Over time, your body changes, and along with that, so does your brain. Stress, poor diet, bad lifestyle choices, and exposure to adverse conditions all affect the way the brain works. Poor cognitive performance may be apparent at first, but you may have realized that there is a marked difference in the speed at which you recall information, learn new concepts, or process information. Your brain begins to retain lesser than before, forget sooner, and manifest weaker abilities to grasp details. Age and genetics also affect these processes, but mostly, these functions are influenced by a lack of nutrition and stimulation. If you want your brain to do better, you have to actively change a few things.
Table of Contents
- Change the way you eat: Like every other organ, brain health and overall cognitive function are influenced by nutrition. The brain runs on chemicals – neurotransmitters, which are manufactured in the body. Eating foods high in the building blocks for neurotransmitter production will significantly enhance your brain health.
- Stress: Extended exposure to stress affects all aspects of brain health as the brain is put under a lot of pressure to perform. Stress also affects sleep, which further tires the brain. If stress cannot be avoided, it is vital that you actively take steps to deal with it – consuming adaptogens, meditation, decompression exercises, or anything that would help take the edge off.
- Exercise: A lazy brain is as good as dead. Like the muscle, the more the brain works, the better it gets at work. Spending hours in front of a screen does not help at all. You need to push the brain into doing things that seem as difficult as first – puzzles, learning a new skill, picking up a musical instrument, or even figuring out a Rubik’s cube would help the brain to learn, adapt, problem-solve, and process information better.
- Health: You may not have a lot of control here, but general health also affects mental abilities and brain performance. Keeping the body healthy would ensure that the brain stays healthy too.
Let’s say that you are pressed for time or that you do not have the luxury of cooking brain-healthy meals or meditating. But long-term brain health is still a concern. You could try a nootropic supplement. Natural brain supplements, a.k.a., nootropics are formulated to include all components that support cognitive function and brain performance. However, not all supplements are made alike and, unfortunately, there are quite a few brands that don’t work as well. Picking up any random brain health supplement is not wise. To help you, here is a comprehensive comparison of three popular brain pills – Neuriva, Neuriva Plus, and NooCube. We did the work so that you don’t need to. Let’s take a closer look at each to see if they are really worth investing in.
Neuriva, Neuriva Plus & NooCube: Naturally Boosting Brain Function
Neuriva Brain Health and Neuriva Brain Health Plus are both contributions from Schiff Vitamins. The brand is an established supplement giant with several dietary supplements in the market. Schiff Vitamins has products for immune support, digestive health, joint upkeep, general health, and nootropics. Both brain supplements are GMO-free, vegetarian, gluten-free, and decaffeinated.
Neuriva Original
Neuriva Brain Health uses two core ingredients that claim to benefit 5 indicators of brain function and health, namely focus, memory, learning, accuracy, and concentration. The ingredients involved have been clinically tested and found to be effective. Neuriva is designed to help you better focus on the task at hand by helping the brain filter out distractions. It also claims to enhance reaction times, and information processing speed and absorb and retain information quicker than usual.
How to use Neuriva Original?
Take one capsule once a day. It is important to seek advice from a medical professional before taking this product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, currently on medication, or have a known medical condition.
Neuriva Plus
Neuriva Brain Health Plus offers a little extra. Instead of influencing 5 indicators, Neuriva Plus influences six indicators; an addition of reasoning. The formula used here is also slightly different – there are three extra components and an increase in dosage of another. Neuriva Plus claims that reasoning takes a lot more effort from the brain which calls for extra support. However, we are less than convinced.
How to use Neuriva Plus?
Take one capsule once a day. However, consult a physician before taking if pregnant, breastfeeding, on medication, or with a known medical condition.
Both Schiff Vitamins nootropic supplements offer a holistic approach to improving brain performance. In addition to the clinically proven ingredients the brand also offers the Neuriva Brain Gym app that promotes brain fitness. Both supplements claim to increase – BDNF, a brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which influences brain health, function, and performance.
NooCube Brain Productivity
NooCube Brain Productivity is a natural supplement that was formulated and launched to remove the use of harmful substances like caffeine and Adderall from the nootropic scene. Like Neuriva and Neuriva Plus, NooCube is also designed to increase BDNF which is known to be the protective layer around brain cells and also the neurotrophin responsible for several cognitive functions like learning, reasoning, concentration, and even eye-sight. NooCube claims that the stresses of everyday life have a degenerative effect on BDNF and NooCube is determined to reverse or correct this degeneration.
Using several clinically proven components, NooCube claims to promote antioxidation, increase neurotransmitter production, facilitate nutrition, and enhance brain function to boost mental clarity and mental performance. Apart from stress, NooCube also factors in age, another factor that influences cognitive performance, and states that the supplements should be used by those over the age of 50 so as to arrest cognitive decline.
How to use Noocube?
Take two pills a day. And it has been advisable to do so in the morning for best results.
Hit the Order Now button on the Noocube official website and score an extra one bottle on the house!
What Beneficial Effects Do These Dietary Supplements Promise?
Almost all nootropic brands aim to set their products apart and this is often done by making grand promises of efficacy and benefits that appear overnight. But in actuality, natural supplements do not work immediately or even overnight. Nature has a cumulative effect on the body and results manifest when the body begins to heal, recuperate, and regenerate. This takes time and any pill or potion that claims to be a miracle cure either has drugs or controlled substances in them or is just plain lying to you. Therefore, whenever you look for natural supplements, take a closer look at the supplement label – which we will be doing, too in a bit.
The benefits, as mentioned by the three nootropic pills discussed here, are as follows.
| Schiff Vitamin Neuriva Brain Health | Schiff Vitamin Neuriva Brain Health Plus | NooCube Brain Productivity |
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Key Ingredients in Each Nootropic Formula
Neuriva, Neuriva Plus, and NooCube all claim to up BDNF levels. However, they all have adopted different ways of doing so. Yes, many natural components can have similar effects on the body but not all of them are safe, play nice with other components, and still prove beneficial to mental health. Therefore, the trick is to develop a formula that uses potent but safe ingredients and to find a formula that is fast-acting. Let’s see which of these pills have done the best job.
The Neuriva Brain Health Original; Formula
Coffee Fruit Extract, 100mg
Up until the 1990s, coffee fruit was turned into compost and then used as fertilizer. However, research has shown that the coffee cherry can help protect the brain from degenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or Parkinson’s. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, they can protect the brain by increasing BDNF – brain-derived neurotrophic factor, which boosts brain function, too. It is also a powerful antioxidant and can even lower blood pressure.
Phosphatidylserine, 100mg
This phospholipid is a fatty substance that protects the nerve cells and improves communication between them. Synthesized from cabbage or soy, phosphatidylserine can be used by the brain to repair or produce new brain cell membranes. The greater the levels of the compound, the better the communication between the cells, which results in increased thought-processing speed, better focus and concentration, sharper memory, and also a slower decline of cognitive functions.
The Neuriva Brain Health Plus; Formula
The Neuriva Plus formula includes the following three extra inclusions and it also ups the dosage of the coffee cherry extract to 200mg.
Vitamin B6, 1.7mg
All B vitamins have a role to play in energy metabolism and the proper breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbs in the food you eat. Each B vitamin though has a number of additional responsibilities. Although research is ongoing, B6 is believed to promote brain function and curb the onset of neurological diseases. Responsible for keeping the immune and nervous systems healthy, B6 reduces homocysteine levels, which promotes optimum cognitive function and mental performance.
Vitamin B12, 2.4mcg
Responsible for the production of red blood cells, brain and nervous system maintenance, and digestion, B12 is instrumental in keeping the body healthy and keeping cognitive and nerve issues at bay. B12 is needed for the manufacture of neurotransmitters, particularly those responsible for mood, motivation, and brain cell communication.
Vitamin B9 or Folate 680mcg
Folate is crucial during the developmental years for DNA synthesis and neurogenesis. However, in adults, folate has restorative benefits. It is proven that supplementation of B9 can reduce brain fog, alleviate anxiety, and check irritability. B9 facilitates neural regeneration, which, in turn, improves communication between cells—this directly influences cognitive abilities.
The NooCube Brain Productivity; Formula
Lutemax® 2020
This is a supplement in itself and is derived from marigold and is a blend of 3 macular carotenoids. These carotenoids influence eye health, and vision and also have a role to play in information processing, memory, active listening, comprehension, and visual acuity. Lutemax® has undergone independent clinical trials and has also won the award for the best functional ingredient.
Bacopa Monnieri 250mg
This adaptogenic herb from India is known to improve information processing and helps the body and mind to better respond to stress. The herb is also believed to influence spatial learning, information retention, and quick reaction time. The herb is still an integral part of Ayurveda – an alternate medicinal system in India.
Panax Ginseng 20mg
A key character in Chinese medicine, ginseng is an adaptogen, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and rich in brain-healthy nutrients. The herb is usually steeped as tea and consumed and is used to calm the nerves, alleviate feelings of distress and anxiety and even lift brain fog.
Pterostilbene 140mcg & Resveratrol 14.3mg
Both these compounds are derived from grapes and are often found together in many natural supplements. These work together to reduce and correct damage to the brain cells from free radicals and also to reduce inflammation. Greatly bioavailable, pterostilbene and resveratrol also boost memory function and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
L-Theanine 100mg & L-Tyrosine 250mg
L-theanine is an amino acid that is usually found in tea which would explain why a cup of tea is usually the answer to most problems. Theanine acts as an adaptogen and helps to calm the mind and improve mood. It also allows you to better respond, think faster and react quicker in times of stress.
L-tyrosine is another amino acid and this works as one would expect coffee to. The acid allows the body to tone stress down and improve concentration on the task at hand. Tyrosine is also required for the manufacture of the neurotransmitter; dopamine.
Choline from VitaCholine® 250mg
The brain uses choline for the production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This brain chemical can improve focus, enhance mood, heighten motivation, and even boost memory. VitaCholine® is a superior form of the mineral that allows for better absorption in the digestive tract.
Cat’s Claw Concentrated
Brought to you from South America, Cat’s Claw has been traditionally used to reduce brain fog, physical fatigue, anxiety, lethargy, and lack of motivation. Studies have proven that the herb can effectively reduce the building of ‘brain plaque’, similar to that which appears on teeth, which affects memory and recall function.
B Vitamins B1, B7 & B12, 1.1mg, 50mcg and 2.4mcg, respectively
We already know what B12 does.
- Vitamin B1 is required for the production of neurons and neurotransmitters. It is also responsible for the production and use of mental energy.
- Vitamin B7 or biotin is best known for its benefits towards hair but it has nootropic effects too. Biotin helps the brain to function by improving blood circulation to the brain ensuring that there is a steady supply of nutrients.
Although the supplements here only feature natural ingredients, there is always a chance of allergies or drug interactions. In fact, the Schiff Vitamin products come with a warning that they are not to be used if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you suffer from any pre-existing medical condition for which you are being medicated. There is no such warning for NooCube, however, it would not hurt to speak to your physician before you start the use of the supplement.
Where to Buy, Cost & Deals
If you wish to start to improve brain health immediately, you can get these nootropics pills directly from their respective official website. This would ensure the quality of the product and you would also be able to take advantage of any discounts or offers that the brands would offer you.
Buy Neuriva Original or Neuriva Plus
Neuriva can be bought from many online merchant sites or your local drugstores.
- A single bottle of Neuriva Brain Health would cost you approximately $27.69 while Neuriva Brain Health Plus would cost $39.92. Both costs are for a 30-count bottle. Shipping and refund policies would depend on your avenue of purchase.
Buy Noocube
NooCube’s Brain Productivity can only be bought from the Official Noocube Website.
- A one-month supply would cost you $64.99.
You save more when you opt for bulk orders, that is,
- When you buy 2 bottles at once for $129.99, you get a third bottle free
- And when you buy 3 bottles at once for $194.99, you get 2 bottles free.
The bulk orders also give you access to NooCube’s Brain guides and newsletters. Fast and free shipping is available on all purchases. On the off-chance that you are not satisfied with the performance of the pill, NooCube furnishes a 60-day money-back guarantee. All you would have to do is get in touch with customer service and your refund would be processed.
Are These the Best Brain Supplements?
The human brain is complicated and while a lot of it is still a mystery, there are a few things we know. There is clear clinical evidence that the brain is constantly working which can cause wear and tear, oxidation, and damage to nerve cells. While the brain and body can correct these issues, the brain would need access to certain nutrients that would facilitate the production of new brain cells, correct mild cognitive impairment, and even improve mental health. While diet and healthy living are sufficient, the use of nootropic supplements may come in handy.
Neuriva and Neuriva Plus are disappointments and this is being kind. With so many similar products available nowadays, we understand the need to appear different and unique but that should not be done at the cost of efficacy and user discomfort. Here is a quick rundown of what the Schiff Vitamin supplements got wrong and what NooCube is doing right.
The only difference between the Original Neuriva and Neuriva Plus formula is the addition of B vitamins. Yes, these vitamins are important and central to several key body systems, but they do not have as great an impact as one would expect and that too at such low concentrations. Moreover, a healthy balanced diet can also supply these essential vitamins and do not warrant an almost $12 hike in cost between the two products. NooCube also adds B1, B7, and B12 but does so in higher amounts knowing that a stronger presence is needed to have an impact.
With so many clinically proven natural ingredients available today, it is a wonder why the two Neurivas stuck to just two; one of which is caffeine. Decaffeinated or otherwise, more and more customers are trying to move away from caffeine. Caffeine can only give you a temporary burst of energy, both physical and mental, but that eventually dies out leaving you feeling disoriented and fatigued. Caffeine is not a long-term brain health solution. NooCube avoids the caffeine trip altogether. Instead, it includes the use of antioxidants, amino acids and nutrients that would help the brain heal and, in turn, be able to aid the brain to function better. This makes NooCube a better brain supplement.
The brain fitness routine is probably the unique and supportive factor of the Schiff Vitamin products. But that only does so much.
To give you a clearer picture of the difference between the three supplements. Here is a side-by-side comparison of them all.
| Schiff Vitamins Neuriva Brain Health | Schiff Vitamins Neuriva Brain Health Plus | NooCube Brain Productivity | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Designed to support five indicators of brain health. | Designed to support six indicators of brain health. | Formulated to promote focus, memory, learning, and information processing. Also, delays age-related cognitive decline. |
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| Ingredients Count | 2 | 5 | 12 |
| Dosage | One capsule daily. | One capsule daily. | Two pills a day. |
| Audience | Adults over the age of 18. | Adults over the age of 18. | Adults over the age of 18 but emphasis on adults over 50. |
| Price | The cost varies depending on where you get it, but it usually begins at $27.99. | It depends on the source, but prices start at $39.99. | $64.99. |
| Refund Policy | Depends on source. | Depends on source. | 60-day money-back guarantee. |
Summary & Verdict
Age, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle habits will affect the brain. Research suggests that even though degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease cannot be stopped, the onset of such conditions can be delayed by ensuring that the brain is supplied with nutrients, free from oxidative stress and inflammation, and is stimulated. The adoption of a brain supplement could also help.
We compared Neuriva, Neuriva Plus, and NooCube to see which of the three is the better dietary supplement. NooCube was found to be a clear winner. With a formula that is potent yet safe, packed with clinically tested natural ingredients and effective doses, NooCube has the potential to change the way you think, function, and reason. The brain pill bolsters the physical health of the brain, which further improves cognitive and mental clarity. NooCube is definitely worth the buy. Tap to Purchase & get an Extra One for Free!