Why add a health supplement to your morning cup of coffee? Well, why not?

When I first heard from the guys at Java Elixir and they told me they had developed a series of flavorless health supplements to add to coffee, I had a slightly uncharitable thought.

Like, why would I do that?

Anyway, they were kind enough to send me some samples. And by the time the package got here, my thinking had shifted from “Why?” to “Why not?”

I don’t know about you, but my experience with supplements is kind of spotty. I have good intentions, buy some pills, take them for a few days and then lose the habit.

But...I never, ever forget to make myself some coffee in the morning. Sooo...if I could pair the supplement with my coffee habit...

Also, I do consider coffee as a healthy beverage. At least, it is for me.

Truth be told, I treat it as brain fuel. I just can’t think straight in the morning without a couple of cups of coffee.

So I was particularly taken with one of the three elixirs these guys are producing. It’s called Focus+, and is made with all-natural ingredients. Good stuff like Brahmi Arial Parts, Gingko Leaf, Korean Red Ginseng Root, Lemon Balm Arial Parts, St. John's Wort Flower and Green Oat Tops.

You add a teaspoon of the elixir to your coffee once or twice a day. So it’s an easy habit to remember.

Does it work, or at least help with alertness and focus?  I think so. I have taken it for a couple of days now and I’m pretty sure it’s making a difference. The first day I was a little suspicious that maybe I was just experiencing a placebo effect. But two days running...that feels real.

And I’m super-sensitive to the whole issue of mental alertness. I write for a living and depend on my brain staying sharp. I’m thinking and writing all day. Also, I don’t sleep very well most of the time.

All that is to say I’m very aware of my mental state, every day. I know how an alert day can really help with my work, and how a bad day has the opposite effect.

So far, I’m really pleased with the Focus+ Elixir. I’ve now had two good “brain days” in a row. If this keeps up I’ll be getting a bulk order!

Does it change the taste of the coffee? Not really. Maybe just a teeny, tiny bit if you’re really paying attention. But these guys developed these supplements to be as close to tasteless as possible. I’m dead fussy with my coffee, and I have had no problem with any taste issues after adding the elixir.

Do you HAVE to add it to coffee? No, you can add it to smoothies, fruit juice or anything else. But I’ll be using it with my coffee, simply because it will help me remember to take it each day, and because for me there is a natural pairing between the caffeine in coffee and the promise of Focus+. It’s all about getting the best from your brain!

They have two other supplements too. Immunity and Detox.

Those I’ll try when I think I need them.

But for now, I’ll stick with the Focus+. It’s what I need each day!

The founders of Java Elixir are two young guys from Alberta, Chris Tester and Chris Kim.

I love what they are doing, and want to support them. (You look after my brain, and I’ll look after you!)

About the author: Nick Usborne, aka Coffee Detective, is a writer and long-time coffee enthusiast. Read more…