So while most coffee can give a boost, the type of coffee can make a huge difference in the flavor, effectiveness, and experience of drinking coffee. And since coffee is a plant — one of the world’s most important crops! — where the beans come from dictates the quality and properties of your particular brew.

Want to get more out of your cup, whether it’s just for taste or a necessary caffeine jolt? It’s worth trying a single estate coffee, and with the rise of specialty and transparently sourced coffee varieties, they’re becoming easier (and cheaper) than ever to find.

Read below to see exactly how single estate coffee can make all the difference — and give you a productive (and ethical) edge in the process.

1. It tastes much better.

Most blend coffees are made by taking beans from all over the place — different countries, climates, etc. — mixing them together, then roasting until they generally taste uniform. The subtle variations in flavor, intensity, and even caffeine level are lost in this process, which can leave coffee burnt in order to get a more uniform taste. That’ll have you forcing down one cup after the other instead of enjoying and looking forward to a serving of a single estate coffee.

In single estate coffee, the beans aren’t just from the same region — they’re from the same farm, where a single flavor can shine through. That makes for a better tasting cup with actual flavor instead of a rough approximation of what coffee “should” taste like.

2. It’s more effective.

Did you know darker roasts actually have less caffeine than lighter roasts? Blend coffees are often very dark roasts that zap much of the caffeine and nutrient content from the coffee, leaving behind a heavy, cling-to-your-tongue flavor with no subtlety and less caffeine. Single origin (and ideally single estate) beans don’t need that super dark roast to mask poor flavor, as they’re already delicious, so they may end up containing more of that sweet, sweet caffeine.

3. It’s cleaner/organic.

Single estate coffees are easier to find in organic, pesticide-free varieties because they usually come from smaller, family-owned farms, not the mega plantations that the biggest brands use. Coffee is one of the most chemically treated crops in the world, and it’s worth your time to search for a cleaner product. Single estate is a big step in that direction.

4. It’s more ethical.

Know more about where your coffee comes from? Good, you’re taking a step in the right direction toward drinking more ethically sourced, fair trade coffee. The rise of single estate coffee’s popularity is making it easier for smaller family farms and growers to survive on the market.

5. It gives you control.

In our interview with biohacker and former UFC fighter Tait Fletcher, we talked a lot about how important it can be to “pirate” your own life. What does that mean, exactly? It means taking back control of your consumption and making your own choices for what you eat, drink, and buy. Your habits make an impact on your health, wellness, and productivity every day and for years to come.

Taking control of what you’re consuming, and making the effort to know where your coffee is coming from, sets a positive tone that puts you in the driver’s seat. You get to make the choices and take agency in what you’re putting into your body, regardless of what the coffee mega-chains push you toward. And you might discover your new favorite brew in the process.

The post 5 Ways Single Estate Coffee Gives You A Better Buzz appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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.

[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

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

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.

EBOOST is a company founded in the mid 2000s around a few different products: fizzy energy powders, coconut water-based energy shots (basically like 5 Hour Energy + coconut water and some extras), a pre-workout called POW!, and a caffeinated greens powder called SPRUCE. Today, we’re reviewing EBOOST’s flagship Energy Powders, which include some familiar nootropics in addition to the electrolytes and vitamins you might expect from such a product.

Read below to see what we thought of EBOOST’s Energy Powder, including our favorite flavors and the best (and worst) time to take them.

Ingredients

We tested several different flavors of EBOOST Energy Powder, including Orange, Acai Pomegranate, and Pink Lemonade. The packets came in several different serving sizes; we’ve based our review and this section off the ingredient list from the 7.1 g packet.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid), 1000 mg
• Vitamin D (as cholecalciferol), 1,000 IU
• Niacin, 15 mg
• Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCL), 2 mg
• Folate (as folic acid), 400 mcg
• Vitamin B12 (as cyanocobalamin), 2,500 mcg
• Zinc (as zinc citrate), 15 mg
• Selenium (as sodium selenite), 100 mcg
• Copper (as copper citrate), 2 mg
• Chromium (as chromium polynicotinate), 120 mcg
• Sodium, 45 mg
• Potassium, 570 mg

EBOOST Blend, 540 mg

Glucuronolactone

There’s not a ton of research on glucuronolactone, but we see it quite a bit in energy drinks (including some versions of Red Bull). There’s some basic research suggesting it could be synergistic with resveratrol, another ingredient in EBOOST’s Energy Powder.

Green tea leaf extract (standardized to 110 mg caffeine), Green coffee standardized extract (seed)

Combined, these extracts contain quantities of polyphenols, caffeine, and l-theanine (which are all also present in green tea). L-Theanine is an amino acid that’s common in nootropic and brain health supplements, and it promotes relaxation without being a sedative. Research suggests it also helps the brain deal with stress and can fight stimulant-caused jitters (another reason why it’s commonly paired with caffeine). Often paired with caffeine, l-theanine effects appear complementary as far as enhanced energy, concentration, and focused; it may also increase brain activity and memory.

We often see the caffeine + l-theanine pairing headlining very simple, beginner-friendly stacks like Nootrobox’s SPRINT.

5-HTP

The precursor to neurotransmitter serotonin that may increase brain serotonin in users who ingest it (worth keeping in mind that this isn’t always a positive or negative thing on its own).

Quercetin Dihydrate

This compound is a bioflavonoid that may increase the body’s ability to absorb catechins from green tea and resveratrol; it looks to be synergistic with several other compounds in EBOOST’s Energy Powder.

Resveratrol

A compound (commonly found in wine) that received significant hype in recent years as a “youth compound” that could extend lifespan. That’s a dubious claim, but the compound may still have heart-healthy and significant antioxidant properties for humans.

Huperzia Serrata< Whole Plant Extract (1% Huperzine A)

Huperzine A is an herb-derived chemical that has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may improve cognitive function and memory.

Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract

One of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s fundamental and most well-studied herbs, Astragalus has been shown to benefit the kidneys and is also linked to anti-inflammatory properties. It may be adaptogenic in its effects, protecting against the effects of stress and neural decline.

The majority of human research, though, focuses on astragalus’ properties as they relate to the kidneys, though there’s some promising research suggesting it could improve exercise endurance. It generally has poor oral bioavailability (better via injections) and may interfere with some pharmaceuticals because it inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4. It’s an ingredient we’ve seen before in Onnit’s Shroom TECH Sport blend of adaptogenic and energy-boosting mushrooms.

EBoost Energy Plus Vitamins nutrition label and ingredients

Grape Seed Extract

An extract that contains tannins and procyanidins, which may enhance blood flow. It may act similarly to green tea catechins, which are often touted as “fat burners.”

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, and it’s known to increase cerebral blood flow.

Other ingredients: Stevia leaf extract (150 mg), maltodextrin, malic acid, potassium bicarbonate, citric acid, natural flavors, potassium carbonate, beet color, sodium bicarbonate, potassium citrate, silica.

Usage Guidelines

• Add 1 packet to 12 fl. oz. of water and allow to effervesce.
• Drink 1 to 2 packets daily.
• Do not exceed recommended intake.
• Recommended for 15 years and older.

What Our Testers Say

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“Full disclosure, I can be sensitive to caffeine. But if I took this without any other caffeine on the day, I really liked EBOOST Energy Powder (depending on the flavor). I didn’t feel jittery, but I think any more caffeine would have gotten me that way. I’m not sure exactly how effective their proprietary blend is as far as nootropics, because they don’t list exact amounts for many. However, I felt sharp and pretty on my game when I took this with lunch a few days last week. I also don’t drink enough water at work, I often just forget, so my guess is the electrolytes and liquid kept me a bit more hydrated and feeling better than normal.”

“The powder effervesces pretty hard at first, so I normally let it sit for a few minutes before drinking. It was a bigger boost than a cup of coffee, for sure (but I wouldn’t take it close to when I take coffee). I didn’t experience a niacin flush from this, but I wonder if some people might. I wouldn’t mind adding this to some cold water in the future at the office or maybe even before a workout.”

“I liked it, pleasant tasting, a good buzz, but I was still able to focus and didn’t have any jitters (note: my caffeine tolerance is pretty high).”

“I tried this in a less-than-very-cold glass of water, and I did not like it. But it tastes pretty good when the water is cold, or in a water bottle with some ice. It’s a good buzz, and I appreciate something that’ll help keep my better hydrated than coffee throughout the day.”

Which Flavor of EBOOST Energy Powder Is Best?

Overall, our least favorite flavor of EBOOST Energy Powder was Pink Lemonade, which just seemed too light and a bit artificial tasting. Orange was pleasant, not unlike Tang or even a milder Hi-C. It was overall refreshing.

Across the board, our testers preferred their Acai Pomegranate flavor to the others. It seemed better balanced, a good mix of sweet and tart, with a minimal aftertaste.

BrainWiz Tips

• We found the manufacturer’s water recommendation, 12 ounces, to be just about right as far as flavor and fizz.
• The colder the water, the better the experience when drinking this supplement.
• While EBOOST Energy Powders contain a manageable amount of caffeine for our testers (110mg), tolerance will vary. With the included synergistic ingredients, the impact of the caffeine may be greater than the amount implies. It’s worth starting with half a dose in 6 ounces of water to assess tolerance.
• We got the best results when pairing with food, especially lunch. Taken alone first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, the product was almost too fizzy.
• If you’re very sensitive to caffeine, stimulants, or certain neurotransmitter boosters like 5-HTP, it’s probably best to talk to your healthcare practitioner before taking this supplement

Supplement Summary

EBOOST Energy Powder was better than expected for all of our testers. It may be light on nootropics as far as amounts, but everything comes in a convenient package that tastes pretty good and gives more than a quick-flash buzz.

Our favorite flavor was Acai Pomegranate, and we also had success only taking a half serving of the 7.1 gram packets for a slightly milder boost or later in the day.

The post The Fizzy Brain Boost? Reviewing EBOOST Energy Powder appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Onnit claims Shroom TECH Sport was formulated to boost athletic performance by aiding/enabling energy pathways in the body. However, many of its primary ingredients, including Rhodiola rosea, cordyceps mushroom, and ashwagandha, are popular nootropic ingredients in their own right.

We set out to see if this pre-workout formula gave our testers a mental edge as well. Read on to see what our testers thought.

Ingredients

Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin), 3mg

An essential nutrient, B12 plays an important role in numerous bodily functions, including neurological function and development. The particular form of B12 is the coenzyme form most often used to reduce brain fog and promote mental energy due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. This form of B12 can also directly participate in homocysteine metabolism.

Chromium (from Chromium Picolinate), 200mcg

This is an essential mineral and element that impacts glucose sensitivity and insulin in the body. Onnit includes chromium in ShroomTECH Sport to theoretically help balance and maintain blood sugar levels during activity.

Shroom Tech O2 Blend, 1500mg

A proprietary blend of ingredients from Onnit.

Organic Cordyceps (whole) Extract, Organic Cordyceps (whole)

This is Onnit’s headlining ingredient in ShroomTECH Sport, and it’s one we’re seeing more commonly in nootropic supplements. The cordyceps mushroom is an adaptogen that has been used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine as a treatment for numerous ailments, though its exact effects on the body still need to be determined through extensive clinical research. There’s also some early but promising clinical research indicating cordyceps extract has significant anti-fatigue properties.

Onnit claims it can boost ATP generation and oxygen utilization and aerobic capacity in the body, and some preliminary research backs their claims.

Shroom Tech Adaptogen Blend, 875mg

A proprietary blend of ingredients from Onnit.

Green Tea (leaf) Extract

Shroom Tech Sport gets some (unspecified) quantities of polyphenols, caffeine, and l-theanine from the addition of green tea. An amino acid that’s becoming an increasingly common ingredient in nootropics, l-theanine promotes relaxation without being a sedative. Research suggests it also helps the brain deal with stress. Often paired with caffeine, l-theanine effects appear complementary to the world’s most popular stimulant. It may also increase brain activity and memory.

Rhodiola (root) Extract

A noted adaptogen with few (if any) noted side effects, rhodiola is an herbal extract shown to boost physical and mental endurance while reducing the perceived symptoms of stress. Rhodiola fights fatigue, and there’s some anecdotal evidence it boost the effects of stimulants like coffee. Generally, a very large amount of rhodiola (over 600 mg) does not seem to boost the ingredient’s effects and may actually reduce them; with rhodiola, less may in fact be more for some users, and some clinical studies have seen effectiveness at doses under 100mg.

Onnit’s website cites some research suggesting a synergistic effect when combining rhodiola and cordyceps extracts. Rhodiola is also a headlining ingredient in stimulant-free stacks like RISE by Nootrobox (which our testers enjoyed).

Ashwagandha (root) Extract

The extract of Ashwagandha roots and leaves have been used in Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu medicine philosophy, as a mood stabilizer, and to combat stress and anxiety. The extract is said to work as a nervous system depressant, bringing about tranquility and relaxation, and making it easier to fall asleep.

Astragalus (root) Extract

One of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s fifty fundamental herbs, Astragalus has been shown to benefit the kidneys and is also linked to some general properties as they relate to anti-inflammatory effects and longevity. It may be adaptogenic in its effects, protecting against the effects of stress and neural decline.

The majority of human research, though, focuses on astragalus’ properties as they relate to the kidneys, though there’s some promising research suggesting it could improve exercise endurance. It generally has poor oral bioavailability (better via injections) and may interfere with some pharmaceuticals because it inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4. Onnit claims the inclusion of astragalus in ShroomTECH Sport positively influences the potency of cordyceps.

Other ingredients: Vegetarian Capsule (Cellulose, Water), Maltodextrin.

Usage Guidelines

• Designed to help the body with cellular energy and cardiovascular endurance.
• Take a serving of the greater of 3 capsules or 1 capsule per 50 lbs. of body weight, 45 minutes prior to physical exertion or competition, preferably on an empty stomach.
• When not engaging in planned physical exertion, take a serving of 1-2 capsules in the afternoon on an empty stomach to maintain daily energy.
• Do not exceed more than 6 capsules in any 24 hour period unless otherwise directed by a healthcare practitioner.

What Our Testers Say

“I’m always curious about the physical energy I get (or don’t get) from rhodiola, it all depends on what I’m taking it with. In this case, I felt sustained mental and physical energy. I took Shroom Tech Sport before workouts, as suggested on the label. It doesn’t seem to contain much caffeine, but it gave me at least the same boost, if not more, than some of the high-stimulant pre-workouts I’ve used in the past. It definitely stimulated me mentally, though I noticed the biggest impact on physical performance.”

“Adaptogenic formulas like Shroom Tech Sport often make me feel calm, and this was no exception. I took it in the morning and afternoon, and overall I prefer it to start my day with coffee or breakfast. On days I expected to be otherwise jittery or nervous, like when a quarterly report draft was due, I feel like Shroom Tech helped me stay level headed through it. I’m not sure it helped with my focus, but I felt less fatigued and less nervous than I might feel without it.”

“Like Alexandra, I also enjoyed taking this with coffee, though I liked it more in the afternoon when I’m facing a post-lunch slump. Cordyceps on its own has never been the most potent thing for me, but in this formulation and with these ingredients, I felt pretty good. I’m not sure I’d take it every day, but I’ll keep it handy if I need something to fight a sluggish afternoon.”

“This didn’t help me feel ”˜sharp’ like Alpha BRAIN, which was a little disappointing. However, I never felt tired on days when I took Shroom Tech. I’m going to think of it as more of a hedge against stress and tiredness than a focus or energy enhancer on its own.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Shroom Tech Sport contains some caffeine from green tea, so be aware of that when combining with other stimulants like coffee.
• This is a fairly robust adaptogenic formula, especially when starting, we recommend taking on its own instead of stacking with other nootropics.
• Don’t take too close to bedtime, as it may cause some mild difficulty sleeping when taken right before bed.
• Take before a workout to get more out of your session.

Supplement Summary

Unlike Alpha BRAIN or Alpha BRAIN Instant, Shroom Tech Sport didn’t impart a remarkable sense of sharpness or focus. It DID, however, prove popular among our testers for fighting fatigue and taking the edge off stressful situations. We’re not convinced this is an everyday nootropic, but for times when particularly challenging physical or mental tasks are right in front of you, it may certainly make those situations more tolerable, and less exhausting.

Interested in learning more? Check out our reviews of Onnit products Alpha BRAIN and Alpha BRAIN Instant.

The post Kiss Fatigue Goodbye? Reviewing Shroom TECH Sport by Onnit appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Read our review of Nootrobox’s RISE nootropic here and SPRINT nootropic here.

The company’s two main nootropics are RISE, a combo of well-researched adaptogenic and cholinergic compounds, and SPRINT, which features the potent caffeine + l-theanine combo for sustained energy and no crash. We’ve reviewed each independently, but we’ve also been trying the two in tandem.

The company generally suggests taking RISE as the baseline, everyday brain booster, with SPRINT added in when you need an extra, well, boost. Read below to see what we thought of the pairing.

What Our Testers Say

“I really liked RISE but wasn’t the biggest fan of SPRINT on its own. However, when I took them together (RISE in the morning, SPRINT after lunch when I generally lag in energy), I liked what I felt. I’ve found out I really like the combo of rhodiola + Alpha-GPC + caffeine + theanine before, and stacking these two puts those compounds in a much more convenient package (as opposed to reaching for them individually and adding in coffee).”

“RISE keeps me calm and level-headed in the face of work stress, and it’s gradually becoming one of my go-to’s for regular use. I haven’t felt like I’m building a tolerance to it, and generally I think the effects are cumulative for me; I felt better the second week of taking it than the first, and so on. Adding SPRINT in is a nice touch, but I’m a coffee person, so generally I’ve got enough caffeine on hand to keep me going. I can see how it’s convenient, though.”

“I’m still a little skeptical that SPRINT lasts 6 hours for me, but it’s definitely at least as potent as coffee, and I like the addition of theanine, among other things. I took both these supplements on my last trip, when it would be tough for me to keep on my regular schedule or get coffee I liked, and they kept me productive and focused. A good combo for convenience and impact. Not compounds you can’t get elsewhere, but if you don’t like mystery ingredients or amounts, this is probably a good way to get started in nootropics.”

“I got the most benefit out of taking both RISE and SPRINT together with breakfast. One really hard days I needed coffee or another serving of SPRINT after lunch, but I’ve found this combo a solid way to start my mornings.”

Supplement Summary

Overall, our testers found the RISE + SPRINT combo convenient and reliable, though not overly innovative. That’s almost a relief, as the nootropic supplements space is filled with “proprietary” formulas we’ve tried and hated. We’re excited to see what Nootrobox releases next in their product line, and we hope they maintain the same level of transparency moving forward.

If you’re looking for another potent stack that includes Nootrobox’s RISE supplement, consider combining it with MagTech for an all-day boost in productivity.

Interested in RISE or SPRINT? Save 10% off all Nootrobox products with the exclusive BrainWiz Nootrobox coupon.

The post Stacking Nootrobox’s RISE and SPRINT: Is It the Ultimate Combo? appeared first on Brain Wiz.

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The company has developed a number of instant drink mixes featuring Chaga, Reishi, and Cordyceps mushrooms, and these formulas are targeted at boosting digestion, immunity, relaxation, and/or focus. Several of their products feature common nootropic ingredients combined with mushroom extracts and instant drink mixes like coffee and hot chocolate.

Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps is one such product, which Four Sigmatic says provides stimulatory effects of caffeine without the jitteriness. Our testers tried out the coffee, reviewing it for both its purported effects and flavor. Read below to see what we found.

The Ingredients

Active Ingredients:

Instant Coffee Powder – Caffeine 40 mg

The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine reduces drowsiness and sedation by inhibiting adenosine (a nervous system depressant) from reaching receptors in the brain. There are extensive studies on the effects of caffeine on cognition, alertness, and athletic performance.

Strong Mushroom Dual-Extract 500 mg

Siberian Chaga Mushroom Dual-Extract (Inonotus obliquus) – 350 mg

The Chaga mushroom has been used extensively in both Ayurvedic and traditional medicine. The extract is typically prescribed for its diuretic and potentially anti-cancer properties. Four Sigmatic claims the highly alkaline mushroom also helps neutralize some of coffee’s natural acidity and bitterness, resulting in a smoother taste along with increased anti-oxidants properties.

Chaga mushrooms have been used in the past as replacement for coffee during times when it’s in short supply, so it’s not a big surprise that the two could be paired as far as flavor profile.

Cordyceps Dual-Extract – 150 mg

The cordyceps mushroom is an adaptogen that has been used in Chinese and Tibetan medicine as a treatment for numerous ailments, though its exact effects on the body still need to be determined through extensive clinical research. There’s also some early but promising clinical research indicating cordyceps extract has significant anti-fatigue properties, which is one of Four Sigmatic’s main claims about the ingredient.

While previously medicinal cordyceps mushrooms were hatched inside caterpillars, the mushrooms used in the Four Sigmatic’s products are vegan. Their site also contains extensive information about their ingredient extraction processes.

Usage Guidelines

Instant – Add one packet to 7fl oz of hot water.

What Our Testers Say

“The Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps had me feeling like I’m enjoying a cup of coffee without worrying about bouncing off the walls, and the subsequent crash. My caffeine tolerance is prety low. My limit is usually ¼ cup of coffee before I start feeling off, but I was able to enjoy my whole cup, and the clean energy that came with it. There’s not a ton of caffeine in here, but I still felt effects.”

“I wasn’t crazy about the potency of this when mixed with the full amount of water, but I did feel a nice bit of energy after taking it. I ended up following it with my regular cup of coffee, and also tried mixing it with less water, which got me better results. I would use it again, especially on trips where quality coffee options are limited. Like the company claims, this coffee doesn’t taste acidic at all, or just very mildly so.”

“This was a little too mild for me on its own, so I mixed it in with my cold brew. The flavor was fine, and I do think that the Cordyceps took a bit of my jitters out, maybe not quite on the level of 200mg or so of l-theanine, which I like pairing with caffeine, but it was still noticeable. I will keep adding this to my normal brew for days when I need an extra push and don’t want to feel jumpy.”

“I mixed 1 packet with a vanilla protein shake, and it was amazing. There was a really mild, and sustained wave of energy, with no slump. It was a little too tea-like for me with the full 7 oz of hot water, but it was just right in my shake.”

Brain Wiz Tips

• Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee mixes well with both cold and hot liquids.
• The taste is mild. Our testers had success mixing it with less water for a stronger taste.
• This supplement contains about half the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee, making this a potentially solid option for those sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants.
• Some of our java junkie testers mixed the powder with hot or cold coffee for a stronger taste and buzz.

<li”>This coffee is noticeably less acidic than plain coffee.

• It tastes like coffee, NOT mushrooms, though the mouth-feel is slightly thicker when mixed with 7 ounces or less of water.
• Individually packaged servings makes it portable and convenient for travel.
• This product is vegan and Non-GMO.

Supplement Summary

Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps surprised us and, at least mildly, impressed even our biggest coffee fanatics. It may be a great option for people who do well on smaller amounts of caffeine but would still like the buzz and energy boost with a lower instance of jitters and no crash. The flavor of the coffee is good, albeit extremely mild, it will likely be too light for those accustomed to a stronger brew. Some of our bolder testers mixed it with both protein shakes and coffee with great success. As with any caffeine-containing product, start slow and assess your tolerance before adding additional ingredients.

For our testers, this product performed basically as advertised, promoting an even wave of energy with no crash and no jitteriness. The convenience was also a plus.

The post New Brain Drink? Reviewing Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps by Four Sigmatic appeared first on Brain Wiz.

Four Sigmatic bills this form of their instant coffee as a productivity boosters with adaptogenic properties. Read on to see if it lived up to the manufacturer’s claims.

The Ingredients

Instant Coffee Powder – 40 mg caffeine

Caffeine doesn’t so much provide the brain/body with energy as it reduces fatigue. Caffeine actually reduces drowsiness and sedation by inhibiting adenosine (a nervous system depressant) from reaching receptors in the brain. There are extensive studies on the effects of caffeine on cognition, alertness, and athletic performance.

Siberian Chaga Mushroom Dual Extract (Inonotus obliquus) – 250 mg

The Chaga mushroom has been used extensively in both Ayurvedic and traditional medicine. The extract is typically prescribed for its diuretic and potentially anti-cancer properties. Four Sigmatic claims the highly alkaline mushroom also helps neutralize some of coffee’s natural acidity and bitterness, resulting in a smoother taste along with increased anti-oxidants properties.

Chaga mushrooms have been used in the past as replacement for coffee during times when it’s in short supply, so it’s not a big surprise that the two could be paired as far as flavor profile.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Dual Extract (Yamabushitake) – 250 mg

A dietary mushroom that is now being studied for potentially significant cognitive benefits, Lion’s Mane mushroom may act by increasing nerve growth factor by acting on mRNA. It may also promote the growth of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers that helps conduct impulses between neurons. It may also be neuroprotective in that it could reduce the death rate of certain neurons. In another human study, it was also linked with reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Overall, the current clinical research on Lion’s Mane suggests its potential as a powerful neuroprotective and protector against cognitive decline, but only when taken consistently and in doses much higher than what’s available in Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane. However, it’s unknown at this point what the minimum effective dose is for this supplement.

Wild Tibetan Rhodiola Extract (water and ethanol extract) – 100 mg

A noted adaptogen with few (if any) noted side effects, rhodiola is an herbal extract shown to boost physical and mental endurance while reducing the perceived symptoms of stress. Rhodiola fights fatigue, and there’s some anecdotal evidence it boost the effects of stimulants like coffee. Generally, a very large amount of rhodiola (over 600 mg) does not seem to boost the ingredient’s effects and may actually reduce them; with rhodiola, less may in fact be more for some users, and some clinical studies have seen effectiveness at doses under 100mg. It’s also a headlining ingredient in stimulant-free stacks like RISE by Nootrobox.

Several of our BrainWiz testers enjoy pairing rhodiola with coffee for a cognitive and energy boost. While several supplements we’ve reviewed include a rhodiola-caffeine pairing, including Neurorise, this is the first coffee product we’ve seen with the herb included.

Usage Guidelines

Add one packet to 7fl oz of hot water or blend into your favorite smoothie.

What Our Testers Say

“This coffee is very mildly caffeinated (Four Sigmatic says it has about half the caffeine of normal coffee), and when I tried their Cordyceps blend, I actually ended up mixing it with cold brew to get more caffeine. But after trying this version, I felt a bit more in the sense of sustained energy, or at least less fatigue throughout the day than I normally do. The effect was somewhat similar to their Cordyceps coffee, but moreso. It’s also a convenient way to get rhodiola and coffee in one supplement, which is something I normally combine on my own up to twice a day.”

“I’ve played around with the best way to mix Four Sigmatic’s blends, and I’ve settled on putting them in protein shakes. I felt less of an energy boost than with the cordyceps version, but this one definitely kept me calm after I took it. The taste seemed similar to their other mushroom coffees, if you don’t like earthy tastes, may not be the best option for you.”

“I have a fairly low caffeine tolerance, and I enjoyed this lightly caffeinated coffee about as much as Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee with Cordyceps (which is to say, a significant amount). I’ve been taking Rhodiola for years, and I’ve learned it doesn’t take much to give me an added sense of calm in the face of stress. Overall, this blend worked well for me. It’s not the tastiest drink to start the day, but when paired with breakfast, which I always try to do on the occasions when I drink coffee, I really liked this blend. The packets are also really convenient for travel, I’m tossing a few in my toiletries bag for work trips.”

“I didn’t experience any energy boost from this, but I like the taste (not very acidic, so good for the first cup in the morning). It’d be a solid option to keep at my desk when I don’t have time to run out for coffee, but I might experiment with taking two packets at once.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffees mix well with both cold and hot liquids.
• This is a mild coffee that tastes far less acidic than most others we’ve tried.
• Has a slightly earthy taste.
• Four Sigmatic’s mushroom coffees are vegan and Non-GMO.
• A convenient option for travel with the portable, single-serving packs.
• A few of our testers experimented with mixing this into shakes and other drinks (which Four Sigmatic recommends trying). It was a welcome addition to vanilla or chocolate protein shakes as far as taste, texture, and effect.
• Like their other mushroom coffees, the taste is mild. Our testers had success mixing it with less water for a stronger taste.
• This supplement contains about half the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee, making this a potentially solid option for those sensitive to caffeine or other stimulants.

Supplement Summary

Four Sigmatic’s Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane was generally well received by our testers, who appreciated its mild taste and calming effect. While we’re slightly skeptical this amount of Lion’s Mane can significantly boost cognition with one serving, we enjoyed the rhodiola-caffeine pairing for a stress-fighting combo. We recommend new users experiment with various ways to mix or prepare this coffee, including protein shakes and both hot and cold preparations.

For its cost and ingredient profile, Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane provides solid value for its cost-per-serving in a travel-friendly and convenient delivery system.

The post Adaptogen Coffee? Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane by Four Sigmatic appeared first on Brain Wiz.

There are no newcomers to the list of ingredients in Addium, at least nothing we haven’t seen many times before, and as with many supplements containing a “proprietary blend,” Precision Labs does not list the quantity or concentration of most of the active ingredients. Read on to find out if Addium boosted our testers’ brain performance, or if this is just another supplement with unrealistic claims.

Addium Nutrition Label

The Ingredients

Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – 30mg

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.

Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) – 5mg

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

Proprietary Blend – 545mg

Caffeine

The world’s most popular stimulant, caffeine reduces drowsiness and sedation by inhibiting adenosine (a nervous system depressant) from reaching receptors in the brain. There are extensive studies on the effects of caffeine on cognition, alertness, and athletic performance.

GABA

This amino acid acts in the central nervous system calming nervous brain activity. It is a neuropsychotropic compound that functions as both a nootropic and as a tranquilizer by stimulating dopamine production. In certain situations, GABA has been shown to both decrease anxiety and promote relaxation, though it may have difficulty crossing the blood/brain barrier through oral supplementation.

Bacopa Monnieri

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used in Ayurveda as a revitalizer, cognitive booster, and stress reliever. Scientific tests show the positive effects the herb can have on memory and free recall, though it may occasionally cause restlessness or feelings of apathy in some users (like most adaptogens, experience varies from person to person).

Alpha GPC

L-Alpha glycerylphosphorylcholine is a phospholipid (a main component of cell membranes) that has been positively linked with increased memory and learning capacity. It is one of the most effective compounds at increasing systemic and brain concentrations of choline.

L-Theanine

An amino acid exclusive to tea in dietary forms, L-Theanine increases alpha brain waves, inducing relaxation without any drowsiness.

Phosphatidylserine

Phosphatidylserine is another phospholipid vital to the maintenance of healthy nerve cell membranes. It has a direct effect on the release of both dopamine and noradrenaline, and it positively affects memory.

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.

Vinpocetine

Vinpocetine is an herb-derived chemical that has been used to treat cerebrovascular disorders in Hungary. It is both a neuroprotective and a vasodilator, possibly increasing blood flow to the brain.

Huperzine A

Huperzine A is an herb-derived chemical that has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s. Studies show it may improve cognitive function and memory.

Other Ingredients: Gelatin, Silicon Dioxide, Magnesium Stearate (vegetable), Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Yellow #5, FD&C Red #3,

Allergens: Soybeans

Usage Guidelines

• As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule daily.
• CAUTION: Do not exceed recommended dose. Pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, and individuals with a known medical condition should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.

What Our Testers Say

“Took this in the morning with my pre-workout, and there was a definite rush of energy. Couldn’t tell whether the flush was from working out or from the niacin/B3, but I felt warmer and redder than I usually do post-workout. The effects (both the flush and the energy) didn’t last long, though, and I found myself reaching for some coffee by early afternoon.”

“I don’t know how much caffeine is in this, but it was too much for me, or at least, one pill of the stack had me jittery. This gave me tons of nervous energy, even with the included L-Theanine in a mystery amount, and I crashed hard.”

“I think this did help me focus a bit, but it works a lot more like an energy pill than a nootropic. I had it with my morning coffee, and it just edged on being too much caffeine.”

“I took this for a couple of weeks, and I could tell my focus and memory were a little better, but not as well-rounded as other popular nootropic stacks. I could see how the caffeine in this, combined with some of the other ingredients in the “proprietary blend”, could be too much for people with a stimulant-sensitivity. I tried taking it both in the morning and to combat the afternoon slump, with some luck. This felt like more of a stimulant pill than anything else.”

BrainWiz Tips

• Take Addium with food to ease absorption, especially if you are sensitive to stimulants.
• Be careful when taking other stimulants or caffeine-containing beverages with Addium.
• All of our testers experienced an increase in energy while on Addium, though a couple experienced a crash once the supplement wore off.

<li”>As with any other supplements, consult a doctor or medical professional before starting a new regimen if you are on medication or have a preexisting condition.

Supplement Summary

Although all of our testers felt something on Addium, it was far from the advertised unlocking of 100% of the brain’s potential; overall, it felt much more like a quick stimulant rush with a resulting crash. The amount of caffeine in Addium is not listed, and most testers felt like it was the equivalent to about 2 shots of espresso.  If you are a coffee drinker, you may want to try Addium in the afternoon, instead of that second cup of coffee. This may not be the best supplement for those sensitive to niacin or stimulants in general.

The post True Cerebral Enhancement? Reviewing Addium by Precision Labs appeared first on Brain Wiz.

The list of ingredients in their newer Focus+ stack, is quite familiar, featuring a significant number of well-researched nootropics, paired with an unknown (but observationally high) dose of stimulants and adaptogens. Read on to find out what our testers thought about it, and whether or not Focus+ is on par with the best nootropics.

Excelerol Focus Plus Label and Indgredients

The Ingredients

Vitamin B12 – 1,250

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

Niacin – 5 mg

This is a common B vitamin linked to both increased cognition and longevity, and niacin is responsible for the famous (and harmless) “flush” some users get when taking it.

Huperzine 1% Standardized – 12.5 mcg

Huperzine A is a compound derived from Chinese club moss that has been used to improve cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

Vinpocetine – 600 mcg

Vinpocetine is a chemical derived from the periwinkle plant, and it’s known to increase cerebral blood flow. Doctors in Hungary have been prescribing this compound to treat cerebrovascular disorders for decades.

Proprietary Formulation – 650 mg

Guarana Extract

Guarana is a climbing plant native to the Amazon with seeds that contain almost four times the amount of caffeine as coffee. Even in low doses, it often provides more stimulation than caffeine alone  due to its concentration of phytonutrients.

Kola Nut Extract

The fruit of the kola tree, the kola nut has been used as a flavoring ingredient in many consumer products. It contains both caffeine and theobromine, an alkaloid also found in the cacao plant.

DMAE

DMAE Bitrate, or Deanol, is a chemical used to treat ADHD, improve memory, and boost cognitive function. Deanol is essential to the production and of choline, one of the building blocks of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. It’s a chemical precursor to choline and boosts alertness.

Acetyl L-Carnitine

This compound pairs very well with choline; when combined, the two form the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Having both in the same supplement is a good hedge in case the body is deficient in either compound.

Bacopa Monnieri Extract

Bacopa Monnieri is an herb used as an antidepressant and a cognitive booster. While performing stressful cognitive tests, subjects taking Bacopa Monnieri experienced the herb’s nootropic effects and reduced both stress and cortisol levels.

Peppermint Oil

Often used as a flavoring agent, peppermint oil has also been used in the treatment of a variety of digestive problems. The smell of peppermint has been shown to enhance memory.

Tulsi (Holy Basil) Extract

A noted adaptogen, ursolic acid (the active ingredient in this extract) helps reduce the negative effects of stress. Note: In high dosages, research indicates ursolic acid may actually be an anti-fertility agent and could reduce reproductive capability in the short term. We’ve had good experience with adaptogens before, but wonder if it would have been a good idea to leave this ingredient out, given its potential side effects.

Ginkgo Biloba Extract

Ginko has been used in Chinese medicine  for thousands of years to promote memory. More recently, clinical studies and research reviews have pointed to its efficacy in fighting dementia and neural decline.

Rhodiola Extract

While there’s some evidence that Rhodiola Rosea can combat the effects of physical stress, it’s best known and well-researched to fight fatigue from mental challenges and tasks. Basically, evidence suggests this herb helps us better manage stress, and it also combats fatigue we might feel from mentally (and potentially physically) grueling tasks. Some early research also indicates Rhodiola could improve overall longevity and brain health  in mammals.

Phosphatidylserine

This is a widely-used nootropic compound that, until the 1990s, was very difficult to synthesize. Clinical testing and trials have linked it to improved cognition, and the compound has also been shown to reduce levels of cortisol (a well-known stress hormone).

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.

Green Tea Extract, White Tea Extract, Black Tea Extract

All three of these teas contain varying quantities of polyphenols, caffeine, and l-theanine. An amino acid that’s becoming an increasingly common ingredient in nootropics, l-theanine promotes relaxation without being a sedative. Research suggests it also helps the brain deal with stress. Often paired with caffeine, l-theanine effects appear complementary to the world’s most popular stimulant. It may also increase brain activity and memory.

Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC)

Choline is a vital compound in neurotransmission, and research suggests many Americans don’t get enough from their regular diets. (In fact, choline-based nootropics are increasingly common, and some of our testers have experienced enhanced memory and focus simply from supplementing choline.) This is the same form of choline as in popular stack (and BrainWiz tester favorite) Alpha Brain.

Citicoline

Choline is a vital compound in neurotransmission, and research suggests many Americans don’t get enough from their regular diets. (Choline-based nootropics are increasingly common, and some of our testers have experienced enhanced memory and focus simply from supplementing choline.) It’s a common ingredient in many nootropic stacks.

Other Ingredients: Glycerin, Hypromellose (Vegetarian), Titanium Dioxide, FD&C Blue #1, FD&C Yellow.

Usage Guidelines

Take 1 capsule daily with plenty of water.

What Our Testers Say

“I was excited to try this, since I had such a great experience with with the guarana in Lumonol.  Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case with Focus+.  I took 1 capsule, with breakfast, and two full glasses of water, but that was still not enough to deter the jitters. I felt a ton of nervous energy, and actually had a harder time concentrating than usual. This feeling lasted for about 4 hours, when I crashed hard.”

“I wasn’t too excited to try this product, especially because they did not have specifics on how much Holy Basil, or at what concentration, the ”˜Proprietary Formulation contained.’ I also didn’t know whether or not that formulation contained enough of an ingredient, say, Rhodiola, to meet the minimal effective dose. I tested it, though I was also hesitant because Ursolic Acid has some potential side effects. I took it in the morning, with with a shake, and felt a definite rush of energy. This was as effective as my pre-workout for energy, but I didn’t get much more out of it.”

“I felt a tad on edge on this supplement, whether I took it with or without coffee. There were no real cognitive benefits while taking this either.”

“As I have mentioned before, I do my best to avoid artificial coloring. I understand that this is part of their branding, each individual pill is blue and green with each capsule individually labeled, but I believe that a product can be just as recognizable for its quality as it is for its branding.  I do like this product as an energy supplement, but don’t think I would consider adding it to my permanent rotation even if Excelerol removed their overkill, on-pill branding. I prefer to get my jolt from coffee.”

BrainWiz Tips

• This stack contains several stimulant ingredients, loaded with caffeine. We suggest you take this supplement with food, and away from other caffeine-containing beverages, like coffee or tea.
• Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, as this supplement can dehydrate you.
• Adaptogens like Rhodiola Rosea and Panax Ginseng may actually boost the effects of common stimulants like caffeine.
• As with any supplement or nutritional regimen, you should talk to your doctor or medical professional before use.
• The bottle suggests taking this supplement up to 3 times a day, but beware of taking it too late into the afternoon, especially if you have trouble falling asleep.

Supplement Summary

Focus+ may be a good alternative for non-coffee drinkers looking for a buzz, but for our testers, the benefits stopped there. Despite having an impressive list of ingredients, the fact that neither the quantities nor concentration of many ingredients listed makes us doubt there’s enough of them in the stack to really make a difference.

The post Energy That Comes Up Short? Reviewing Focus+ by Excelerol appeared first on Brain Wiz.

The result? By stacking Rhodiola Rosea and Smart Caffeine, we’ve been able to power through heftier workloads and stress while mitigating the crash and fatigue that often comes as caffeine wears off.

The first part of the stack is actually two ingredients: the body hacker’s favorite combo of caffeine (stimulant) and L-theanine (calming amino acid). It’s a common combo, and Natural Stacks’ Smart Caffeine blends both for a straightforward ingredient list and 2-to-1 proportion of theanine to caffeine. L-theanine has a calming effect without feeling like a sedative, and when taken with caffeine, it tends to increase perceptions of alertness while reducing the chances of jitters. For us, it’s a “smoother” feeling of energy.

The second second half of this potent stack is Rhodiola Rosea, an “adaptogen” famed for its ability to fight mental tiredness, the symptoms of stress, and even physical fatigue. Derived from an herb used in several traditional medicine practices, Rhodiola is often paired with caffeine in some high-profile nootropic supplements, and we often take it with our morning coffee. (In fact, a few supplements like Neurofuse combine rhodiola with caffeine and l-theanine.) It can be powerful on its own, and in this stack, it’s a tool we’ve used to combat the stress of deadline situations. It also doesn’t take much, and most effective doses are between 100 and 600 mg of the extract (which normally has between 1 and 3% rosavins and 1 and 2% salidrosides). More then 600 mg might actually be less effective for some users.

So there you have it: Smart Caffeine and Rhodiola Rosea are one of our favorite combos for working under a deadline. It doesn’t take much, and we recommend staying within the manufacturer’s recommended dosages, or even on the lower end when stacking (just one pill each of Smart Caffeine and Solaray’s Rhodiola was plenty for our testers; we don’t like overdoing it on caffeine in any stack!).

The post Working on a Deadline? Try This Potent Brain Stack appeared first on Brain Wiz.