MEMORY + MENTAL PROCESSING
ALERTNESS + ATTENTION
FOCUS + COGNITION
FOCUS + RELAXATION
ATTENTION + ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
BRAIN FUNCTION + SUSTAINED ENERGY
The term ‘nootropics’ refers to substances that increase your mental performance, improve cognitive function, and make you think, feel, and do better.
Some advantages are:
reducing fatigue
optimising brain function
boosting motivation and creativity
Natural nootropic herbs have a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine. Nootropic compounds can be divided into two categories - those that have a powerful direct effect on neurotransmitter levels (like L-theanine and caffeine), and those that primarily support mental function by influencing global brain health factors. Examples include the growth of new brain cells, myelination, the protection against oxidative stress, and the reduction of brain tissue inflammation (Ginkgo Biloba, Turmeric, B vitamins, and Green Tea). The latter nootropics need to be taken consistently for optimal mental performance enhancement.
One of the oldest living tree species, Ginkgo Biloba is a popular natural nootropic which positively affects cognitive function by improving memory and mental processing, making it an ideal work or study aid. These cognitive effects may be attributed to Ginkgo Biloba increasing the amount of blood flow to the brain.
Likely the most commonly consumed psychotropic substance in the world, caffeine is naturally found in tea, coffee, cocoa, and guarana. Caffeine reduces fatigue levels by blocking adenosine receptors in your brain, making you feel less tired and increasing your levels of alertness and attention.
Naturally found in green tea, L-theanine increases attention and alertness, improves sleep quality, enhances reaction time, and promotes feelings of calmness and relaxation, without making you feel drowsy. L-theanine has also been shown to increase alpha-waves in the brain, which promotes creativity, making it perfect for writer’s block!
L-theanine and caffeine work synergistically, with the effects of L-theanine enhanced when consumed with caffeine, and the presence of L-theanine also prevents the crash caused by consuming caffeine alone. That’s why we include both nootropics in Shine.
Green tea contains both L-theanine and caffeine, working to promote a state of calm and relaxed focus. Additionally, green tea contains polyphenols which work to reduce inflammation, as well as a type of catechin called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits. These compounds in green tea help reduce the formation of harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage.
This is what gives Shine its iconic yellow appearance.
Turmeric contains high levels of curcumin, a bioactive substance which works to boost your attention span and memory by promoting neurogenesis (the formation of neurons in the brain). Curcumin is also neuroprotective as it has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on the brain, helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
Shine contains vitamins B2, B6, and B12, all of which are essential for physiological function, yet aren’t produced by the body. Additionally, your body can only store minimal amounts of these B vitamins, making them essential to consume daily. These B vitamins aid with neurotransmitter synthesis, the release of chemicals from the brain, homocysteine level regulation, and brain barrier protection. B vitamins are essential for promoting healthy brain function and sustaining your energy levels.
