole blueberries have less sugar but may offer similar benefits.
Also See: Health Benefits of Berries
4. Orange Juice
Orange juice is another one of the best brain boosting drinks. It contains 93% of the Daily Value of vitamin C. This vitamin may protect nerve cells, evidence suggests. A meta-analysis of 50 human trials found that increasing vitamin C intake or blood levels improved attention, memory, and language.
Sweet orange juice may have more hazards than benefits. Juice provides more calories than fruit, and a high-sugar diet is linked to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Eating an orange is much more practical. The whole fruit offers fewer calories, less sugar, and more fiber than orange juice.
Also See: Health Benefits of Orange
5. Beetroot Juice
Beet nitrates are converted to nitric oxide, which enhances cell oxygenation and blood flow. While beetroot juice has been demonstrated to enhance blood flow, its effect on the brain is unknown. Beetroot juice may boost nitric oxide signaling in brain areas crucial for language, learning, and complex decision-making.
Beet powder can be dissolved in water or eaten as concentrated juice. Only 2–4 teaspoons of beetroot concentrate per day are advised. HumanN Super Beets and Dynamic Health both sell beetroot powder online.
Also See: Health Benefits of Beetroot
6. Kombucha
Carbonated fermented beverage advocates claim it heals hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Kombucha contains black tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. Despite claims on the box, scientific data is absent. If not properly made and refrigerated, this sour tea can contain hazardous microorganisms.
Kombucha is a fermented drink made with green or black tea, fruit, and botanicals. Probiotics, beneficial bacteria, are its main advantage. The gut-brain axis connects the gastrointestinal tract to the central neurological system (the “brain”). There’s little proof that kombucha boosts brainpower. Homemade or store-bought kombucha is available.
7. Turmeric Tea
Curry depends largely on this brilliant yellow spice, and people who enjoy tea will enjoy the earthy aroma that it provides to the beverage. Turmeric has a long history of use as a medicinal substance, both in China and India. It is commonly used in both countries.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is a useful treatment for a wide range of health issues, including those that impact the digestive system, the joints, and the skin. Researchers are actively examining its neuroprotective characteristics in order to determine whether or not it has the ability to improve cognitive function and slow or stop the course of Alzheimer’s disease.
8. Turmeric lattes
Golden milk is another term for warm, creamy beverages known as turmeric lattes. Golden milk derives its name from spice turmeric. It has been demonstrated that the antioxidant curcumin, which can be found in turmeric, can increase the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors in the body (BDNF).
People who suffer from mental disabilities or neurological disorders connected to low BDNF levels may see an improvement in their cognitive abilities if their BDNF levels are increased. You should be aware that the amount of curcumin found in a turmeric latte is a significant fraction of the average dosage used in scientific studies.
9. Adaptogen lattes
Beverages known as adaptogen lattes are similar to turmeric lattes in that they are warm, fragrant, and contain unique ingredients. The ability of certain foods and plants, known as adaptogens, to assist the body in coping with stress has been shown to have the potential to improve cognitive performance and minimize feelings of exhaustion.
A lot of people use dried mushrooms, ashwagandha, or maca root in their adaptogen lattes. Others put in reishi mushrooms. Because these beverages frequently ask for unusual components such as dried mushrooms, which can be difficult to get, it is better to purchase a combination that has already been prepared.
10. Ginseng Tea
This root has been an important component of traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. Possible advantages include increased endurance, concentration, and memory capacity. Researchers are investigating whether or if it can provide protection against a variety of mental health conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and depression.
One of the potential side effects of using Asian ginseng is experiencing difficulty falling or staying asleep. If you have diabetes, you should discuss using it with your physician before doing so because it may cause low blood sugar.
11. Lemon Water
Lemon water is also one of the best brain boosting drinks. If you don’t drink enough water, your brain, along with the rest of your body, won’t be able to work correctly. As your body loses water, your brain’s capacity to function normally will suffer as a direct result. Because water makes up seventy-five percent of your brain, it functions as a natural shock absorber.
If you want your water to have better flavor while still providing you with the advantages of drinking water, try adding a slice of lemon. Lemon contains plant compounds that can help protect your cells from being damaged. In addition to this, the scent of it has been demonstrated to have a positive effect on people’s moods.
Also See: Health Benefits of Lemon Water
12. Hot Chocolate
Flavanols are naturally occurring compounds that have been shown to improve focus, cognition, and memory. Cocoa is a rich source of flavanols. Those who are at an elevated risk of dementia may also benefit from drinking this hearty brew as a protective measure against the worsening of their cognitive abilities.
Your best bet is dark chocolate because it has a higher concentration of flavanols compared to its milk and white siblings. Don’t completely lose your mind, either. Chocolate, despite its irresistible flavor, is not good for you in any way.
Also See: Health Benefits of Hot Chocolate
13. Kefir
Kefir is a fermented drink that is loaded with probiotics just like kombucha is. Fermented milk is used instead of tea, which is the primary difference between the two. There is some evidence that higher levels of good gut flora are associated with improved cognitive performance.
In spite of the fact that kefir may be produced at home, you could discover that purchasing it from a local store is more convenient. You might also choose to consume liquid yogurt, which offers the additional health benefit of containing probiotics.
14. Red Wine
If drinking helps you relax, then have a few drinks. There are several naturally occurring molecules found in red wine, and these compounds assist reduce inflammation and shielding brain cells from damage. Moderate consumption of wine may reduce the likelihood of developing dementia and protect against the formation of blood clots, which can lead to a stroke.
Take caution with the amount of alcohol you consume. Drinking more than one glass of wine every day can aggravate brain abnormalities and increase the chance of dementia in women while drinking more than two glasses can do the same in males. Because of these reasons, red wine is also one of the best brain boosting drinks.
Also See: Health Benefits of Red Wine
15. Green Smoothie
According to research, the cognitive decline that comes with age can be slowed down or even prevented entirely by eating only one portion of leafy greens on a daily basis. Folate and lutein are two nutrients that are essential to brain function, and greens like spinach, kale, and collards are excellent sources of both of these nutrients.
On the other hand, you are still able to reap all of the benefits of eating them even if you do not prepare them in the form of a salad or even serve them on a plate. Blending two ounces of greens with one banana, one cup of berries, and one cup of ice results in a treat that is not only delicious but also nutritious and high in vitamin A and vitamin C.
16. Kombucha
Carbonated fermented drink advocates say it improves hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. Kombucha contains black tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast. Despite claims on the box, scientific data is absent. If not properly made and refrigerated, this sour tea can contain hazardous microorganisms.
It supplies probiotic microorganisms for your digestive tract. The gut-brain axis is a two-way connection between your digestive tract and cerebral cortex. Better gut health may boost cognitive ability. Few research shows that kombucha improves cognitive ability.
17. Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tea
It is also one of the best brain boosting drinks. The name of these enormous mushrooms comes from the fact that their fluffy white undersides resemble the mane of a lion. In spite of the fact that they are frequently utilized in Asian cooking and medication, Americans have a tendency to avoid them.
It’s a shame because they help stave off dementia and protect brain cells from the mild cognitive impairment that occurs before it. The lion’s mane mushroom is a delectable ingredient that may be used in hot drinks.