Why Bacopa Monnieri Is One of the Smartest Brain Enhancing Nutrients to Naturally Push Your Limits
'I wasn't high. I wasn't wired. Just clear. I knew what I needed to do and how to do it.....'
So said 'Eddie Morra' in the film Limitless, having just taken the fictional NZT-48 pill – a neuro-enhancer that gave him the mind power to un-lock the algorithm of the stock market and learn to play the piano like Mozart in the space of 24 hours. We know the real world doesn't work quite as smoothly, but natural 'cognitive nutrients' ('Nootropics') such as Bacopa Monnieri are a research supported way to safely optimise memory, creativity and motivation in healthy individuals looking for a mental edge.
A growing number of students, gamers, financial traders, entrepreneurs, business leaders and everyday people are waking-up to their benefits. In Silicon Valley, considered the home of 'biohacking', Bacopa Monnieri is well recognised as a proven daily nootropic for high performers – but in truth it's been used for thousands of years as a 'Memory and Intellect' enhancer.
The World is Waking-Up to the Benefits of Nootropics like Bacopa Monnieri
The number of people using Nootropics is expected to grow by 17.9% from 2016 to 2024, as more research provides evidence that natural nutrients such as Bacopa Monieri have safe neuro-enhancing effects. Research in 2016 found that at least 15% of students at Oxford University took natural or synthetic “smart drugs” in an attempt to hack their minds and enhance studying, memory and exam performance – something mimicked at other universities across the UK and US, where the figures reported are often over 20%. Given the potential side-effects of synthetic drugs, an increasing number of people are opting for natural nootropic supplements such as Bacopa Monieri, which studies are increasingly highlighting as being safe and effective.
What Is Bacopa Monnieri & How Can It Help Hack Your Mind
“The researchers highlighted that Bacopa has the capacity to reduce distraction and improve working memory...”
Bacopa Monnieri is a herb that has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurveda traditional medicine, where it's prescribed for conditions of mental stress, memory and depression. It's known as a 'Medhya Rasayana' herb – those known for their effects on 'Memory and Intellect'.
This aligns with the findings of modern science, which suggest that the nutrient positively affects dopamine and serotonin levels in neurons. Clinical studies suggest that the benefits include enhanced short-term memory, less cognitive stress, reduced anxiety and less depression. Scientists also suggest that the herb has antioxidant activity that may protect key processing areas of the brain, such as the striatum, hippocampus, and frontal cortex – while supporting neurotransmission and healthy synaptic functions.
Indeed, some research with epileptic patients suggests that the nutrient influences GABA receptors, which are key to healthy brain function. The herb is also being looked at by researchers into Alzheimer’s.
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT:
In 2016, the Journal of Evidence Based Complimentary Alternative Medicine published impressive results from a study that analysed the impact of six weeks of Bacopa Monnieri on the cognitive performance of medical students. Supplementation with the herb was found to enhance the capacity to recall numbers from memory and improve fact recollection from a logical memory test. The researchers highlighted that Bacopa has the capacity to reduce distraction and improve working memory.
As more research about Bacopa emerges, it's likely to confirm the herb as one of the most effective cognitive enhancers available.
Stacking Bacopa Monnieri with other Natural Nootropics & Cognitive Nutrients
Biohackers have been using natural nutrients to enhance their brain function and mood for decades but it required a lot of self-experimentation to find what works, what's safe and what dosages are just right to flip the switch in our minds. Fast-forward to today, and science has revealed the answers – meaning you can safely combine a nutrient like Bacopa Monnieri with a host of other nootropics and natural compounds and get remarkable benefits – notably Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, Blueberry extract, Sage and Rhodiola Rosea.
This is exactly what you'll find in Neubria Edge Focus Supplements and the nutrients have been research-blended to have synergistic effects, with Ashwagandha combating stress and improving concentration, Ginkgo enhancing blood-brain circulation and cognition, Blueberry and Sage boosting focus and Rhodiola Rosea helping the brain adapt to mental strain.
Of course, it's also possible to turn your kitchen into a science lab and create smoothies and natural boosters – such as increased energy with Beetroot juice or Ginger and Turmeric shots. However, on a daily basis, and for concentrated focus and mental-edge, the benefits of a concentrated supplement make sense.
Smart Nutrients – A Potential Winning Edge....
Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, trader, freelancer, looking for a 9-5 promotion or just want to give the world your best version every day – the edge is the key. Smart nutrients such as Bacopa are a simple way to give your mind a helping hand and elicit research proven benefits. And by using a daily supplement, it's also (crucially) stress free.
However, if you're looking for a way to boost the impact of Medhya Rasayana herbs like Bacopa Monnieri, then you may want to consider combining it with yoga moves and yogic breathing – studies have found that their combination has positive memory effects when performed consistently. Using Bacopa as part of an all-round positive lifestyle will add an edge to your game, both acutely and when used over the long-term.
References
Navneet, K., et al. 2016. Efficacy of Standardized Extract of Bacopa monnieri (Bacognize®) on Cognitive Functions of Medical Students: A Six-Week, Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. Published: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2016; 2016: 4103423.
Kaustubh, S., et al. 2017. Neurocognitive Effect of Nootropic Drug Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) in Alzheimer's Disease. Published: Ann Neurosci.
Konfkeaw, C., et al. 2014. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on cognitive effects of Bacopa monnieri extract. Published: Journal Ethnopharmacol
Shankar, A., and Rao, M. 2013. Effects of Medhya Rasayana and Yogic practices in improvement of short-term memory among school-going children. Published: Journal Ayu.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-nootropics-market-report-to-grow-at-a-cagr-of-179-by-2024-market-size-