backed by research
The Science Behind Coffee Upgrade
It's not about more caffeine. It's all about synergy.
Caffeine tricks your brain you're not tired
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system by blocking adenosine receptors, increasing cortisol, and amplifying dopamine activity. That’s what creates focus and drive.
But overstimulation also explains the downside - anxiety, unstable energy, and impaired recovery.
We didn’t guess our way through this.
We studied caffeine metabolism, neurotransmitter balance, and stress-response pathways. We analyzed why crashes happen. Why jitters occur in some people more than others. Why sleep quality declines even when you feel “tired.”
Then we built precise counterbalances for each problem.
we looked closer at each ingredient
L-theanine
Why it is included:
L-Theanine is one of the most relevant ingredients for a coffee-focused formula because it has been studied together with caffeine. It is included to support a smoother, calmer, more focused coffee experience.
How it fits BOOST:
Coffee brings stimulation. L-Theanine helps make the experience feel more controlled and focused.
Research 1
Research 2
How it fits ZEN:
L-theanine helps support a calmer physiological stress response. Supports calmness under stress while keeping the mind clear.
Research 3
Research 4
How it fits SLEEP:
The goal is not to sedate. The goal is to support a smoother transition into recovery mode.
Inositol
Why it is included:
Research connects Inositol with intracellular signaling, cognitive-support pathways, and panic/anxiety-related clinical contexts. In Coffee Upgrade, it is used to support balance - not stimulation.
How it fits BOOST:
Included to support a smoother mental experience alongside caffeine.
Research 1
How it fits ZEN:
Included to support the calm-control positioning of the formula.
Research 2
How it fits SLEEP:
Inositol supports sleep quality and nervous-system recovery pathways, with human research connecting it to better global sleep quality, longer sleep duration, lower insomnia symptoms, and sleep-related brain metabolism.
Research 3
Taurine
Why it is included:
Taurine is included to support the overall smoothness and balance of the formula.
How it fits BOOST:
In a double-blind crossover study, caffeine + taurine outperformed caffeine alone in several performance and cognitive markers, including reaction time, balance, agility, and power output.
Research 1
How it fits ZEN:
Taurine supports a calmer caffeine experience by targeting nervous-system balance, inhibitory neurotransmission, and stress-response pathways.
Research 2
Glycine
Why it is included:
Glycine has human research connected to subjective sleep quality and next-day performance in people with sleep difficulties. It is one of the core ingredients for the SLEEP formula.
How it fits ZEN:
Glycine supports a smoother, calmer caffeine experience by helping balance neural excitability through inhibitory neurotransmission pathways.
How it fits SLEEP:
Research shows that bedtime Glycine can improve subjective and objective sleep quality, reduce next-day fatigue, and support sleep through body-temperature and nervous-system pathways.
Research 2
Research 3
Research 4
Uridine Monophosphate
Why it is included:
Uridine is included as an advanced ingredient with emerging research connected to synapses, dopamine signaling, and cognitive connectivity.
How it fits BOOST:
Uridine Monophosphate helps BOOST go beyond stimulation. While caffeine increases alertness, uridine supports brain phospholipid synthesis, synaptic proteins, dendritic spine density, and dopamine release - mechanisms that complement caffeine’s acute effects on alertness and attention.
Research 1
L-Tyrosine
Why it is included:
L-Tyrosine is included to support cognitive performance in demanding moments. Research suggests tyrosine may be especially relevant during short-term stressful or cognitively demanding situations.
How it fits BOOST:
L-Tyrosine helps with performance moments - deep work, training, deadlines, and high-output days.
Research 1
magnesium glycinate
Why it is included:
Magnesium helps complete the Coffee Upgrade cycle: energy by day, recovery by night. It supports nervous-system relaxation, better sleep quality, and the transition from caffeine-driven performance into deeper rest.
How it fits SLEEP:
Magnesium supports the nervous system’s ability to downshift - making it a must for optimal brain health.
Inulin
Why it is included?
Inulin boosts gut health by acting as a prebiotic to feed beneficial bacteria, improves digestion, and increases satiety to reduce hunger.
How it fits BOOST and ZEN:
Inulin adds prebiotic fiber support for gut health, digestion, and satiety - built into your daily coffee ritual.