This greatly expanded and revised edition contains more than 1,000 entries, covering everything from common everyday foods to the latest in genetic research—and beyond. Each substance’s properties are objectively described based on the latest scientific evidence. Included are substances that not only claim to improve thinking and other brain functions, but those that are thought to help prevent brain damage and degeneration, prevent aging and extend the human lifespan, enhance social skills and moral behavior, induce altered states of consciousness, and improve mood, stamina, and energy.

David W. Group is a writer and researcher living in Buffalo, New York.

David W. Group

Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 408
Bibliographic Info: bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2015
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4142-6
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1915-6
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments  v

Preface  1

1. Foods  7

2. Herbs and Spices  45

3. Vitamins, Minerals, and Related Nutrients  85

4. Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins  122

5. Lipids  151

6. Nucleic Acids  163

7. Miscellaneous Nutrients  165

8. Hormones and Neurotransmitters  174

9. Essential Oils  192

10. Entheogens  202

11. Medical Drugs  269

12. Nootropics  293

13. Neurobiology and Neurochemistry  334herb

14. Other  350

Bibliography  367

Index  371

• “An excellent resource…useful…fascinating reading…recommended”—ARBA
• “If the first edition is used as a reference book, I would strongly suggest purchasing the updated version…significantly expanded…recommended”—Reference Reviews
• “I predict that if you pick up this book, you’ll find it difficult to put down and be amazed at how may substance your are eating, drinking or otherwise ingesting that are considered mind enhancing.”—Mensa
• “This source can help sort beneficial foods or supplements from those that may be not only ineffective but dangerous, even lethal, when misused”—Booklist
• “Recommended…accessible”—Public Library Quarterly