Matcha powder from green tea leaves is a super supplement high in antioxidants that protect against cell damage, plus you get an energy kick from natural caffeine without the jitters thanks to a healthy dose of L-theanine.
Add that instant energy boost to promising nootropic effects, and you have one of the most exciting food supplements to add to your shakes.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a Chinese green tea with powder created by milling the leaves.
The powder preserves the tea leaves' nutritional profile, including polyphenols, chlorophyll, caffeine, and L-theanine, which benefit brain function.
Human clinical studies have shown that matcha decreases stress and anxiety and improves memory and short- and long-term cognitive function, with no effect on mood [1], meaning it's great for people prone to anxiety and stress.
The best thing about matcha, though, is it plays well with other nootropics like lion's mane and Peruvian maca root – you can combine them to create a super-mix, which is what we've done with vybey Braincare Smart Focus.
We also have vybey Braincare Smart Greens with matcha powder as part of a vegetable, herbs and antioxidants complex – this is the best super greens powder you can buy with over 50 active ingredients.
vybey Braincare Smart Focus
The Matcha flavour of Braincare Smart Focus provides a potent caffeine hit with matcha powder, alongside brain-boosting mushrooms, root and bark extracts, and B vitamins to fuel you for the day ahead better than matcha alone.
You can drink Braincare Smart Focus in place of coffee and tea and add it to your shakes and wet foods like porridge for a nutritional kick.
A few highlights:
Lion's mane
The bioactive compounds in lion's mane – namely hericenones and erinacines - help stimulate the growth of new neurons and increase the levels of BDNF [2], a brain protein that supports the health and function of your brain cells.
Lion's mane can also improve your immune system. It contains a protein called HEP3 that increases anti-inflammatory activity in cell cultures.
Cordyceps
Cordyceps mushrooms can restore depleted serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the hippocampus to improve mood [4].
Research shows cordyceps also has positive anti-inflammatory benefits in the body, reducing pro-inflammatory compounds that can cause anxiety and depression.
Reishi
Reishi has anti-anxiety effects on the nervous system, helping you stay calm and clear-minded even during stressful situations [5].
Like lion's mane, chaga mushroom helps stimulate the development of new neurons in the brain with polysaccharides.
Chaga
Chaga mushroom has beta-glucans and other immunomodulatory compounds that can bolster the activity of immune cells [3].
The antioxidant compounds also wage a relentless battle against oxidative stress, one of the primary culprits behind brain fog and accelerated cognitive ageing.
Peruvian maca root
The bioactive compounds in maca root—macamides—can fortify your body with energy-boosting compounds [6].
Indigenous cultures in Peru have eaten Maca root for centuries to enhance their hunting energy. If it's good for them, it's good for you, too.
Choline
Choline is a fantastic nootropic for boosting memory, focus, motivation, and energy levels, especially in older and stressed people [7].
Topping up your choline levels with Braincare Smart Focus helps you operate at peak performance in stressful situations.
B vitamin complex
One serving of Braincare Smart Focus gives you:
- B1 (thiamine) 2mg for glucose metabolism in the brain, helping to produce energy for cognitive functions.
- B2 (riboflavin) 2mg supports cellular energy production and helps protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
- B3 (niacin) 18mg for DNA repair and the production of neurotransmitters, supporting overall brain health.
- B5 (pantothenic acid) 6mg synthesises acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and learning.
- B6 (pyridoxine) 2mcg produces several neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, influencing mood and cognitive function.
- B9 (folate) 268mg for DNA synthesis and repair in the brain.
- B12 (Methylcobalamin) 3mcg maintains nerve cells and forms red blood cells, supporting overall brain function and energy levels.
You can also get matcha powder + these B vitamins in vybey Braincare Smart Greens, which contains 54 vitamins and minerals from natural sources.
vybey Braincare Smart Greens
Super greens powders like vybey Braincare Smart Greens bring dieting staples like broccoli and beetroot to your diet in convenient powdered form alongside superfood ingredients like spirulina that you wouldn't otherwise eat.
In addition to matcha, Braincare Smart Greens contains the probiotic B. coagulans, which promotes a healthy gut microbiome and supports the absorption of potent antioxidant sources like acerola cherry, grapeseed extract, blueberry powder, and turmeric.
Superfoods like maca root, acai berries, and chlorella also boost energy, metabolism, and immunity, making Braincare Smart Greens the best super greens powder in the UK when you look into the nutritional profile.
Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K are covered naturally - without synthetic forms – and you also get healthy doses of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc.
More than the sum of its parts
Braincare Smart Focus and Braincare Smart Greens have greater health benefits than matcha powder because they combine multiple energy-boosting ingredients.
Lion's mane stimulates nerve growth factor (NGF) production, while chaja's antioxidants combat oxidative stress. Reishi's polysaccharides further support neurogenesis. This trio forms a powerful neuroprotective and regenerative foundation.
Cordyceps helps restore neurotransmitter levels, particularly serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. Reishi's anti-anxiety effects complement this, while B vitamins (especially B6, B9, and B12) support neurotransmitter synthesis.
Choline supports memory, focus, and motivation, especially under stress, while B vitamins, particularly B5 and B1, contribute to acetylcholine synthesis and glucose metabolism, further supporting cognitive processes.
Summing up
Matcha powder is a fantastic food supplement for energy levels and cognition, but it's much more potent when combined with other ingredients.
vybey Braincare Smart Greens brings matcha powder to your diet alongside super fruit extracts, vegetables, and seaweeds to deliver superb nutrition, while Braincare Smart Focus (the Matcha flavour) is a great coffee alternative.
Grab a vybey Starter Pack to try these matcha alternatives.
Sources
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