What happens when “The Father of Biohacking” and award-winning podcast host Dave Asprey is introduced to an Amazonian super leaf with clinically studied nootropic benefits? In this special episode of The Human Upgrade™ podcast, we take a deep dive into guayusa (ilex guayusa) and its benefits in cognitive performance and mental well-being.
Tune in as Dave Asprey discusses AmaTea® Max with Applied Food Sciences’ Chief Scientist.
What is biohacking?
The practice of biohacking encourages individuals to take a systems-thinking approach to their biology in an effort to improve mental health, physical performance, and longevity. One of the main objectives is to pay close attention to what you put into your body, as it has an immense impact on how you feel. The Human Upgrade podcast with Dave Asprey introduces listeners to innovative nutrition and lifestyle shifts that can help people become the best versions of themselves. With over 350 million downloads, The Human Upgrade is the #1 resource in biohacking today.
Ingredients for biohacking: Caffeine, “the original biohack”
Caffeine has long been a staple in biohacking due to its powerful ability to boost energy and alertness. However, not all caffeine is equal. Asprey carries a firm belief that naturally derived sources of caffeine have certain advantages over chemically synthesized caffeine. In this edition of The Human Upgrade podcast, Chief Scientist Chris Fields from Applied Food Sciences introduces listeners to a lesser-known tea leaf from the Amazon rainforest called guayusa. Guayusa (pronounced “gwhy-you-sah”) contains an intricate combination of antioxidants and caffeine, which can provide distinct benefits to biohackers. Fields explains how those compounds of interest are enhanced in their patented extract called AmaTea® Max, which has numerous benefits for cognitive performance and emotional well-being. The podcast details the science behind this new caffeinated ingredient and how it plays into biohacking.
Making products for biohacking
Even if you are unfamiliar with the term “biohacking,” product manufacturers should consider the role that it is playing in our lives. Brands that emphasize personalization in physical performance, mental wellness, and longevity are among the highest-performing products across all categories. Within the last year, functional beverages have grown nearly 12% in sales to $186M, natural better-for-you products sales are up 150%, and products that support mood, especially those marketed toward women, are up 45% in sales (SPINS, 2024). Biohackers are here to stay.
The biohackers guide to a more balanced, calmer caffeine
Caffeine can have its repercussions. Highlighted in the podcast, Asprey and Fields discussed the physiological effects of caffeine on the body, specifically our adrenal response. As our body metabolizes caffeine, it stimulates the release of epinephrine – better known as adrenaline. However, key scientific insights were shared about the unique abilities that AmaTea® Max had in modulating the body’s epinephrine response. Presumably due to the polyphenols in guayusa, AmaTea® Max creates a mentally stimulating energy that is less dependent on adrenaline. Throughout the episode, Dave and Chris analyze the implications of this research. Further discussion is had on how this extract can enhance not only cognitive performance but also emotional well-being, supporting feelings of happiness, joy, and gratitude—important considerations for those looking to improve mental performance through biohacking.
Conclusion
Applied Food Sciences is a proud sponsor of Dave Asprey and The Human Upgrade™ podcast. Watch or listen to learn more from the fascinating conversation between Chris Fields and Dave Asprey. The podcast is available now on most streaming platforms [Episode #1198 The Cognitive Power of AmaTea® Max for Sustainable Energy & Mental Clarity]. Product manufacturers wanting to try AmaTea® Max should visit appliedfoods.com/amateamax. If you are looking for products on the market that contain AmaTea® Max, visit appliedfoods.com/wheretobuy.
