The Science Behind Ember

Caffeine

What is caffeine?

One of the most widely consumed psychoactive substances worldwide, caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound naturally found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and the cola nut extract which is used in cola-type beverages.

Source

(1) FDA Guidance Document

What are caffeine’s typical effects?

Caffeine is often used to suppress feelings of fatigue and increase feelings of energy and concentration.

Source

(1) "Effects of acute caffeine, theanine and tyrosine supplementation on mental and physical performance in athletes"

How does caffeine work?

Caffeine crosses through the blood–brain barrier and, once in the brain, indirectly increases neurotransmitter activity by blocking adenosine receptors. Accumulation of adenosine in the brain inhibits arousal and increases drowsiness.

Sources

(1) "Protective effect of low dose caffeine on psychological stress and cognitive function"

(2) "Coffee, Caffeine, and Health"

How much caffeine is safe?

For healthy adults, the FDA has stated that up to 400 milligrams a day is not generally associated with dangerous, negative effects. Note: there is considerable variation in each person’s (i) sensitivity to the effects of caffeine and (ii) speed with which they metabolize (break down) caffeine.

Source

(1) FDA Consumer Update

How much caffeine is in typical products?

According to the FDA:

Source

(1) FDA Consumer Update

L-Theanine

What is L-Theanine?

A non-protein amino acid found naturally in tea.

Source

(1) "The effects of L-theanine, caffeine and their combination on cognition and mood"

What are L-Theanine’s typical effects?

Certain studies have found that L-Theanine can contribute to a relaxed and alert feeling at rest, and is associated with improved cognitive function.

Sources

(1) "The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood"

(2) "Acute effects of theanine, caffeine and theanine-caffeine combination on attention"

How does L-Theanine work?

L-Theanine crosses the blood–brain barrier and has been reported to increase electrical activity in the brain.

Sources

(1) "The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood"

(2) "L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state"

Caffeine and L-Theanine

Why combine caffeine and L-Theanine?

Certain studies suggest there is a synergy between both caffeine and L-Theanine. In one such study, L-Theanine and caffeine in combination appeared to improve aspects of memory and attention to a greater extent than caffeine alone. Caffeine and L-Theanine are often found in tea, and are used as ingredients in “nootropic” products.

Sources

(1) "The combined effects of L-theanine and caffeine on cognitive performance and mood"

(2) "The combination of L-theanine and caffeine improves cognitive performance and increases subjective alertness"

Matcha Powder

What is matcha powder?

Matcha is a powdered form of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis leaf) containing, among other nutrients, catechins, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and caffeine.

Source

(1) “Impact of Bioactive Compounds of Plant Leaf Powders in White Chocolate Production: Changes in Antioxidant Properties during the Technological Processes”

What are some of the benefits of Matcha powder?

The major polyphenol inside green tea extract (Epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties.

Source

(1) "EGCG ameliorates high-fat– and high-fructose-induced cognitive defects by regulating the IRS/AKT and ERK/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways in the CNS"

Cocoa Powder

What are some of the benefits of cocoa?

Dark chocolate and cocoa contain flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, which are natural compounds with antioxidant properties and have been linked to reduced cardiovascular diseases.

Sources

(1) "Phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity in different cocoa samples from organic and conventional cultivation"

(2) "Cyclic Voltammetric Determination of Antioxidant Capacity of Cocoa Powder, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate Samples: Correlation with Spectrophotometric Assays and Individual Phenolic Compounds"

Disclaimer: ember is intended for use by healthy individuals only and is not recommended for children, pregnant or nursing women, or persons sensitive to caffeine. There may be considerable variation in each person’s (i) sensitivity to the effects of caffeine and L-Theanine and (ii) speed with which each person metabolizes (break down) caffeine and L-Theanine.