VitaBrain

Green tea extract: Camellia thea, or green tea, is a rich source of potent catechin polyphenols. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), in particular, is a powerful antioxidant.

Polyphenols are active compounds that have beneficial health properties. For instance, some studies have shown green tea polyphenols to have a stronger antioxidant action than vitamin C and vitamin E - two of the most powerful antioxidants. Green tea can also support healthy weight loss, because the polyphenols are thought to induce thermogenesis and stimulate fat oxidation.

Caffeine anhydrous pure: Anhydrous caffeine is simply dehydrated caffeine - a powdered version of caffeine. Anhydrous means “without water.” It is a powerful natural stimulant found in many foods such as tea, coffee, cola and chocolate.

L-Theanine: L-theanine is an amino acid that is found in tea leaves. It was identified in tea by Japanese scientists in 1949. While tea is the most common dietary source for L-theanine, this compound is also found in some types of mushrooms. In foods, particularly green tea, L-theanine is thought to be a source of umami, the savoury, brothy taste.

Scientists studying umami flavour have made some interesting discoveries. Umami has been linked to decreased risk for excessive weight gain. It may stimulate metabolism, and may boost sensations of fullness and lengthen the time before hunger returns after eating.

L-theanine promotes relaxation and facilitates sleep by contributing to a number of changes in the brain:

• Boosts levels of GABA and other calming brain chemicals. L-theanine elevates levels of GABA, as well as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known as neurotransmitters, and they work in the brain to regulate emotions, mood, concentration, alertness, and sleep, as well as appetite, energy, and other cognitive skills. Increasing levels of these calming brain chemicals promotes relaxation and can help with sleep.

• Lowers levels of “excitatory” brain chemicals. At the same time it is increasing chemicals that promote feelings of calm, L-theanine also reduces levels of chemicals in the brain that are linked to stress and anxiety. This may also be a way that L-theanine can protect brain cells against stress and age-related damage.

• Enhances alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with a state of “wakeful relaxation.” That’s the state of mind you experience when meditating, being creative, or letting your mind wander in daydreaming. Alpha waves are also present during REM sleep. L-theanine appears to trigger the release of alpha-waves, which enhances relaxation, focus, and creativity.

One of the appealing aspects of L-theanine is that it works to relax without sedating. That can make L-theanine a good choice for people who are looking to enhance their “wakeful relaxation,” without worrying about becoming sleepy and fatigued during the day.

L-Tyrosine: This is an amino acid, as well as a precursor of several important neurotransmitters, including l-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These are important contributors to mood, cognitive performance as well as combating stress.

L-tyrosine is also a precursor to the thyroid hormone, thyroxine (also known as T4) and supplementation may have a positive effect on thyroid hormone levels which help to contribute to an increased metabolic rate.

N-Acetyl L-Carnitine: Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR, ALC or LAC) is a synthesized version of L-Carnitine, which is a derivative of the amino acids lysine and methionine. ALCAR is more bioavailable than L-Carnitine, because it easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and delivers L-Carnitine across cell membranes (which it would not be able to cross on its own). L-Carnitine is naturally made in your liver and kidneys, and then transported to other tissues including your brain and heart. ALCAR helps:

Brain energy metabolism: LCAR helps the transport of fatty acids into mitochondria where they are needed for energy metabolism. Fueling your cells “power plants” can boost physical and mental energy.

Neurotransmitters: ALCAR is a necessary ingredient for acetylcholine formation. Which boosts memory, mental alertness and fluid thought.

Brain optimisation: The antioxidant properties of Acetyl-L-Carnitine provides neuroprotective qualities, boosts Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), and promotes cerebral blood circulation.

Rosemary leaf extract: Scientists have found that rosemary is beneficial for the brain. It contains an ingredient called carnosic acid, which can fight off damage by free radicals in this vital organ. Studies have identified that rosemary is also useful for people who have experienced a stroke. This is because it appears to be protective against brain damage and supports recovery. Other studies have suggested that rosemary may significantly help prevent brain ageing.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA): DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is abundant in oily fish and forms a primary structural component of the human brain, cerebral cortex, skin, and retina. It is also instrumental in the function of brain cell membranes, which are important for the transmission of brain signals. Essential for normal brain and eye development, DHA deficiencies have been linked to mood changes, attention disorder, memory loss and visual problems.

Choline and phosphatidylcholine: Choline is a water-soluble nutrient. It is usually grouped within the B-complex vitamins. Humans cannot produce choline, and therefore must source it through their diet. Choline contributes to normal lipid metabolism. Lipids are fat-like substances found in your blood and body tissues. Phosphatidylcholines (PC) are a class of phospholipids that incorporate choline as a headgroup. The synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) is largely dependent on the choline provided by phosphatidylcholine. ACh is critical for cognition, learning and memory.

Cinnamon extract: Cinnamon may delay or reverse cognitive impairment. A study in rats found that cinnamon improved cognition and reduced oxidation in the brain. A mouse study found that cinnamon protected dopamine production systems and improved motor function.

Curcumin: Curcumin is the main bioactive compound in the Indian spice turmeric. It is responsible for turmeric’s brilliant gold colour and most of its impressive health benefits. But curcumin really shines as a brain health enhancer and protector. Curcumin can lift your mood, tame stress and anxiety, and protect your brain against ageing and neurodegenerative disease. It is naturally anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal.

Vitamin B3 (niacin): Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid, is an organic compound and a form of vitamin B3 - an essential human nutrient. It contributes to normal psychological function, normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, the maintenance of normal mucous membranes, the maintenance of normal skin and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Phosphatidyl serine: PS is a phospholipid and is a component of the cell membrane. It plays a key role in cell cycle signalling, specifically in relationship to apoptosis (the death of cells which occurs as a normal and controlled part of an organism's growth or development).

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): PA contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal mental performance, normal synthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones, vitamin D and some neurotransmitters, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Black pepper extract: Black pepper may help to forestall brain ageing, according to a study published in a 2012, In the animal study, elderly dogs consumed a daily supplement that contained a combination of turmeric, green tea, N-acetyl cysteine, alpha-lipoic acid and black pepper for three months. Results showed improvement in spatial attention.

Zinc: Zinc contributes to normal DNA synthesis, normal acid-base metabolism, normal carbohydrate metabolism, normal cognitive function, normal fertility and reproduction, normal macronutrient metabolism, normal metabolism of fatty acids, normal metabolism of vitamin A, normal protein synthesis, the maintenance of normal bones, the maintenance of normal hair, nails and skin, the maintenance of normal testosterone levels in the blood, the maintenance of normal vision, the normal function of the immune system, the protection of cells from oxidative stress and it has a role in the process of cell division.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin): Vitamin B12 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal functioning of the nervous system, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal psychological function, normal red blood cell formation, normal function of the immune system, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and it has a role in the process of cell division.

Folic acid: Folic acid contributes to normal psychological function, the normal function of the immune system, the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, normal homocysteine metabolism, normal amino acid synthesis, normal blood formation, the process of cell division and maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.

Iodine: Iodine contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism, the normal production of thyroid hormones and normal thyroid function.

Allergy advice:
Not suitable for persons with an allergy to soya or dairy.