What Are Nootropics?
Your Ultimate Guide To Nootropics
By: Greg Gostincar I Last updated: July, 2019
Nootropic Meaning
Before you decide to buy nootropics, you should understand what nootropics are.
Nootropics are substances, supplements, and other cognitive enhancers that improve our memory, focus, creativity, or motivation. [1]
Also, nootropics can improve our sleep, make us more relaxed, and make our brain healthier and perform better in the long-term.
They are cognitive enhancers that individuals use to improve their overall cognitive performance. [2]
And that's how you define nootropics.
The word nootropic was first used in 1972 by a Romanian psychologist and chemist, Corneliu E. Giurgea. [3]
The word nootropic comes from Greek words νοῦς (nous), or “mind,” and τρέπειν (trepein), meaning to bend or turn.
Nootropics are growing in its popularity since 2015, and the market of nootropics will triple from 2018 to 2022 based on the recent data.
Nootropic Definition
By the original nootropic definition, a true nootropic must:
- Enhance our memory and ability to learn
- Protect the brain from chemical and physical assaults & toxins
- Help the brain function in all conditions (also in very stressful situations)
- Nootropics should leave no adverse side effects and should be non-toxic for humans
- Increase our cognitive processes
In reality, many vitamins, minerals, fish oil, and other compounds are considered nootropics.
The main reason for that lies in the fact that pure nootropics are often combined with the mentioned supplements to provide multiple effects.
Besides, most people confuse smart drugs (such as Modafinil and Adderall) for nootropics. We make a clear difference between the two terms and will continue educating people that smart drugs have nothing to do with nootropics.
Nootropics Pronunciation
When you talk about nootropics, you often hear two pronunciations of nootropics.
The first (which is the official one) is:
no·o·tro·pic | \ ˌnō-ə-ˈtrō-pik
However, based on my experience, the majority of people (yes, including me) pronounce nootropics as nutropic or "newtropic."
Why the difference?
Well, most people find it more natural. It's not that important what the official nootropic pronunciation is as long as you know what nootropics really are.
So stick with the pronunciation that you prefer. And don't worry about it too much.
What Nootropics Aren't?
Magical pills that can increase your IQ (at least not yet)
Alternatives to healthy eating habits
Candies that you “can” eat anytime you want
As you can see, it is not effortless to answer the question of “what are nootropics,” and that's why many people still don't understand nootropics.
Well, so much about the nootropic definition.
If you are searching for the best nootropics and nootropic stacks, you came to the right place.
With our huge database and the most honest reviews, we are convinced you'll find what you search.
Now is your time to find the best nootropics on the market and improve your cognitive performance.