The Science of Smarter Energy
Most “energy drinks” push the nervous system harder. Very few make the cardiovascular, muscle and mitochondrial systems work smarter. That’s the physiological difference between short-term stimulation and sustained performance—and it’s exactly what happens when natural caffeine is paired with beet nitrates, aminos, and adaptogenic compounds.
1. The Physiology Behind Performance Energy
True endurance and energy begins in the mitochondria—the engines that convert oxygen and fuel into ATP. For them to perform, oxygen delivery must be optimized by the vascular system. That delivery depends on one molecule: nitric oxide (NO). It signals arteries and capillaries to dilate, lowering resistance and improving oxygen flux.
Beetroot nitrates increase NO through the nitrate-nitrite-NO pathway. Multiple randomized trials demonstrate 5–16 % improvements in time-to-exhaustion and lower oxygen cost of exercise after nitrate supplementation.
2. Coffee: More Than Caffeine
When sourced and roasted correctly, coffee provides caffeine but also more importantly polyphenols—especially chlorogenic acids—that improve endothelial function and antioxidant signaling. Epidemiologic data link moderate coffee use (2–3 cups/day) with lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality, not because of the caffeine alone but because of these polyphenolic compounds.
In the athletic setting, 50–100 mg of caffeine increases alertness and fat oxidation without raising cortisol excessively. The key is moderation—too much caffeine constricts blood flow and cancels the vascular benefits of nitrates. Balance is critical.
To make the focus and stress response even more robust, we include L-theanine as it has the potential to promote mental health in the general population with stress-related ailments and cognitive impairments.
3. PeakO₂® Mushrooms and Cellular Oxygen Economy
Adaptogenic fungi such as cordyceps, reishi, and king trumpet have been studied for decades for their ability to improve oxygen utilization and antioxidant capacity. The standardized PeakO₂® blend has shown up to a 20 % improvement in VO₂ max and time-to-exhaustion in trained athletes.
This isn’t magic—it’s mitochondrial signaling: cordycepin and beta-glucans increase oxygen efficiency at the cellular level and blunt exercise-induced ROS production.
4. D-Ribose and ATP Recovery
Every contraction, thought, or heartbeat spends ATP. D-Ribose is the sugar backbone that rebuilds it. Studies show that ribose supplementation accelerates ATP replenishment following high-intensity exercise and improves perceived recovery in cardiac and athletic populations.
5. The Problem With Typical Pre-Workouts
Stimulant overload: 250–400 mg caffeine spikes adrenaline, tightening vessels and depleting neurotransmitters.
Artificial additives: dyes, sucralose, and synthetic acids that irritate the gut and blunt nitric-oxide pathways.
No nutrient synergy: energy without recovery, stimulation without vasodilation.
Short-term, you feel wired; long-term, you burn out. The goal isn’t to push harder—it’s to expand capacity safely.
6. Integrating the Science: UNBEETABREW™
UNBEETABREW™ was formulated by Dr. Rick Cohen M.D. to merge these validated mechanisms into one clean, functional brew:
- Organic shade-grown Arabica coffee (≈ 70 mg caffeine) for calm alertness and rich polyphenols.
- 5 g beet-juice powder for nitric-oxide and circulation support.
- PeakO₂® mushroom complex (cordyceps + reishi + six others) for VO₂ max and antioxidant defense.
- BioEnergy Ribose® for ATP restoration and recovery.
- L-Theanine (AlphaWave®) to balance neurotransmitters and smooth energy.
- Himalayan mineral salts for electrolyte and pH balance.
Together, they deliver circulatory energy rather than nervous energy—smoother blood flow, higher oxygen efficiency, and no crash. It’s a physiological pre-workout that respects your biochemistry.
7. Practical Use in the Real World
- Drink 1 scoop 30–45 minutes pre-training or as your morning coffee.
- Hydrate well—nitric-oxide efficiency depends on plasma volume.
- For endurance sessions, combine with PureClean Beet or FUNDAMINOS for complete redox and amino support.
8. Key References
- Larsen FJ et al. Dietary nitrate reduces oxygen cost of exercise. Am J Physiol 2010.
- Bailey SJ et al. NO3⁻ supplementation enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise. J Appl Physiol 2009.
- O’Keefe JH et al. Coffee and cardiovascular health: review. Am J Med 2013.
- Kreider RB et al. PeakO₂® mushroom blend and VO₂ max. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2019.
- Omran H et al. D-Ribose improves myocardial energy recovery. Eur J Heart Fail 2004.
- Effects of L-Theanine Administration on Stress-Related Symptoms Shinsuke Hidese et al. 2019