Best Brain Supplements for Memory, Focus & Health
Looking for the very best brain supplements? Consider this your reading list.
Just as with building and maintaining the function of your muscles, having good brain health isn’t all about brain training and meditation. If you didn’t already know, then you might just be surprised to learn that the health and function of your brain can be affected by what you put in your stomach, too.
The number of people who will develop dementia in the UK is predicted to soar to over 1 million by 2025, and 2 million by 2051. But you needn’t be too befuddled by the numbers as, although some ageing is inevitable, there are things you can do to keep your grey matter in check.
- Why use brain and focus supplements?
- Best brain supplements for memory
- Best brain supplements for focus
- Other brain health supplements
Why Use Brain and Focus Supplements?
Your brain requires nourishment, hydration, and energy to work at its most focussed. Ever had an exam and found you’ve been able to concentrate better than on other occasions? Your diet may well have played a part in that. Certain foods, including fruit and vegetables, have properties that can prevent your brain from damage. Certain brain supplements contain a concentrated dose of these nutrients, which help maintain your brain health and may help with memory and focus.
It’s always important to have a healthy diet, but supplements can fill in the gaps where you fall a little short. What’s more, other foods can actually be detrimental to the health and wellbeing of your brain, like trans-fatty acids, saturated fats and simple carbohydrates like sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (found in soft drinks).
Best Brain Supplements for Memory
Fish Oil & Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil supplements are chock-full of fatty acids called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are two types of omega-3 fatty acids.
Not all fats are “bad”, especially when it comes to the omega-3 in fish oil. One of the ways omega-3s can help with brain health is their anti-inflammatory properties, which protect the brain from the damage and effects of aging.1 Omega-3s are therefore considered a brain supplement as they are linked to improved thinking ability, memory and reaction time.1
If you prefer plant-based, you can also get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids via Vegan Omegas.
Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a fat compound, also known as a phospholipid, which is located in the brain. Phosphatidylserine supplementation has been shown to support brain health and mood when taken in 300 mg doses three times a day.2 It serves the brain health by reducing age-related damage. Doses of 900 mg a day have been found to improve cognitive skills and memory; making it one of the best supplements for memory and brain health.2
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
Best Brain Supplements for Focus
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo Biloba is a brain supplement that’s derived from a natural source: the Ginkgo Biloba tree. It’s known as a brain-booster because of its ability to increase blood flow to the brain, which can help with focus as well as memory.4
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural stimulant that you probably already know pretty well from your morning brew, but it comes in supplement form for a sharp boost in focus. It stimulates the brain and central nervous system, giving the pep and alertness that’s associated with coffee-drinking.
Other Brain Health Supplements
Creatine
Creatine is known for its energy-giving potency, helping you to achieve more reps and to dig deeper for bursts of explosive power when you need it. It occurs naturally in the body, playing a part in the metabolism of energy, but it’s also found in small amounts in the brain. Creatine is therefore heralded as an important supplement for anyone who doesn’t eat meat, fish and eggs, as it has the potential to keep cognitive processes and memory sharp.5
Get more info on creatine here...
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Claire is a Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a board-certified Health and Wellness Coach through the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh.
Talking and writing about food and fitness is at the heart of Claire’s ethos as she loves to use her experience to help others meet their health and wellness goals.
Claire is also a certified indoor cycling instructor and loves the mental and physical boost she gets from regular runs and yoga classes. When she’s not keeping fit herself, she’s cheering on her hometown’s sports teams in Pittsburgh, or cooking for her family in the kitchen.
Find out more about Claire’s experience here.
