Zinc, Cocoa, Citicoline, Pine Bark Extract, and N-Acetyl Cysteine.

An experience of being mindful entails letting go of internal resistance and fear, as well as being introspectively self-aware and in control of one’s actions.

Nootropics are substances that, if used properly and safely, enhance the cognitive functions of the user.

Out of the 178 human placebo-controlled studies with 7619 experimental group participants on 77 cognitive enhancers we’ve reviewed for our web app, 10 had a significant improvement in mindfulness in 20 human placebo-controlled studies with a total of 672 experimental group participants.

The cognitive enhancers with the most scientific evidence backing their efficacy and safety for mindfulness are:

1. Zinc

We have reviewed six human placebo-controlled studies on zinc, in which 277 participants received it.

Zinc is a mineral with the potential to improve:

  • Mood
  • Mindfulness
  • Sociality
  • Attention

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None

Usage Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Form of consumption: Capsules, Gluconate (our dosages regard this form), Citrate, Oxide, Glycinate

Time of day: User’s choice

Amount: Light = 5 mg; Common = 10 mg; Strong = 20 mg

A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.

2. Cocoa

We have reviewed three human placebo-controlled studies on cocoa, in which 114 participants received the nootropic.

Cocoa beans or extracts have the potential to improve:

  • Attention
  • Energy
  • Problem-solving
  • Mood
  • Mindfulness

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None

Usage Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Form of consumption: Powder (our dosages regard this), dark chocolate, capsules, polyphenol extract, flavanol extract

Time of day: User’s choice

Amount: Light = 5000 mg; Common = 15000 mg; Strong = 50000 mg

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 15 minutes, lasts for six hours, and is normally followed by four hours of after-effects.

3. Citicoline

We have reviewed eight human placebo-controlled studies on citicoline, in which 493 participants received it.

Citicoline is a choline source with the potential to improve:

  • Short-term memory
  • Learning
  • Mindfulness
  • Problem-solving
  • Attention
  • Energy
  • Long-term memory
  • Neuroprotection

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None

Usage Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Form of consumption: Citicoline (a.k.a. CDP-choline) capsules or powder

Time of day: Before noon

Amount: Light = 50 mg; Common = 100mg; Strong = 300 mg

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 30 to 60 minutes, lasts for 12 hours, and is normally followed by 6 hours of after-effects.

4. Pine Bark Extract

We have reviewed five human placebo-controlled studies on pine bark extract, in which 202 participants received it.

Pine bark extract, commonly used in a patented form known as pycnogenol, has the potential to improve:

  • Mindfulness
  • Attention
  • Problem-solving
  • Neuroprotection
  • Short-term memory
  • Mood
  • Long-term memory

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: None

Usage Frequency: Daily

Form of consumption: Pine bark extract (our dosages regard this powder), pycnogenol

Time of day: User’s choice

Amount: Light = 100 mg; Common = 300 mg; Strong = 500 mg

A pronounced effect usually comes on after several days, lasts for several days, and is normally followed by several days of after-effects.

5. N-Acetyl Cysteine

We have reviewed eight human placebo-controlled studies on NAC, in which 278 participants received it.

N-Acetyl Cysteine is an anti-oxidant with potential to improve:

  • Mindfulness
  • Sleep
  • Mood
  • Anxiety
  • Neuroprotection
  • Long-term memory

Significantly more frequent side effects than in the placebo groups of the studies: Headache and gastrointestinal symptoms

Usage Frequency: Daily, or as-needed

Form of consumption: N-Acetyl Cysteine, Capsules, Powder

Time of day: User’s choice

Amount: Light = 500 mg; Common = 1000 mg; Strong = 2000 mg

A pronounced effect usually comes on after 30 to 60 minutes, lasts for 12 hours, and is normally followed by six hours of after-effects.

 

References

This post was originally published at nootralize.com. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.