Have you heard about nootropics or smart drugs? They are everywhere, in the online world, and at supplement stores. But worry no more if you don’t know anything about nootropics because soon you are going to know everything about them.

Nowadays, enter any supplement store, you are likely to find a range of nootropics or smart drugs overloading the shelves there. Yes, nootropics promise to fire up your brain cells. So don’t worry if you have not seen any nootropic ads till now, because soon you are going to be bombarded with them. According to a recent report, people around the world spent $1.3 billion on nootropics in 2017, and the number is going to multiply to nearly $6 billion in 2024.

But What Are Nootropics?

Well, a nootropic is a term commonly referred to as ‘smart drugs.’ These are supposed to improve brainpower. But there are more than 80 different substances that can fall under this wide-range category. Nootropics are widely diverse with some occurring naturally and some that are human-made. Similarly, some are effective while others are not; these include Adderall, psychedelics, and even coffee.

Nootropics is a parent node for a class of chemicals that give cognitive benefits to the human brain. However, to understand this in a more technical term, then here are some criteria set by -Dr. Corneliu E. Giurgea, a name who invented this term. So according to him, nootropics should be:

  • Able to enhance memory and brain’s ability to learn
  • Ready to help the brain to function normally under disruptive conditions
  • Help the brain from chemicals and physical stabbings.

Are Nootropics Effective?

Just imagine a pill you can take to boost up your brainpower, and memory to make you more productive. Well, it sounds ultimate life hack, but you are not alone, a lot of people think the same. These effective pills promise to help you speed up though processes. But surely choosing one as a supplement gives a muddy picture, but no doubt, there are few nootropics do work. Yes, some are short-acting chemicals while others are for long-term, but they all intend to boost in focus and attention for a few hours. There are few nootropics like Adderall and Modafinil, but it is not recommended to use it without a prescription.

Some currently known Nootropics

Here is a list of some best nootropics that you can have to boost focus, memory, and cognitive abilities. These are:

  • Caffeine
  • L-Theanine
  • Creatine
  • Bacopa Monnieri
  • Panax Ginseng
  • Ginkgo Biloba
  • Noopept
  • Nicotine
  • Piracetam
  • Modafinil (Provigil)
  • Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Are Nootropics Safe?

Well, whatever chemical you use, be it from a plant or made in a laboratory, anything that works to change brain chemistry can be a lot dangerous. It can outright psychosis and cause insomnia that comes with it.

Health Benefits of Nootropics

Many effective nootropics can help you improve your brain. Here are some health benefits of using nootropics:

  • Modafinil can help reducing drowsiness and enhances brain functioning.
  • Nootropics can promote new brain cells growth.
  • It improves motor function and clear-thinking capability of the brain.