There is an abundance of foods and supplements designed to improve mental clarity, whether by increasing focus or simply aiding with mental health.
The problem is, these are often oversold, adorned with fancy branding and surrounded by claims that are simply not true. Some supplements would have you believe that they can turn you into Einstein after a single dose, others make promises regarding injuries, when in actual fact nothing but a team of brain injury lawyers and specialist doctors will help you if you have suffered trauma.
But if you lower the bar and focus on less-commonly used herbs, you can discover a wealth of potent, healthy, helpful substances.
Tea
Tea comes in many forms, the most common of which is black and green. These come from the same plant, are loaded with antioxidants and also contain a dose of caffeine. They are healthy, but there are healthier teas out there.
There is something known as sideritis tea, for instance, that has shown a lot of promise in the field of memory research and is currently being used to combat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s. You can also benefit from regular consumption of Pu-erh tea, dandelion tea and nettle tea. There is a world of herbal teas to explore and many are incredibly good for you.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is commonly used in bodybuilding supplements to give people an energy boost. It is potentially one of the safest and most effective energy supplements that the industry uses, as it has been linked with a host of benefits, including improved cognitive function and cardiovascular health.
It is a naturally occurring amino acid, so the body already produces it, but the studies that have been conducted on it have used much higher concentrations. Animal studies have also shown it to be effective at slowing down degeneration due to age, suggesting that it could be used to counter the deteriorating effects of ageing, as well as a number of neurological diseases.
Turmeric
This common spice is a potent superfood that is finally being recognised for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects. Turmeric is great for the body and the mind, and it’s also cheap and easy to consume.
Stop buying turmeric supplements and extracts and start using it in its natural form. Just buy the root, clean it, chop it, and brew it into a nice cup of turmeric tea. You can also try to cook with it more, adding it to curries, sauces, and pretty much anything else that can tolerate it.
Turmeric is earthy and rich, but it works really well when used as an ingredient in this manner. If recent research is to be believed, it could be one of the healthiest foods on the planet.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol occurs naturally in the skin and stems of red grapes. It is an antioxidant and in recent years it has been linked with a host of health benefits, the most headline-grabbing of which is its potential to increase the lifespan of rodents. It may also help to slow down the degeneration of the hippocampus which is associated with memory, and generally improve the health and longevity of anyone who uses it.