The following Mark's Daily Apple article was written by Mark Sisson

and is narrated by Tina Lehman.

Nootropics, brain enhancers, smart drugs, or empty hype.

Hang around on nootropic forums where fans and users congregate,

and you'll come away with the notion that you're missing out on a leg up

if you're not taking the latest and greatest nootropic supplement.

Nootropics promise vague benefits to cognition and performance. But what's really happening? Do nootropics

actually work as advertised? Some of them do, absolutely, but others maybe not so much.

Today's post will deal solely with compounds, foods, and supplements available over-the-counter

in most countries. Other supplements may have promise, like modafinil and microdosed psychedelics,

but are unavailable through standard legal means.

Plus, the potential benefits may come with some dramatic side effects, so I won't discuss those.

Not today, at least.

Instead, I'll talk about some of the more commonly referred to ways you may or may not be

able to boost your brain power, some of which are clearly primal approved.

Bacopa Monieri

For thousands of years, Iravita healers have been prescribing Bacopa for improved mental

and health cognition.

The modern evidence suggests they were onto something.

Whether you're a senior citizen suffering from memory impairment,

an older person who's otherwise healthy, or even a young adult, with no complaints,

Bacopa Monieri can increase your focus and working memory.

...