It’s dark outside and the alarm shouts “it’s time to wake up!” You’re cozy under the covers and coffee seems the only stimulant worth staggering out of bed for.
This is how many of us start our working day—synthetically aroused rather than naturally awakened by sunlight, craving something to jolt our mind and body into action. Coffee is a common go-to fix, the chemical constituent caffeine acts as a catalyst for neural activity and the brief boost—if not the aroma of a steaming joe—makes it the most ubiquitous of morning rituals.
Given the short-term and diminishing returns of constant use, and the potential for adrenal fatigue from stimulant abuse, it is therefor more efficient to enjoy coffee as part of a varied arsenal of morning brain hacks rather then a sole vice.
But what could be better than coffee to fire-up your brain?
Swop out stimulants for nootropics, brain fudge and city climbing.
1. Alpha BRAIN Instant by ONIT, is a fast way to help optimize your mental performance, without the use of any stimulants. In two double-blind trials, the Alpha BRAIN formula demonstrated the ability to help improve memory, focus, and processing speed in healthy adults by targeting neurotransmitter precursors directly. This means Alpha BRAIN may help you remember names and places, focus on complex tasks, and improve your reaction time to external stimulus.†
It’s more convenient than coffee to carry and prepare. And as a powdered drink the nutrients get delivered right away to your stomach, expediting absorption and how quickly they can cross the blood-brain barrier.
At the core of Alpha BRAIN Instant is earth grown nutrients. These are plants that have evolved alongside mankind, and in many cases like the Ayurvedic herb, Bacopa, have a history of use for millennia. Huperzia Serrata contains a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, Huperzine A, that has shown the ability to enhance areas of cognition on its own. AC-11, despite the technical name, is extracted from Cat’s Claw, a revered Amazonian herb. Onnit is the only company in the world that has the right to use this exciting herbal extract in nootropic formulations. Alpha BRAIN can be used daily and is ready for integration into your routine, showing no significant adverse effects in 2 clinical trials and 4 years of use by ONIT customers.
Alpha BRAIN Instant 30 day supply ($59.95 US) www.onnit.com
† Study details
2. Brain Fudge is a sticky boost without the buzz. This fudge is full of fat (the good kind) and powerful nutrients which pack benefits for your brain.
Avocados help keep your brain cell membranes flexible. A study published in the October 2012 issue of the ‘Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology’ found that monounsaturated fatty acids helped protect nerve cells in the brain known as astrocytes, which provide support to information-carrying nerves. In the laboratory animal study, monounsaturated fats improved the brain’s ability to control muscles in animals with impaired astrocyte function. Fish oil, also tested in this study, did not provide the same benefits. Researchers concluded that monounsaturated fats may be helpful in the treatment of certain brain disorders that involve problems with the ability of astrocytes to properly utilize lipids.
Avocados improve blood supply and oxygenation to your brain. A laboratory animal study published in the December 2011 issue of the ‘British Journal of Neurosurgery’ found a combination of avocado and soybean fats prevented oxidation and protected against nerve damage after the animals were exposed to low-oxygen conditions. Benefits were noted in the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for such functions as planning and critical thinking.
Walnuts help reverse some forms of age-related brain deterioration. These brain-shaped nuts contain a significantly high concentration of DHA which has been shown to protect brain health in newborns, improve cognitive performance in adults, and prevent or ameliorate age-related cognitive decline. Just a quarter cup of walnuts provides nearly 100% of the recommended daily intake of DHA. In a laboratory animal study published in the August 2012 issue of the ‘Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry’, diets containing 6 percent walnuts significantly reduced degenerative protein deposits in the brain and promoted the brain’s natural waste removal processes. Existing protein deposits were removed by the walnut-supplemented diets, with greatest effects noted in an area of the brain responsible for cognitive function and memory retention. Researchers also noted that walnuts boosted the brain’s normal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Almonds improve learning and memory. In an animal study published in the June 2010 issue of the ‘Indian Journal of Pharmacology’, doses of 150 milligrams per kilogram body weight of almonds for 14 days improved learning and memory and reversed a form of drug-induced amnesia. Almonds also caused a decrease in levels of an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that increases attention and awareness. Low levels of acetylcholine can lead to protein plaque formation and dementia. Researchers concluded that almonds may offer benefits for restoring memory and cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients. In another study, participants who received vitamin E improved statistically and clinically in some memory and verbal measures, while participants who received a placebo did not. 1/4 cup of almonds packs in nearly 50% of the RDA for vitamin E.
Macadamias preserve brain health. A fatty acid known as palmitoleic acid, also found in high quantities in macadamia nuts, is an important component of myelin, the fatty layer that insulates and protects nerve cells in the brain. As such, macadamia nuts may contribute to healthy early brain development and normal brain function.
Black Beans boost memory and strengthen brain function. The seed coat of the black bean is an outstanding source of three anthocyanin flavonoids: delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin. Anthocyanins (ACNs) are a group of antioxidant-rich plant pigments responsible for the rich colour of black beans. ACNs are credited with modulating cognitive and motor function, enhancing memory, and preventing age-related declines in neural function. It is believed they play a role in reducing the loss of brain fat (a marker of brain ageing). One study found that rats fed anthocyanins were less likely to suffer from memory loss and motor function degradation.
Sprouted Black Bean Powder is a biscuit-sweet superfood. Both beans and nuts contain phytates and tannins which can lower nutrient availability. Soaking and sprouting removes the majority of these anti-nutrients and in the case of black beans, soaking did not effect the amount of resistant starch (an indigestible starch which helps feed the beneficial bacteria in our guts) and the loss of total phenols is only slight (15%).†
Jimmy Blacks Organic Black Bean Powder utilises uniquely grown and organically sprouted black beans. Don’t let the sandy colour fool you… this biscuit-sweet, low-glycemic*, vegan protein is rich in ACN’s. It dissolves like a dream into smoothies, soups, baked goods and desserts. Adds flavour and nutrition to spice rubs and hummus. It also happens to be the secret ingredient in our better than coffee brain fudge.
A 300g pack contains 10 serves ($25 AU) www.jimmyblacks.com.au
† International Journal of Food Science and Technology 2010, 45: 2209—2218. 2010.
* A low GI of 30 ensures sustained energy increasing concentration and brain function.
Recipe: Brain Fudge
2 large avocado
3-4 medjool dates
1 tsp cacao powder
175g Loving Earth activated ABC butter▴
30g Jimmy Black’s Organic Black Bean Powder
2 tbsp melted coconut oil
Place ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer to a glass jar(s) and chill in the fridge (5-15 minutes). Tip: Dividing into smaller jars means your fudge will cool faster, and you’ll have several snacks ready to devour throughout the day instead of a one-pot-eat-the-lot-shot! This fudge is just as good warm by the way.
▴ This is an alternative option to soaking your own nuts. Loving Earth Activated ABC Butter with coconut and chia is made with a blend of pre-soaked organic almonds, brazil nuts and cashews.
A 175g jar ($11.90 AU) www.lovingearth.net
If you want to make your own from the list above, soak raw nuts in filtered water overnight, drain, rinse and blend until smooth.
3. City Climbing boosts brain power. Runners love the invigorating rush of morning milage and their brains benefit from the increased oxygen and feel good endorphins. But not everyone was born to run, some were built to climb!
Climbing cafes with wifi and gallery art, is inspiring a new breed of climber and modus operandi ‘play-live-work’. Bouldering before breakfast it turns out is good for your brain. Physical challenge aside, every route poses a “problem” which demands serious mental focus to “send” (solve). Like a jacked-up version of brain games, climbing enhances creativity, sharpens focus and mental processing—forcing you out of your comfort-zone where real mental and physical growth occurs.
“Intelligence and skill can only function at the peak of their capacity when the body is healthy and strong.” ~ JFK
City climbers are on the rise (literally), with entrepreneurs of every kind scaling the walls between emails (taking work breaks that encourage a shift in focus have been shown to improve productivity and prevent burnout). The individual who emerges is more dexterous, adaptable and decisive. The chic-communal atmosphere is energetic, supportive and sociable. A great way to start and punctuate your working day. Some might say it’s better than coffee!
So there you have it, three unconventional alternatives to your breakfast brew.
Want to give them a try?
Subscribe to our adventure journal for your chance to win a Brain Hack Bundle.
Bare Essentials is giving subscribers a chance to win a Brain Hack Bundle (includes: 30 day supply of Alpha Brain Instant, Jimmy Blacks Organic Black Bean Powder, Loving Earth Cold Pressed Coconut Oil and Activated ABC Butter).
