Evaluating the Cognitive and Physiological Effects of Nootropic Coffee: A Self-Experiment Using Reflect

Authors: Nicolas Verhoeven, Christopher Donais

Study Overview

Advancements in self-quantification and nutritional neuroscience have facilitated individualized assessments of cognitive and physiological responses to functional compounds. This study, conducted by David Anekstein, co-founder of Reflect and an experienced self-tracker, investigated the effects of BeElevated’s nootropic coffee blend on key performance and well-being metrics. Using a structured experimental design and data collection tools—including Reflect, WHOOP, and Oura—this self-experiment aimed to determine whether BeElevated coffee produced measurable improvements in cognitive function, mood regulation, and autonomic nervous system activity.

Methods

Experimental Design

The study followed a three-phase protocol:

1. Baseline Period (Control Condition): One week of tracking cognitive and physiological responses while consuming Groundwork Light Roast coffee.

2. Intervention Period: One month of consuming BeElevated coffee, formulated with organic Arabica coffee (3500mg), Cordyceps Militaris (3000mg), Rhodiola Rosea (400mg), taurine (2500mg), and L-theanine (250mg).

3. Return to Baseline (Control Condition): One month of reverting to the initial coffee consumption pattern to assess reversibility of effects.

Measurement Tools:

• Reflect Application: Used to track subjective metrics, including mood, focus, agitation, and work enjoyment.

• WHOOP & Oura Devices: Provided objective data on heart rate variability (HRV), sleep efficiency, and workout strain, which synced to the Reflect app.

• Statistical Analysis: Conducted to differentiate meaningful effects from random variation, ensuring a data-driven evaluation of changes. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests for complete data sets and linear mixed model for divergent sample sizes, and data is reported as SEM.

Author Disclosure Statement

As the founders of BeElevated, we acknowledge the potential for bias in interpreting these findings. While every effort was made to analyze the data objectively, it is important to consider that personal investment in the product may influence perception. Additionally, David Anekstein received the bag of BeElevated coffee free of charge for this self-experiment. Future independent, blinded studies would be necessary to further validate these results.

Results

Statistical analysis (p < 0.05) revealed several significant differences between the BeElevated intervention and the control condition:

• Agitation: Decreased by 34% (p = 0.0015), indicating improved emotional stability.

• Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Increased by 13% (p = 0.0041), suggesting enhanced autonomic nervous system function.

• Flow State (Task Absorption): Increased by 18% (p = 0.0257), reflecting improved cognitive engagement.

• Work Enjoyment: Increased by 15% (p = 0.0172), suggesting a positive impact on motivation and mental clarity.

• Working Memory: Improved by 10% (p = 0.0323), reinforcing the role of nootropic supplementation in cognitive performance.

Other factors were measured during this study, but none had statistically significant results and are thus not mentioned in this study. The full, raw, dataset may be found here.

Discussion

The findings suggest that BeElevated’s nootropic coffee blend may confer measurable benefits on cognitive performance, autonomic regulation, and emotional stability. Below, each key outcome is examined in greater detail.

Reduction in Agitation (↓ 34%, p = 0.0015)

Agitation: T: 3.55; p-value = 0.0015, Paired t-test

A 34% reduction in agitation was observed, which aligns with previous research on Rhodiola rosea and L-theanine. Studies suggest that Rhodiola rosea may help reduce stress-related fatigue and improve emotional resilience [1,2]. L-theanine has also been linked to improved relaxation and reduced stress responses when combined with caffeine [3][6].

Increase in Heart Rate Variability (↑ 13%, p = 0.0041)

HRV: T: -3.13; p-value = 0.0041, Paired t-test

HRV, a well-established biomarker of autonomic function, increased significantly during the intervention [4]. Research on Rhodiola rosea has reported potential benefits for stress adaptation [1,2], which could explain the observed effect.

Enhancement of Flow State (↑ 18%, p = 0.0257)

Flow State: Z-score: -2.23, p-value = 0.0257, Linear Mixed Model

The 18% increase in flow state suggests improved cognitive engagement. Previous research indicates that Rhodiola rosea may enhance cognitive function under stress [1,2], while L-theanine and caffeine together are associated with improved sustained attention [3][5].

Increase in Work Enjoyment (↑ 15%, p = 0.0172)

Work Enjoyment: P-value = 0.0172, Linear Mixed Model

A 15% increase in work enjoyment could be associated with reduced stress and improved cognitive clarity. Studies on Rhodiola rosea have reported improvements in stress-related fatigue [1], which may have contributed to this finding.

Improvement in Working Memory (↑ 10%, p = 0.0323)

Working Memory: P-value: 0.0323, Linear Mixed Model

The observed 10% improvement in working memory aligns with prior findings on caffeine and L-theanine, which have been associated with enhanced cognitive performance and attentional control [3].

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary evidence that BeElevated coffee, formulated with nootropic and adaptogenic compounds, may enhance cognitive function, emotional stability, and autonomic regulation. While the results are promising, future controlled studies with blinded methodologies and objective cognitive assessments are required to substantiate these findings. Integrating self-tracking technology, such as the Reflect App, with targeted supplementation represents a valuable approach for personalized health optimization.

References

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