Nootropic – Brain Wiz https://brainwiz.org Level-up your mind! Fri, 24 Mar 2017 19:32:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 When Are the Best Times to Take Rhodiola Rosea? https://brainwiz.org/brain-hacks/best-times-take-rhodiola-rosea/ https://brainwiz.org/brain-hacks/best-times-take-rhodiola-rosea/#comments Thu, 12 May 2016 20:31:59 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1558 Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, is a long-time BrainWiz favorite. Some rely on it to help fight jet-lag, while others take it on a daily basis. It is considered to be one of the most active adaptogenic drugs, and it shows up in quite a few nootropic stacks. One question we’ve been getting a lot, […]

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Rhodiola Rosea, an adaptogenic herb, is a long-time BrainWiz favorite. Some rely on it to help fight jet-lag, while others take it on a daily basis. It is considered to be one of the most active adaptogenic drugs, and it shows up in quite a few nootropic stacks.

Life Extension Rhodiola RoseaOne question we’ve been getting a lot, especially since  our Side Effects of Rhodiola article went live, is what is the best time to take Rhodiola.

As an adaptogen, Rhodiola can help reduce the effects of stress, and potentially protect against long-term stress. Its effects on stress have been observed as quickly as the first time Rhodiola is administered, and continued use may increase resistance to stress, with few adverse effects on other normal biological functions (though it may have a stimulating effect for some people; see below).

Just because Rhodiola helps you fight  the effects of stress doesn’t mean that it relaxes you. In fact, studies suggest that rhodiola can fight both physical and mental fatigue, and can act as a stimulant.

The easiest way to determine the best time to use Rhodiola is to take into consideration your sensitivity to stimulants, what other stimulants you may be taking in addition, and whether or not you have difficulty falling asleep at night.

What works best for me is 250 mg of Rhodiola in the morning, along with a cup of Bulletproot/fat-infused coffee. If I anticipate a high-stress day, I will follow it up with another 250 mg of Rhodiola with lunch. Note that Rhodiola doesn’t necessarily become more effective with a higher dose, and dosages above 600 mg haven’t been shown to be clinically effective (and may actually be less effective).

Rhodiola by SolarayI have a high tolerance for stimulants, but I also have a hard time falling asleep at night. For me, taking Rhodiola after lunch is a big no-no, but feel free to experiment with what works best for you.

Some folks here at BrainWiz take up to 600 mg of Rhodiola at a time, and stack it with caffeine or other caffeine-containing supplements. I have stacked it with both Lumonol and Alpha BRAIN with great results.

Again, finding the best time for you may take some experimentation, but I suggest with starting with a dose in the morning for best results.

Have you been taking Rhodiola? Share your supplement routine in the comments below.

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FOCUSfactor vs. Multivitamin: Is There a Difference? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/focusfactor-vs-multivitamin/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/focusfactor-vs-multivitamin/#respond Fri, 29 Apr 2016 00:18:26 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1527 When you look at the label of FOCUSfactor, you’ll see a long (LONG) list of ingredients that looks more like a standard multivitamin than targeted nootropic/brain supplement. And in reality, it’s probably more like the former than the latter; though a popular nootropic, FOCUSfactor is — in our opinion — a multivitamin in disguise. The […]

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FOCUSfactor labelWhen you look at the label of FOCUSfactor, you’ll see a long (LONG) list of ingredients that looks more like a standard multivitamin than targeted nootropic/brain supplement. And in reality, it’s probably more like the former than the latter; though a popular nootropic, FOCUSfactor is — in our opinion — a multivitamin in disguise. The manufacturer doesn’t release exact amounts for most of the nootropic ingredients in the stack, which means it’s tough to determine whether there’s enough of anything to make a difference in focus, concentration, and mental energy.

Read our full FOCUSfactor review here.

What We Thought of FOCUSfactor

Overall, our testers found FOCUSfactor to be pretty mild, and if anything, it’s a beginner-facing nootropic formula that probably won’t change your day-to-day productivity all that much. It pairs okay with coffee if you take it in the morning, but there’s an additional downside: FOCUSfactor has a large serving size at 4+ pills, meaning it can cause upset stomach in some people, especially when you take it without food.

For these and several other reasons, FOCUSfactor is currently rated toward the bottom half of all the nootropics our reviewers have tested in our Ultimate Guide to Nootropic Stacks.

FOCUSfactor Alternatives

FOCUSfactor by Synergy CHC CorpIf you’re looking for something beginner friendly that our testers found to have a positive effect on mental energy and cognition (that’s also caffeine-free, like FOCUSfactor), consider one of the following. We found each to be very beginner friendly and relatively easy to assess tolerance with. They were also fairly easy to time and take with or without food, though with food normally enhances absorption; this is especially true if the supplement contains a fat-soluble ingredient like bacopa:

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FOCUSfactor Versus Focus Fast: Which Supplement Is Better? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/focusfactor-versus-focus-fast/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/focusfactor-versus-focus-fast/#respond Mon, 25 Apr 2016 23:31:24 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1521 FOCUSfast and Focus Factor are two nootropics stacks with long ingredient lists that make them seem more like multivitamins than concentrated, well-formulated nootropic supplements. (Spoiler alert: In our experience, they sort of are.) They’ve got dozens of vitamins and minerals, along with some common (and some not so common) brain boosters like tyrosine, Ashwagandha, vinpocetine, […]

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FOCUSfast and Focus Factor are two nootropics stacks with long ingredient lists that make them seem more like multivitamins than concentrated, well-formulated nootropic supplements. (Spoiler alert: In our experience, they sort of are.) They’ve got dozens of vitamins and minerals, along with some common (and some not so common) brain boosters like tyrosine, Ashwagandha, vinpocetine, and various forms of choline-containing compounds. Do either of these supplements work to improve focus and/or energy, and which is the better nootropic?

Our testers weighed in below. For in-depth discussions of each stack, read our full FOCUSfactor and Focus Fast reviews.

FOCUSfactor vs Focus Fast

FOCUSfactor versus Focus Fast

One important thing to note is that with the “proprietary” blends and lengthy ingredient lists on each of these broad stacks, user experience can vary significantly, as there are many, many ingredients that will seem different in potency to different users. However, our testers generally — and we emphasize generally — preferred FOCUSfactor to Focus Fast. They found FOCUSfactor to be the more consistent of the two caffeine-free nootropics, and it paired fairly well with breakfast for a mild clarity and focus boost.

However, one downside of FOCUSfactor is the relatively large serving size (4 pills). If you’re prone to upset stomach from ingesting capsules or pills, this is definitely not one to take without food in order to ease absorption.

Our testers felt next to no cognitive boost when taking Focus Fast, perhaps because the supplement’s proprietary blend (i.e. you don’t know how much of particular ingredients are in it) may not have contained enough of the active ingredients to actually impart a benefit.

Are There Better Nootropic Stacks?

After years of testing nootropic supplements, our testers tend to feel the combo multivitamin/nootropic supps aren’t that effective. They’re simply trying to cram too many ingredients into one supplement, and that means they often have antagonistic ingredients or too little of some active ingredients to make any difference.

And while both FOCUSfactor and Focus Fast seem to be marketed toward beginners in the nootropic space — they contain relatively straightforward ingredients, though just many in extremely small quantities — we think there are better options. Our ultimate guide to nootropic stacks for beginners lists every nootropic we’ve ever tested, along with our general experience and rankings from best to worst (most effective to least effective, although there’s some variability on criteria).

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FLOW by Noots Review: Is it a Smoother State of Mind? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/flow-noots/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/flow-noots/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2016 21:17:41 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1513 Update: Noots has rebranded as “Hapi”. You can go to gethapi.com.au to learn more about their product, FLOW. Noots is an Australia-based nootropics company that’s recently hit the American market with FOCUS and FLOW. Their FLOW supplement is an all-natural, caffeine-free nootropic designed to help users “stay in the zone.” While there are no ground-breaking ingredients in this […]

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Update: Noots has rebranded as “Hapi”. You can go to gethapi.com.au to learn more about their product, FLOW.

Noots is an Australia-based nootropics company that’s recently hit the American market with FOCUS and FLOW. Their FLOW supplement is an all-natural, caffeine-free nootropic designed to help users “stay in the zone.” While there are no ground-breaking ingredients in this stack, Noots stands behind their “super-safe, well-researched, high-efficacy cognitive-enhancement” stacks. Read on to find out what our testers had say in our full FLOW review.

Want to know what we thought about Noots’ other product? Check out our review of their FOCUS supplement.

Ingredients

  • Bacopa monnieri: 200 mg
  • Rhodiola rosea: 250 mg
  • ALCAR: 250 mg
  • Theacrine: 100 mg
  • Theanine: 100 mg
  • NALT: 100 mg

Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an adaptogenic herb used in Ayurveda as a revitalizer, cognitive booster, and stress reliever. Tests show the positive effects the herb can have on memory and free recall.

Rhodiola rosea

An adaptogenic herb with anti-fatigue (both mental and physical) properties, rhodiola is one of the most common “natural” nootropic ingredients in brain enhancing supplements. Read more about why rhodiola rosea is so popular and why it has so few reported side effects here.

ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)

Synthesized from methionine and lysine, ALCAR is designed to easily cross the brain-blood barrier, and it functions as a mitochondrial energy optimizer. Continuous use of ALCAR, can increase certain neurotransmitter levels in in the brain, and may be useful in combating depression.

Theacrine

An alkaloid derived from the Camellia Kucha plant, theacrine has been shown to improve mood while decreasing irritability.

Theanine

A calming amino acid, l-theanine has been shown to enhance the effects of caffeine while reducing the jitters some people experience with caffeine consumption.

NALT (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)

L-Tyrosine is well-linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress, and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.

Other ingredients: No other ingredients are listed, but the stack is labeled as vegetarian, gluten free, and non-gmo.

Usage Guidelines

Consume 1 capsule daily with food. Do not exceed more than 2 capsules within 24 hours

What Our Testers Say

FLOW by Noots
3.9 / 5 Score
Pros
  • Jitter free
  • Good w/coffee
  • Clear dosing
  • Good focus
  • Cons
  • Mild for some
  • Not fast acting
  • Summary
    Noots' FLOW supplement was better for our testers than their FOCUS supplement on almost all accounts. In this stack, it seems like the adaptogenic combo of bacopa and rhodiola proved more effective for us than piracetam, which is the main ingredient difference between the two.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    “I’m not sure if it had something to do with the fact that I’ve been exhausted, but I feel like I got some really good night’s sleep while testing FLOW. The daytime effects were nice, but pretty mild. It paired well with my usual coffee consumption, so that’s a big plus. ”

    “I took FLOWwith breakfast, after my morning workouts, and I did experience a nice wave of clean energy through the day. I also noticed that I had no problems focusing on the task at hand, and did not experience an afternoon crash, while testing this product. The effects are subtle, but definitely present. I generally prefer it to FOCUS from Noots.”

    “FLOW is a mild, but (I thought) high-quality supplement. The supplement was a great addition to my usual coffee, and I felt present without any anxiety. I will definitely keep this around, for ”˜easier’ days. ”

    “I really liked this product, and the energy I got from it (no jitters, like the manufacturer claimed – thought not a HUGE or QUICK rush of energy). My caffeine sensitivity sometimes limits the kind of products I can take on a daily basis, but I took this for a whole week, and felt alert, focused, and in control. ”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Take it with food for better absorption. It’s caffeine free, but FLOW may have some stimulatory effects, so start slow and work up to a full dose.
    • It seems well suited for those with a caffeine sensitivity.
    • A potential “everyday” nootropic stack as opposed to energy on demand.
    • It pairs well with coffee or other caffeinated drinks.

    Supplement Summary

    All of our testers experienced increased levels of energy and focus while testing Noots’ FLOW supplement. One tester also experienced more restful sleep, but could not directly link it to the nootropic.

    Overall, FLOW is a solid caffeine-free supplement that seems to be produced with quality in mind. We are looking forward to testing out the next two products slated for release by Noots: DOZE, a sleep supplement, and LIFT, a workout enhancer.

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    FOCUS by Noots Review: Nootropic Game Changer or Same Old? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/focus-noots/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/focus-noots/#respond Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:39:14 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1491 Noots is a relatively new company in the nootropic space, and they claim to provide personalized nootropic recommendations based on an extensive questionnaire available online. Noots also claims to use the answers in the questionnaires, coupled with feedback from stack users, to constantly improve and tweak their formulas. The Australian company is committed to using only […]

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    Noots is a relatively new company in the nootropic space, and they claim to provide personalized nootropic recommendations based on an extensive questionnaire available online. Noots also claims to use the answers in the questionnaires, coupled with feedback from stack users, to constantly improve and tweak their formulas. The Australian company is committed to using only GRAS ingredients (Generally Recognized as Safe) and has launched with two stacks available internationally: FOCUS and FOCUS.

    Today, we’ll be reviewing FOCUS, a caffeine-free supplement headlined by piracetam and other common nootropic ingredients; Noots markets it as a supplement designed boost motivation, energy, and engagement. Read below to see what the BrainWiz testers thought of Noots’ FOCUS nootropic.

    Ingredients

    • Piracetam, 500 mg
    • ALCAR, 300 mg
    • Theacrine, 50 mg
    • Theanine, 100 mg
    • NALT, 100 mg
    • Total Blend, 1050 mg

    Piracetam

    A related compound to to GABA, piracetam is in many ways the grandfather of nootropic compounds and the hallmark of the “-racetam” class that includes oxiracetam (found in truBrain, for example) and others. It’s a nootropic compound shown to improve learning, memory, brain metabolism, and capacity. It works by enhancing the fluidity of cellular membranes and optimizing blood flow to the brain and optimizing acetylcholine function. It’s worth noting FOCUS contains no choline source itself, which seems like a bit of an omission on the part of the manufacturer.

    ALCAR (Acetyl-L-Carnitine)

    ALCAR is designed to easily cross the brain-blood barrier, and it functions as a mitochondrial energy optimizer. Continuous use of ALCAR may increase certain neurotransmitter levels in the brain, and may be useful in combating depression.

    Theacrine

    Theacrine is  used in FOCUS for its caffeine-like properties, without the jitteriness (supposedly). Studies show it may also improve mood and decrease irritability.

    L-Theanine

    A calming amino acid, l-theanine has been shown to enhance the effects of caffeine while reducing the jitters some people experience with caffeine consumption. This caffeine/l-theanine ratio is common in nootropic supplements, and though FOCUS is a caffeine free stack, the user may still benefit from theanine’s calming effects.

    NALT  (N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine)

    L-Tyrosine is linked to improving cognitive performance under conditions of stress, and the compound has been shown to actually reduce symptoms of stress itself, likely because it is involved in the production of dopamine.

    Other ingredients: No other ingredients are listed for Noots’ FLOW stack, but the supplement is labeled as vegetarian, gluten free, and non-gmo.

    Usage Guidelines

    Simply take a single capsule an hour or so before you want to get in the zone, ideally with a meal or shake, to make sure it absorbs well.

    What Our Testers Say

    FOCUS from Noots
    3.5 / 5 Score
    Pros
  • Focus boost
  • Easy to take
  • Varied ingredients
  • Cons
  • Too mild for some
  • No choline source
  • Summary
    FOCUS from Noots is a mild, caffeine-free stack that generally lived up to its name and paired well with coffee and some other nootropics among our testers. We did note the lack of a choline source in the stack, which seems like a glaring omission.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    “I tried this both with and without coffee. It’s not a big energy booster, but it did help me, well, focus a bit. I’m a big fan of the theanine and caffeine combination, so one FOCUS pill, along with a cup of coffee, was the best combination for me. I did feel quite focused, but this feels more of a supplement I would reach for when I have big pile of work to push through. I do wish this had a choline source, as I’ve had some friends and other testers who experience headaches when taking racetam-class compounds without sufficient choline.”

    “I took this with my pre-workout in the morning, and felt pretty good. I have had good experiences using ALCAR with my pre-workouts, and this was no different. I will have to try it during the day at work, and I will continue using it in conjunction with my pre-workout. I don’t think I felt much from the piracetam, though some compounds in that class don’t always work for me or give me any perceptible benefit.”

    “Although this is not the most potent supplement I have tried, I do like it stacked with coffee. I used it a couple of times in addition to adaptogens like rhodiola to help me get through an inordinate pile of work, and will keep it in the rotation for it when work volume gets out of hand. Like Alexandra, I wondered why they didn’t include a choline source in the supplement.”

    “Piracetam isn’t very effective for some people, but when I take it with theanine, it seems to be a good combination for me. There was a wave of concentration, and there was no jitteriness or anxiety associated with it, though it wasn’t a particularly ‘powerful’ stack in my opinion.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Take it with food for better absorption.
    • Noots could be well suited for those with a caffeine sensitivity, though it does contain compounds that can have stimulatory effects.
    • It pairs well with coffee or other caffeinated drinks.
    • FOCUS gave us a mild energy wave. If you have trouble sleeping, avoid taking it less than six hours before bed.

    Supplement Summary

    Out testers generally felt positive effects from the FOCUS nootropic, to varying degrees. If you are an experienced nootropic user, this may not be strong enough for you. We also noticed the lack of a quality choline source in the supplement, which we generally like to see included when paired with racetams and related compounds. If it weren’t for that, it could be a solid entry-level stack, as well as a good addition to an already existing nootropic supplement regimen that contains adaptogens (at least in our experience).

    With two stacks currently in the market, and two more slated to be released soon, we are interested to see how more of Noots’ formulas compare to FOCUS.

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    Neurofuse vs OptiMind: Which Nootropic Supplement Is Better? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/neurofuse-vs-optimind/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/neurofuse-vs-optimind/#respond Wed, 06 Apr 2016 20:24:23 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1480 Neurofuse and OptiMind are two of the nootropic stacks readers see promoted most often online. But which stack is more effective? Our testers have reviewed both, and while broad-spectrum nootropic stacks are often similar, we clearly preferred Neurofuse to OptiMind. Read on to see why, along with what we thought about both supplements. Neurofuse vs […]

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    Neurofuse and OptiMind are two of the nootropic stacks readers see promoted most often online. But which stack is more effective? Our testers have reviewed both, and while broad-spectrum nootropic stacks are often similar, we clearly preferred Neurofuse to OptiMind. Read on to see why, along with what we thought about both supplements.

    Neurofuse vs OptiMind: What’s Similar About These Stacks

    Neurofuse Supplement ReviewBoth of these supplements contain a pretty broad array of nootropic ingredients, including adaptogens (they both share bacopa as an ingredient), B and D vitamin complexes (though in different forms), Phosphatidylserine, vinpocetine, and huperzine A. These are broad-spectrum stacks, meaning they can potentially boost cognition, focus, and energy through a variety of compounds and processes in the brain and body. Both nootropic stacks contain proprietary blends, meaning the manufacturer doesn’t release exact dosages of some ingredients , often in order to protect their formula from competitors.

    What’s Different Between These Nootropic Supplements

    OptiMindWhile they share the above ingredients, Neurofuse and OptiMind have some significant differences in their formulas. One major difference is that Neurofuse contains the amino acid l-theanine, which can pair well with caffeine to reduce jitters and increase alertness and focus. OptiMind contains caffeine but does not appear to contain l-theanine. This may account for why our testers experienced some significant jitters when taking OptiMind, even at the recommended dosage.

    Neurofuse also contains rhodiola rosea, and additional adaptogen with few (if any) clinical side effects. Rhodiola can have anti-fatigue properties in both mental and physical capacities.

    OptiMind also lacks a choline-containing compound, even though several of its ingredients are involved in choline metabolism within the brain. Neurofuse contains choline in the form of choline-bitartrate.

    Learn More About Neurofuse and OptiMind

    For more information about Neurofuse, check out our full review here. Get the best price on Neurofuse by checking our Neurofuse coupons page.

    Learn more about OptiMind in our full review.

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    Lumonol vs. OptiMind: Which Nootropic Stack Is Better? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/lumonol-vs-optimind/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/lumonol-vs-optimind/#respond Fri, 01 Apr 2016 21:57:55 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1465 At first glance, Lumonol and OptiMind have a few things and several ingredients in common, a fact we called out in our original OptiMind review. Since then, we’ve had a chance to test – and retest – both these nootropic supplements, and our opinions have generally stayed the same. In a head-to-head matchup, Lumonol wins […]

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    At first glance, Lumonol and OptiMind have a few things and several ingredients in common, a fact we called out in our original OptiMind review. Since then, we’ve had a chance to test – and retest – both these nootropic supplements, and our opinions have generally stayed the same.

    In a head-to-head matchup, Lumonol wins the Lumonol vs. OptiMind matchup because it gave us more sustained energies with fewer (practically no) jitters as compared to OptiMind’s formula.

    Check Lumonol Price

    Lumonol vs OptiMind by Alternascript: What’s the Same

    Both Lumonol and OptiMind are broad-spectrum nootropic stacks, meaning their formulas are designed around brain enhancement through a variety of pathways and synergistic interactions between the compounds. Both contain B vitamins and some compounds that influence choline metabolism in the brain, which is important in neurotransmitter function.

    They also both contain caffeine sources (Lumonol’s comes from guarana) and l-tyrosine, a compound linked to mental performance under conditions of stress.

    What’s Different About These Two Nootropic Stacks

    Lumonol ReviewHowever, the differences between Lumonol (from Avanse) and OptiMind (from Alternascript) outweigh the similarities. Lumonol contains a bioavailable source of choline – Alpha GPC – to compliment its other choline-involved compounds. It also contains the compound Noopept, a Racetam-related compound that is potent and fast acting at relatively low doses. Lumonol is among the fastest-acting nootropics we’ve tried, though we do recommend starting with maybe a half dose to assess tolerance (and depending on your caffeine intake/tolerance).

    OptiMind gave our testers some significant jitters, even when NOT paired with another caffeine source like coffee. It also contains some ingredients that we don’t feel are really living up to their full potential because of what’s missing (for example, a choline source to compliment Sulbutiamine).

    Learn More

    Individual experiences with these nootropic stacks will, of course, vary from person to person. To see what each of our testers said about them, get our full OptiMind review here and our full Lumonol review here.

    We’ve also put together an article on when to take Lumonol for maximum effect, as well as how and when they stack it with a magnesium supplement for a longer-lasting boost in focus and productivity.

    Buy Optimind Buy Lumonol

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    GO CUBES Review: Is Chewable Coffee Better for Your Brain? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/go-cubes-chewable-coffee-nootrobox/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/go-cubes-chewable-coffee-nootrobox/#respond Thu, 31 Mar 2016 21:43:40 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1455 Nootrobox is a company that’s been making waves for their supplements, and overall, they’re among some of the best nootropics we’ve tried to date. But the Silicon Valley startup isn’t stopping there, and now they’re taking on an even bigger industry: coffee. Nootrobox’s chewable GO CUBES promise the boost and flavor of coffee (and then some) […]

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    Nootrobox is a company that’s been making waves for their supplements, and overall, they’re among some of the best nootropics we’ve tried to date. But the Silicon Valley startup isn’t stopping there, and now they’re taking on an even bigger industry: coffee. Nootrobox’s chewable GO CUBES promise the boost and flavor of coffee (and then some) in a convenient, edible package.

    Do Nootrobox’s GO CUBES live up to the hype, and will they replace your morning cup of Joe? Read on to get our full review, including whether they gave us a mental boost and how the flavor stacked up against real coffee.

    GO CUBES
    4.2 / 5 Score
    Pros
  • Energy boost
  • Exact dosage
  • No jitters
  • Good taste
  • Cons
  • Contains sugar
  • Flavors unclear
  • Summary
    GO CUBES is a convenient, no-spill chewable coffee with added nootropics for a smooth, jitter-free boost. Its main downside is that it could be too sweet for some people.
    Focus
    Energy
    Memory
    Beginner Friendly

    [Get our exclusive discount coupon on Nootrobox products here.]

    The Ingredients

    Per cube; typical serving size is 2 cubes. Nootrobox is a company that values transparency in its supplements, so they list all ingredients and ingredient amounts.

    Caffeine – 50 mg

    The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine is one of the more common ingredients in nootropic stacks because of its ability to reduce fatigue and enhance concentration and energy. Two cubes of GO CUBES is equivalent to roughly one cup of coffee (100 mg).

    L-Theanine – 100 mg

    A calming amino acid, l-theanine has been shown to enhance the effects of caffeine while reducing the jitters some people experience with caffeine consumption. This caffeine/l-theanine ratio is common in nootropic supplements.

    Vitamin B6 – 10 mg

    Vitamin B6 is involved in the production of neurotransmitters. When taken with phenylalanine, vitamin B6 can improve cAMP levels, and dopamine synthesis.

    GO CUBES Nootrobox Ingredients Label

    GO CUBES Nootrobox Ingredients Label

    Vitamin B12 – 30 mcg

    An essential nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development.

    Folate – 500 mcg

    Often referred to as Vitamin B9, folate (a slightly different form than folic acid) is vital to neurological development in infants as well as a process called methylation for all adults.

    This is a pretty high amount of folate for a supplement, as the upper dosage recommended is normally around 400 mcg, and there’s some evidence a high amount of folate could mask a vitamin B12 deficiency.

    Go Cubes Nootrobox Pack

    Go Cubes Nootrobox Pack

    Glucuronolactone – 125 mg

    Glucuronolactone is a common ingredient in many energy drinks, largely based off claims it can help “detoxify” the body and liver. Current research suggests few benefits to cognition or energy. This compound also found in Nootrobox’s SPRINT supplement (full review here).

    Inositol – 125 mg

    A compound with some anxiety reducing properties in amounts generally much higher than what’s found here. Also found in Nootrobox’s SPRINT supplement.

    Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – 25 mg

    Vitamin B3 acts within the adrenal system to synthesize a number of sex- and stress-related hormones, along with serotonin, a neurotransmitter acting on the central nervous system and the GI tract. Some people experience a harmless “flush” when taking niacin-containing supplements.

    Other Ingredients: Corn syrup, sugar, water, pectin, caramel color, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sodium citrate.

    Usage Guidelines

    We made coffee you can put in your pocket. GO CUBES are perfect for your purse, backpack, or briefcase. They’re the easiest way to always have coffee on hand with no mess & no stress.

    Serving size: 2 pieces

    GO CUBES Review on Flavors

    GO CUBES come in three flavors: Pure Drip, Mocha, and Latte. There’s a mix of these in each pack (4 cubes), and while they’re slightly different colors, it’s tough to tell exactly which one you’re getting before you bite into them.

    Overall, our testers enjoyed each flavor of GO CUBES, citing Mocha as the strongest flavor and very chocolate-y, Latte as relatively mild, and Pure Drip as the straightest coffee flavor of all (tasting a bit like a darker roast, not unlike Starbucks’ normal iced coffee).

    What Our Testers Say

    “I probably have the lowest caffeine tolerance of any BrainWiz tester, so I really appreciate knowing EXACTLY how much caffeine I’m getting, that’s one reason I don’t drink coffee that often, because it varies so much from cup to cup depending on the beans, roast, etc. I like the taste of coffee, though, and GO CUBES was definitely convenient. When I do drink coffee, I often pair it with 100 or 200 mg of L-Theanine, and I appreciated that they did this for me here. I’ll take GO CUBES with me when I do need a caffeine boost and want more control over exactly what I’m taking.”

    “I’m a coffee snob, and GO CUBES will never replace coffee for me. But...they’re interesting. I think you start absorbing some of the caffeine while you’re chewing (probably sublingual), so you feel an almost immediate kick, then another as you digest. The flavors were all good, though I normally take my coffee black, and these were a bit too sweat for me to have every day.”

    “I didn’t get as excited as some outlets about these. They’re not going to replace coffee for everyone, if only because they taste more like candy and have sugar in them. But they were convenient and they were pretty tasty, and the flavor profiles seem like they took a lot of work. The boost felt mostly like caffeine and l-theanine, not a ton beyond that, but they fit easily in a backpack, which my iced coffee does not.”

    It’s worth having a pack or two of GO CUBES at your desk. Sometimes coffee won’t be available. Sometimes it won’t be convenient, or you want to know exactly how much caffeine you’re getting. GO CUBES solve that, but they’re never going to replace a morning cup.”

    BrainWiz Tips

    • Nootrobox’s GO CUBES are sweet, and if you’re watching your sugar intake, save these for after a workout or just go with black coffee, these are definitely not calorie neutral, especially considering you’ll probably have between two and four cubes in a sitting.
    • Our testers were impressed with GO CUBES flavor, and they do pair well with breakfast if you’d rather chew your coffee than drink it.
    • A full pack is 200 mg of caffeine, more than you’ll find in some energy drinks. Stay aware of your caffeine intake when taking GO CUBES and other nootropics.

    Supplement Summary

    Just like SPRINT and RISE, Nootrobox’s GO CUBES sets out to bring transparency to a brain boosting industry; in this case, they’re trying to disrupt coffee as opposed to nootropic supplements proper. And they partially succeed: These gave us a good, jitter-free boost with the added nootropic ingredients to compliment caffeine. And with GO CUBES, it’s clear exactly how much caffeine you’re getting in every serving. They also fit in well with Nootrobox’s other supplements, including RISE, which is one of the top research-backed, caffeine-free, and transparent nootropic stacks we’ve ever tried.

    We look forward to seeing what Nootrobox comes up with next, and we hope it’s a sugar-free version of GO CUBES. For us, they’re a sweet treat, but they’d be even more useful to more people without the sweetener.

    Read our interview with Nootrobox’s co-founder and CEO Geoffrey Woo here.

    The post GO CUBES Review: Is Chewable Coffee Better for Your Brain? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    Nootropics for the Masses: An Interview with Josh Taekman of EBOOST https://brainwiz.org/brain-hacks/nootropics-masses-interview-josh-taekman-eboost/ https://brainwiz.org/brain-hacks/nootropics-masses-interview-josh-taekman-eboost/#respond Tue, 22 Mar 2016 19:07:47 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1417 Energy drinks, powders, and shots became extremely popular throughout the 2000s, and numerous companies came out with nearly identical formulas to capture the consumer market. One exception we’ve noted before is EBOOST, a company that has combined energy formulas with nootropic ingredients for an added mental kick. It’s something that gave us an interesting user […]

    The post Nootropics for the Masses: An Interview with Josh Taekman of EBOOST appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    Energy drinks, powders, and shots became extremely popular throughout the 2000s, and numerous companies came out with nearly identical formulas to capture the consumer market. One exception we’ve noted before is EBOOST, a company that has combined energy formulas with nootropic ingredients for an added mental kick. It’s something that gave us an interesting user experience when we tried their effervescent energy powders.

    Read our full review of EBOOST’s Energy Powder here.

    We sat down with EBOOST founder Josh Taekman to talk a little about the logic behind their formulations, why nootropic ingredients and brain enhancers are important to their line, and what’s next in store for the NYC-based company.

    1. When did you start EBOOST, and what was your motivation in starting the company?

    EBOOST was founded by accident to be honest. I had a marketing and branding agency and was going to create a line of G Unit Vitamins / Supplements with 50 Cent back in 2008 with a top manufacturer, and 50 Cent didn’t show up to the final meeting which killed the deal. I was commiserating with one of my best friends John McDonald and he said there is such a void in the market for a healthy & natural Energy & Vitamin Booster. Our mission was to create something we would take everyday to enhance our performance and vitality at work at play and in the gym. That was the spark that made us go down the path of creating and developing EBOOST.

    Josh Taekman EBOOST Founder

    Josh Taekman EBOOST Founder

    2. EBOOST powders contain some ingredients we see a lot in nootropics we try (5-HTP, Vinpocetine, others). Tell us about why you chose to include those in your powders.

    We wanted to create a product that was of the highest quality and highest efficacy and also natural & non GMO. We also knew we needed to create a product that made you feel great and do more and had to be much more than just an Energy + Vitamins product. Adding [a focus and alert blend from] 5-HTP and Vinpocetine and Huperzine was the perfect compliment to energy.

    3. What was your first experience with brain-boosting supplements (aka nootropics), and how did that influence EBOOST products?

    I used to take 5 HTP and huperzine for focus & alertness when I was in school and always loved the benefits I got from it. When we were developing EBOOST we felt that had to be an integral part of the experience you felt when you got boosted.

    4. How long does it take to develop a new product for your company?

    It really depends. We can develop a product and have it packaged and ready to ship within four months if we are focused and making quick decisions during the formulation and sample process. It took us close to a year to develop POW Pre Workout because we really wanted to deliver a product that was unique and different than what was out there and it had to taste great, be natural, non GMO and really enhance performance. We are perfectionists and won’t release a product until we have something that we would take every single day and could be proud of.

    5. Are there new EBOOST products in development that haven’t been released yet?

    We are doing a deep dive on protein and working with an amazing product development team to come out with something very special from the ingredients, functionalities, and packaging [around it].

    Get more from Josh Taekman and the EBOOST team on Instagram.

    The post Nootropics for the Masses: An Interview with Josh Taekman of EBOOST appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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    What’s the Best Time to Take Lumonol? https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/best-time-take-lumonol/ https://brainwiz.org/supplement-reviews/best-time-take-lumonol/#respond Sun, 20 Mar 2016 18:21:56 +0000 http://brainwiz.org/?p=1409 It’s no secret Lumonol is one of our reviewers’ favorite nootropic stacks. The combination of powerful, well-researched ingredients, and the cumulative effects of this supplement make it the nootropic of choice for several of us in times of productive need, whenever or we’re testing new products. One of the questions we’ve been getting a lot lately is, […]

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    It’s no secret Lumonol is one of our reviewers’ favorite nootropic stacks. The combination of powerful, well-researched ingredients, and the cumulative effects of this supplement make it the nootropic of choice for several of us in times of productive need, whenever or we’re testing new products.

    One of the questions we’ve been getting a lot lately is, “What is the best time to take Lumonol? Having tested the product for 90 days, I have taken it at varying times of day, with varying effects.

    Read our full Lumonol review here.

    The first thing to take into consideration when choosing your timing  is your sensitivity to caffeine. Because Lumonol contains guarana, a berry containing four times the amount of caffeine as coffee beans, those particularly sensitive to caffeine should consider only taking Lumonol in the morning and starting slow.

    Best Time to Take Lumonol

    I have a high tolerance to caffeine, so after experimentation, I started taking Lumonol on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning, and following it up with a cup off coffee once I arrived at the office, a couple of hours later. This combination was the best in sustaining the wave of energy and focus well into the afternoon.

    On days where I know I need to be alert later on in the afternoon, I split my Lumonol dose. I take one pill first thing in the morning, followed by breakfast, and the second pill before or right after lunch.

    I found this to be the best way to prolong Lumonol’s effects to help me stay sharp most of the day. It’s important to note that this may not be the best option if you have difficulty falling asleep, like me. On instances when I did split my dose, I’ve had to take something to help me unwind at night, like Nootrobox’s Yawn.

    In short, there are a number of ways to time your Lumonol, and it really all depends on what you are trying to achieve. For me, the best time to take Lumonol is first thing in the morning, right when I wake up, but I suggest you experiment with timing to find what works best for you.

    The post What’s the Best Time to Take Lumonol? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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