Our Ingredients

The Rules that Smart Owl Coffee was founded on:

DRINK SMART. THINK SMART.

MEET OUR FEATURED INGREDIENT:

  L-theanine

Present in ALL of our Infused Blends

L-theanine is an amino acid derived from tea leaves that is beneficial in many processes, yet is not abundant in our diets. A known nootropic, or a cognitive enhancer, L-theanine safely bolsters the brain in several ways.  It increases alpha brain waves, which reduce anxiety and promote creativity and a calm mood. It is also associated with an elevation in levels of beneficial non-excitatory neurotransmitters, namely GABA, and other compounds, such as dopamine and seratonin, that facilitate smooth communication among brain cells.

This combo a NO BRAINER and the base from which all of our blends are built from. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine produce a low-stress, sustained, super focus that allows you to achieve maximum productivity, without the jitters and crash that you might experience with coffee alone.

Theanine has many additional known benefits that include improved immune response, digestion, sleep cycle regulation, and more.

The science behind caffeine and theanine: Our brains have excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters that regulate our mood, mental state, and ultimately affect how we respond in different situations. The two main neurotransmitters: Glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter; and GABA, the inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter, work opposite eachother in our brains to help to control excitability, hyperactivity, etc.

Caffeine improves alertness and wakefulness by blocking another important neurotransmitter, adenosine, which is the sleep inducing neurotransmitter. It also increases the feel good neurotransmitter, dopamine (which is part of the reason why it makes us feel happier), and glutamate. It is this increase in glutamate, the excitatory neurotransmitter, that is responsible for some of the unwanted side effects of caffeine, like jitters and anxiety. 

Here's where L-theanine becomes relevant! L-Theanine can be thought of as a glutamate blocker, meaning it can bind to glutamate receptors in the brain, thereby blocking them, and preventing the body from entering an overstimulated state.  L-theanine also increases levels of GABA, which are the inhibitory neurotransmitters, helping to further reduce the chance for over-excitability.

An excessive amount of glutamate in the brain is neurotoxic, induces cell death, and contributes to cognitive decline and disease. The presence of L-theanine long term has shown to mitigate these effects, improving memory and cognition over time.

 Click Coffee and Chemistry  to read our blog about this killer combo.

COGNITION BLEND INGREDIENTS:

 L-Theanine

found in Cognition Blend, ReCharge Blend, Immune Blend, Digest Blend, Balance Blend, Spiced Mocha Rose, Essentials Blend

Cognition Blend simply contains a mega-dose of L-theanine due to its focus amplifying effects. This nootropic amino acid works synergistically with caffeine to counter the jitters and crash and creates a calming, stabilizing effect on the brain and mood. Designed to allow you to maximize productivity, creativity, and get you in the zone (See ABOVE for more details). 

1. T. Giesbrecht, J.A. Rycroft, M.J. Rowson, E.A. De Bruin. The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness. Nutritional Neuroscience: An International Journal on Nutrition, Diet, ad Nervous System. Volume 13, 2010.
2. Kelly SP, Gomez-Ramirez M, Montesi JL, Foxe JJ. L-theanine and caffeine in combination affect human cognition as evidenced by oscillatory alpha-band activity and attention task performance. J Nutr. 2008;138(8):1572S-1577S. doi:10.1093/jn/138.8.1572S
3. Yoto A, Motoki M, Murao S, Yokogoshi H. Effects of L-theanine or caffeine intake on changes in blood pressure under physical and psychological stresses. J Physiol Anthropol. 2012;31(1):28. Published 2012 Oct 29. doi:10.1186/1880-6805-31-28
4. Li C, Tong H, Yan Q, et al. L-Theanine Improves Immunity by Altering TH2/TH1 Cytokine Balance, Brain Neurotransmitters, and Expression of Phospholipase C in Rat Hearts. Med Sci Monit. 2016;22:662-669. Published 2016 Feb 28. doi:10.12659/msm.897077
5. Liu Y, Wang X, Hu CA. Therapeutic Potential of Amino Acids in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Nutrients. 2017;9(9):920. Published 2017 Aug 23. doi:10.3390/nu9090920
6.  Yan Q, Tong H, Tang S, Tan Z, Han X, Zhou C. L-Theanine Administration Modulates the Absorption of Dietary Nutrients and Expression of Transporters and Receptors in the Intestinal Mucosa of Rats. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:9747256. doi:10.1155/2017/974725
7. Wallace JL, Devchand PR. Emerging roles for cyclooxygenase-2 in gastrointestinal mucosal defense. Br J Pharmacol. 2005;145(3):275-282. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706201

 

IMMUNE BLEND INGREDIENTS:

  Blood Orange Extract  

found in Immune Blend 

Blood orange extract provides Vitamin C. It is common knowledge that vitamin C is good for your immune system but most people do not know the role it plays. Not only is vitamin C a great antioxidant but it is also accumulates in our immune mediated cells, such as neutrophils. Here it promotes phagocytosis and generates ROS, or reactive oxygen species, promoting the killing of microbial invaders.

1. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017;9(11):1211. Published 2017 Nov 3. doi:10.3390/nu9111211

  Elderberry Extract 

found in Immune Blend 

Elderberry is gaining notice in the health field because of its immune boosting benefits. Multiple double blind placebo studies have shown that elderberry consumption drastically increases certain cytokines. These cytokines basically signal immune cells, such as Macrophages and T-cells, which aid in combating unwanted microbes.

1. Tiralongo E, Wee SS, Lea RA. Elderberry Supplementation Reduces Cold Duration and Symptoms in Air-Travellers: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Nutrients. 2016;8(4):182. Published 2016 Mar 24. doi:10.3390/nu8040182

  L-lysine 

found in Immune Blend 

L-Lysine is classified as an essential amino acid. This simply means that it can not be synthesized in the body and must be obtained in the diet. L-lysine's role in immune function is a little unique and indirect, but very important. Viruses need L-Arginine, an amino acid, to replicate and proliferate in the body. L-lysine inhibits the viruses access to L-arginine and therefore impedes the viruses ability to replicate. It's easier to think of L-lysine as an L-arginine blocker, helping to keep viruses from getting a foothold in your body.

  Zinc 

found in Immune Blend 

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays hundreds of roles in our bodies. It's role in immunity is unique in that it contributes to innate immunity, such as neutrophils and Natural killer cells, as well as adaptive immunity, such as T and B lymphocytes. Research shows that taking zinc can shorten durations of colds.

Vitamin D3

found in Immune Blend and Spiced Mocha Rose

Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. Research has shown that vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression, as well. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight, however when exposure to sunlight it limited, you must obtain it through certain foods and supplements. Immune Blend is your sunshine in a cup- as it now contains 100% RDA of vitamin D in every 16oz cup.

 L-Theanine

 L- Theanine is the main ingredient in our Cognition Blend due to its focus amplifying effects. This nootropic amino acid works synergistically with caffeine to counter the jitters and crash and creates a calming, stabilizing effect on the brain and mood. 

L-theanine also plays a role in immune regulation. Studies show that L-theanine increases innate immunity by regulating Th1/Th2 cytokines. Basically L -Theanine beefs up your front line attackers against foreign invaders.

(See Cognition Blend ingredients above for full details and cited articles)  

 

DIGEST BLEND INGREDIENTS:

  L-glutamine 

found in Digest Blend 

L-Glutamine is the most plentiful amino acid in the body. This amino acid is considered semi essential because it will greatly reduce in time of stress, such as intense exercise and or injury. One area where L-Glutamine plays an important role is the regulation of tight junctions and reducing permeability of both the small and large intestine.  It is important in maintaining the villi that line the intestine and  prevent bacteria from entering through the intestinal wall. When L-Glutamine levels are low you are at risk for developing Leaky gut syndrome, IBS and IBD.

  Cinnamon 

found in Digest Blend, Spiced Mocha Rose, Essentials Blend

Cinnamon is a bark that tastes great in coffee and is loaded with antioxidants. This bark exhibits a couple of beneficial effects when consumed. The first is its powerful anti inflammatory properties. These properties are thought to aid in digestion and prevent indigestion and heartburn. Another advantage of using cinnamon with meals is its ability to control blood sugar levels. Some studies show that cinnamon consumption can lower blood sugar by over 20%.

found in Digest Blend

Turmeric is a flowering plant which is harvested for its rhizomes. These rhizomes contain polyphenols the most notable is curcumin. Curcumin has many pharmacological properties and potential health benefits. One of these benefits is its ability to reduce NF-kB( nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) which regulates cellular activity such as inflammation and apoptosis. Elevated NF-kB levels are found in colon biopsies with patients who suffer with IBS.

1. Burge K, Gunasekaran A, Eckert J, Chaaban H. Curcumin and Intestinal Inflammatory Diseases: Molecular Mechanisms of Protection. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(8):1912. Published 2019 Apr 18. doi:10.3390/ijms20081912   

 Piperine Extract 

found in Digest Blend

Black pepper contains the bioactive compound piperine, which is has been shown to help relieve nausea, headaches and poor digestion and also has anti-inflammatory properties. It's most significant benefit may be its ability to boost the absorption of curcumin. Research shows that combining the piperine with turmeric enhances curcumin absorption by up to 2,000%. It does this by slowing down the breakdown of curcumin by the liver, and making it easier for curcumin to pass through the intestinal wall and into your bloodstream.

1. Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, Majeed M, Rajendran R, Srinivas PS. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):353-6. doi: 10.1055/s-2006-957450. PMID: 9619120.

 L-Theanine

 L- Theanine is the main ingredient in our Cognition Blend due to its focus amplifying effects. This nootropic amino acid works synergistically with caffeine to counter the jitters and crash and creates a calming, stabilizing effect on the brain and mood. L- theanine not only amplifies beneficial non-excitatory neurotransmitters, namely GABA, dopamine, and serotonin, but also plays a role in immune regulation by beefing up your front line attackers against foreign invaders. 

L-theanine also aids in digestion. Studies show that it improves gastric ulcers that were caused by using common NSAIDs. There is also evidence in animal models that L-theanine increases intestinal transporters in the small intestine.

(See Cognition Blend ingredients above for full details and cited articles)  

 

BALANCE BLEND INGREDIENTS:

Marshmallow Root extract  

Found in Balance Blend 

Marshmallow root extract (Althaea officinalis) has been used for centuries for its many health benefits because it is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Marshmallow Root contains flavonoids, which help regulate cellular activity and fight off free radicals that cause oxidative stress on your body. In simpler terms, they help your body function more efficiently while protecting it against everyday toxins and stressors. Marshmallow Root is said to support healthy skin, aid in digestion, and promote cardiovascular and respiratory health. 

Maca Root Extract  

Found in Balance Blend 

Maca root extract (Lepidium meyenii), also known as Peruvian ginseng, wears many hats with regards to the various bioactivities that it can help to improve. Because of it's anti-fatigue properties, Maca root is effective in enhancing energy, stamina, and athletic performance. Several studies show beneficial effects on reproductive health, including increased libido (shwing!) Additional properties include antioxidation, neuroprotection, and antimicrobial activity.

1. Dording CM, Schettler PJ, Dalton ED, et al. A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:949036. doi:10.1155/2015/949036
2. Gonzales GF, Gasco M, Lozada-Requena I. Role of maca (Lepidium meyenii) consumption on serum interleukin-6 levels and health status in populations living in the Peruvian Central Andes over 4000 m of altitude. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2013;68(4):347-351. doi:10.1007/s11130-013-0378-5
3. Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormone Levels in Healthy Adult Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:324369. doi:10.1155/2015/324369 

Ashwagandha Root Extract  

Found in Balance Blend 

RECHARGE BLEND INGREDIENTS:

 L-Taurine 

Found in ReCharge Blend

L-Taurine a naturally occurring amino acid derivative with antioxidant properties that plays vital roles in nearly every cell in the body. It is revered by some researchers as a “wonder molecule” because few supplements safely provide as many potential health and performance benefits. L-Taurine and caffeine perfectly complement each other in that they both improve physical and mental performance.

-Detoxification and Liver protection: The liver is a detoxification machine and L-Taurine promotes liver function by protecting it against free radicals and toxins AND by preventing (even reversing according to some studies) fatty liver damage. With regards to alcohol, it facilitates the breakdown of acetylaldehyde (a hangover producing by product of alcohol consumption), thereby reducing the unwanted after effects of, ahem... over indulgence;)

-Physical Performance: Boosts physical performance by helping the flow of glucose to the muscles and supports the growth of muscle mass. In animal studies, L-Taurine caused muscles to work harder and for longer and increased the muscles' ability to contract and produce force. It also reduced fatigue and muscle damage during a workout

-Central Nervous System and Brain Function: Increases glycine and GABA to sooth the brain (AKA ease anxiety). It also protects the brain by reducing the harmful effects of excess glutamate and other toxins.

-Cardiovascular: Reduces blood pressure and regulates the body’s calcium level, reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis and heart attack.

-Digestion: Forms bile salts, which play an important role in digestion. May improve blood sugar control and combat diabetes.

So like... literally every part of you benefits from this one which is why it is the "star" of this blend.

1. Ripps H, Shen W. Review: taurine: a "very essential" amino acid. Mol Vis. 2012;18:2673-86. Epub 2012 Nov 12. PMID: 23170060; PMCID: PMC3501277.
2. Devi SL, Viswanathan P, Anuradha CV. Taurine enhances the metabolism and detoxification of ethanol and prevents hepatic fibrosis in rats treated with iron and alcohol. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol. 2009 Jan;27(1):120-6. doi: 10.1016/j.etap.2008.09.004. Epub 2008 Sep 23. PMID: 21783929.
3. Schuller-Levis GB, Park E. Taurine: new implications for an old amino acid. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2003 Sep 26;226(2):195-202. doi: 10.1016/S0378-1097(03)00611-6. PMID: 14553911.
4. Aruoma OI, Halliwell B, Hoey BM, Butler J. The antioxidant action of taurine, hypotaurine and their metabolic precursors. Biochem J. 1988 Nov 15;256(1):251-5. doi: 10.1042/bj2560251. PMID: 2851980; PMCID: PMC1135395.
5. Franconi F, Loizzo A, Ghirlanda G, Seghieri G. Taurine supplementation and diabetes mellitus. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2006 Jan;9(1):32-6. doi: 10.1097/01.mco.0000196141.65362.46. PMID: 16444816.
6. Kim KS, Oh DH, Kim JY, et al. Taurine ameliorates hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia by reducing insulin resistance and leptin level in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats with long-term diabetes. Exp Mol Med. 2012;44(11):665-673. doi:10.3858/emm.2012.44.11.075

Coconut Water Extract

Found in ReCharge Blend

Coconut Water powder is loaded with several important nutrients, including minerals that most people don’t get enough of, including: Vitamin C, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Sodium, and Calcium. Coconut water may be the perfect thing for restoring hydration and replenishing electrolytes lost during exercise, or dehydration from other means. Research has shown that coconut water contains antioxidants which modify free radicals so they no longer cause harm. It may benefit your heart, blood sugar, kidney health and more.

1. Saat M, Singh R, Sirisinghe RG, Nawawi M. Rehydration after exercise with fresh young coconut water, carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage and plain water. J Physiol Anthropol Appl Human Sci. 2002 Mar;21(2):93-104. doi: 10.2114/jpa.21.93. PMID: 12056182.
2. Santos JL, Bispo VS, Filho AB, Pinto IF, Dantas LS, Vasconcelos DF, Abreu FF, Melo DA, Matos IA, Freitas FP, Gomes OF, Medeiros MH, Matos HR. Evaluation of chemical constituents and antioxidant activity of coconut water (Cocus nucifera L.) and caffeic acid in cell culture. An Acad Bras Cienc. 2013;85(4):1235-47. doi: 10.1590/0001-37652013105312. Epub 2013 Sep 27. PMID: 24141413. 
3. Loki AL, Rajamohan T. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effect of tender coconut water on carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rats. Indian J Biochem Biophys. 2003 Oct;40(5):354-7. PMID: 22900330.
4. Manna K, Khan A, Kr Das D, Bandhu Kesh S, Das U, Ghosh S, Sharma Dey R, Das Saha K, Chakraborty A, Chattopadhyay S, Dey S, Chattopadhyay D. Protective effect of coconut water concentrate and its active component shikimic acid against hydroperoxide mediated oxidative stress through suppression of NF-κB and activation of Nrf2 pathway. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Aug 8;155(1):132-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.04.046. Epub 2014 May 14. PMID: 24835026.

Milk Thistle

Found in ReCharge Blend

The active ingredients in milk thistle are a group of plant compounds collectively known as silymarin  Silymarin extracted from milk thistle is known to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Extensive research has shown that it has protective properties in the liver, brain, and bones. It reduced liver inflammation and damage in numerous studies involving both alcohol and non-alcohol induced liver disease. Milk Thistle has been used for over 2 thousand years as a traditional remedy for neurological conditions and it’s antioxidant effects are thought to be neuroprotective. Researchers believe that is may be helpful at preventing osteoporosis by stimulating bone mineralization and protecting against bone loss.

1. Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytother Res. 2010 Oct;24(10):1423-32. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3207. PMID: 20564545.
2. Devi KP, Malar DS, Braidy N, Nabavi SM, Nabavi SF. A Mini Review on the Chemistry and Neuroprotective Effects of Silymarin. Curr Drug Targets. 2017;18(13):1529-1536. doi: 10.2174/1389450117666161227125121. PMID: 28025940.
3. Pérez-Hernández J, Zaldívar-Machorro VJ, Villanueva-Porras D, Vega-Ávila E, Chavarría A. A Potential Alternative against Neurodegenerative Diseases: Phytodrugs. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:8378613. doi: 10.1155/2016/8378613. Epub 2016 Jan 6. PMID: 26881043; PMCID: PMC4736801.
4. Kim MS, Ong M, Qu X. Optimal management for alcoholic liver disease: Conventional medications, natural therapy or combination? World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Jan 7;22(1):8-23. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.8. PMID: 26755857; PMCID: PMC4698510.
5. Aller R, Izaola O, Gómez S, Tafur C, González G, Berroa E, Mora N, González JM, de Luis DA. Effect of silymarin plus vitamin E in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A randomized clinical pilot study. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 Aug;19(16):3118-24. PMID: 26367736.
6. Ferenci P, Dragosics B, Dittrich H, Frank H, Benda L, Lochs H, Meryn S, Base W, Schneider B. Randomized controlled trial of silymarin treatment in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. J Hepatol. 1989 Jul;9(1):105-13. doi: 10.1016/0168-8278(89)90083-4. PMID: 2671116.
7. Kim JL, Kim YH, Kang MK, Gong JH, Han SJ, Kang YH. Antiosteoclastic activity of milk thistle extract after ovariectomy to suppress estrogen deficiency-induced osteoporosis. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:919374. doi: 10.1155/2013/919374. Epub 2013 May 28. PMID: 23781510; PMCID: PMC3678416.

Potassium Chloride

Found in ReCharge Blend

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps your cells, kidneys, heart, muscles, and nerves work properly. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals. Less than 2% of Americans meet the US recommendations for potassium either because of inadequate diet or deficiencies resulting from loss of water. To get more in your diet, consume foods, such as beet greens, spinach, kale, salmon, or Smart Owl Coffee ReCharge Blend. A high-potassium diet may help reduce blood pressure and water retention, protect against stroke and prevent osteoporosis and kidney stones.

1. Aburto NJ, Hanson S, Gutierrez H, Hooper L, Elliott P, Cappuccio FP. Effect of increased potassium intake on cardiovascular risk factors and disease: systematic review and meta-analyses. BMJ. 2013 Apr 3;346:f1378. doi: 10.1136/bmj.f1378. PMID: 23558164; PMCID: PMC4816263.
2. Cogswell ME, Zhang Z, Carriquiry AL, Gunn JP, Kuklina EV, Saydah SH, Yang Q, Moshfegh AJ. Sodium and potassium intakes among US adults: NHANES 2003-2008. Am J Clin Nutr. 2012 Sep;96(3):647-57. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.112.034413. Epub 2012 Aug 1. PMID: 22854410; PMCID: PMC3417219.
3. Gallen IW, Rosa RM, Esparaz DY, Young JB, Robertson GL, Batlle D, Epstein FH, Landsberg L. On the mechanism of the effects of potassium restriction on blood pressure and renal sodium retention. Am J Kidney Dis. 1998 Jan;31(1):19-27. doi: 10.1053/ajkd.1998.v31.pm9428447. PMID: 9428447.

Vitamin B12

Found in ReCharge Blend and Essentials Blend

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential vitamin that your body needs but cannot produce so must be consumed. It’s important for boosting your energy, improving your memory, and helping prevent heart disease. It supports the normal function of your nerve cells and is needed for red blood cell formation and DNA synthesis. B12 deficiency is common, can take years to show up, and diagnosing it can be complex. Low levels of B12 have been linked to mood and brain disorders like depression and dementia. When vitamin B12 levels are too low, the production of red blood cells is altered, causing anemia and low energy.

1. Almeida OP, Ford AH, Flicker L. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of folate and vitamin B12 for depression. Int Psychogeriatr. 2015 May;27(5):727-37. doi: 10.1017/S1041610215000046. Epub 2015 Feb 3. PMID: 25644193.
2. Malouf R, Areosa Sastre A. Vitamin B12 for cognition. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(3):CD004326. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004326. Update in: Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009;(1):CD004326. PMID: 12918012.
3. Lindenbaum J, Healton EB, Savage DG, Brust JC, Garrett TJ, Podell ER, Marcell PD, Stabler SP, Allen RH. Neuropsychiatric disorders caused by cobalamin deficiency in the absence of anemia or macrocytosis. N Engl J Med. 1988 Jun 30;318(26):1720-8. doi: 10.1056/NEJM198806303182604. PMID: 3374544

 L-Theanine

 L- Theanine is the main ingredient in our Cognition Blend due to its focus amplifying effects. This nootropic amino acid works synergistically with caffeine to counter the jitters and crash and creates a calming, stabilizing effect on the brain and mood. L- theanine not only amplifies beneficial non-excitatory neurotransmitters, namely GABA, dopamine and serotonin, but also plays a role in immune regulation by beefing up your front line attackers against foreign invaders. 

(See Cognition Blend ingredients above for details and cited articles)  

 

Spiced Mocha Rose Ingredients:

 

Cinnamon 

Cinnamon is a bark that tastes great in coffee and is loaded with antioxidants. This bark exhibits a couple of beneficial effects when consumed. The most significant are it's powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is also thought to aid in digestion and prevent indigestion and heartburn. (See our Digest Blend above for cited articles)   

Cacao

Cacao, has earned a reputation as a “superfood” due to its high amount of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins. Threobroma cacao, is the tree that produces cacao seeds, which are the raw precursor to cocoa/chocolate. The processing of the seeds to produce chocolate removes many of the beneficial components. However, raw cacao is a great source of magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Studies indicate that a specific flavanol in cacao, called epicatechin, may be beneficial to brain health, improved cognition, and neuroprotection. Cacao can also increase good bacteria in your gut, which make beneficial fatty acids that can improve gut health. We are excited to add this incredible ingredient to our line-up.

Rose Hip Extract

Rose Hips have been found to contain high levels of polyphenols, carotenoids, and vitamins C and E, all of which have powerful antioxidant properties. They have been linked to numerous benefits, including improved immunity, heart health, weight loss, and skin aging. In a review of three studies, supplementing with rosehip significantly reduced joint pain in people with osteoarthritis.

1. Liguori, Ilaria et al. Oxidative stress, aging, and diseases. Clinical interventions in aging vol. 13 757-772. 26 Apr. 2018, doi:10.2147/CIA.S15851
2. Nagatomo, Akifumi et al. Daily intake of rosehip extract decreases abdominal visceral fat in preobese subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy vol. 8 147-56. 6 Mar. 2015, doi:10.2147/DMSO.S7862
3. Warholm, Odd et al. The Effects of a Standardized Herbal Remedy Made from a Subtype of Rosa canina in Patients with Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. Current therapeutic research, clinical and experimental vol. 64,1 (2003): 21-31. doi:10.1016/S0011-393X(03)00004-3

Monk Fruit Extract

This extract is sweeter than sugar but contains zero calories, zero carbohydrates, zero sodium, and zero fat, making it a wonderful and safe alternative sweetener. The health benefits of monk fruit have been well-known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for decades. The fruit’s mogrosides are said to be anti-inflammatory, and may help prevent cancer and keep blood sugar levels stable. It’s been used for centuries to make hot drinks that relieve sore throats and reduce phlegm.

1. Rong Di, Mou-Tuan Huang, and Chi-Tang Ho Anti-inflammatory Activities of Mogrosides from Momordica grosvenori in Murine Macrophages and a Murine Ear Edema Model. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2011 59 (13), 7474-7481. DOI: 10.1021/jf201207m

Cardamom

The seeds, oils and extracts of cardamom are thought to have impressive medicinal properties and have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The abundance of antioxidant compounds in cardamom may help protect cells from damage and slow down and prevent inflammation throughout your body.

1. Korikanthimathm, Vs, Prasath, D., Rao, Govardhana. Medicinal properties of Elettaria cardamomum. J Med Aromat Plant Sci. Volume 22/23. 2001/01/01
2. Singaravel Sengottuvelu. Chapter 34 - Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Linn. Maton) Seeds in Health. Nuts and Seeds in Health and Disease Prevention. 2011, Pages 285-291. Department of Pharmacology, Nandha College of Pharmacy & Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, India
3. Verma, S K et al. Blood pressure lowering, fibrinolysis enhancing and antioxidant activities of cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum). Indian journal of biochemistry & biophysics vol. 46,6 (2009): 503-6.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D has several important functions. Perhaps the most vital are regulating the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, and facilitating normal immune system function. Getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases. Research has shown that vitamin D might play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression, as well. Your body produces vitamin D naturally when it’s directly exposed to sunlight, however when exposure to sunlight it limited, you must obtain it through certain foods and supplements. Spiced Mocha Rose Blend is your sunshine in a cup- as it now contains 100% RDA of vitamin D in every 16oz cup.* 

 (See Immune Blend ingredients above to see cited articles)  

 Cayenne 

Cayenne is often considered the king of medicinal herbs, because it contains the active ingredient Capsaicin, which has Metabolism-boosting as well as appetite suppressing properties.

1. Janssens PL, Hursel R, Martens EA, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. Acute effects of capsaicin on energy expenditure and fat oxidation in negative energy balance. PLoS One. 2013 Jul 2;8(7):e67786. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067786. PMID: 23844093; PMCID: PMC3699483. 
2. Smeets AJ, Westerterp-Plantenga MS. The acute effects of a lunch containing capsaicin on energy and substrate utilisation, hormones, and satiety. Eur J Nutr. 2009;48(4):229-234. doi:10.1007/s00394-009-0006-1
3. McCarty MF, DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH Capsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health Open Heart 2015;2:e000262. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2015-000262

 

 L-Theanine

 L- Theanine is the main ingredient in our Cognition Blend due to its focus amplifying effects. This nootropic amino acid works synergistically with caffeine to counter the jitters and crash and creates a calming, stabilizing effect on the brain and mood. L- theanine not only amplifies beneficial non-excitatory neurotransmitters, namely GABA, dopamine and serotonin, but also plays a role in immune regulation by beefing up your front line attackers against foreign invaders. 

(See Cognition Blend ingredients above for details and cited articles)  

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This page does not provide medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 

**It is suggested to consult your physician if you have any conditions that you are unsure may be contraindicated