Brain drink boosts performance

Brain drink boosts performance Writes Ruby Harfield

ANewZealandcompany has created a popular and unique product to help boost brain function and performance.

Ārepadescribes itself as New Zealand’s leading brainfoodcompany whichexiststomake brains work better.

Co-founders Angus Brown and Zac Robinson both lost afriendtomental health and grandparents to brainrelated illnesses andwantedtomake a drinkfor the brain that was natural, caffeine-free, helpedtoreduce stress while enhancing mental performance as well as beinggoodfor cognition in the longterm.

Brown says after muchresearch, hardmahi anda bitof luck,they createdĀrepa, a range of scientifically developed and proven natural productswhich improve the health and performance of the brain.

“In our current society, the demand onour brains is higher than ever before.

“We understanda lotabout our bodies, but we’renot nearly as engaged with our brains, nor equipped withtoolstoimprove its health and performance.

“We sawthis problem and set out tofinda solution.”

He saystheformulafor the brain drink is thefirstof its kind to improve mental performance andfocus from a natural juice (blackcurrants) without the use ofcaffeine.

“Thiswas found througha clinical studyatthe University ofAuckland that was published in the Journal of Antioxidants.”

They worked with Professor Andrew Scholey, one of the world’s top neuroscientiststodevelop the formula.

“We nowhave thousands offans who rely on our drinktohelp them performfor keymoments andtasks in theirday ortohelp improve their brain health and function.”

Robinson said since starting in 2018,Ārepahas grown from being in a handful ofstores in NewZealand tobeing found in more than 1500 supermarkets, convenience stores and hospitality outletsacross Aotearoa,Australia,Singapore and HongKong.

“People are lookingfor natural waystoimprove their health and brains without the use ofcaffeine, it’s important there areproven alternatives out there.

“We arenow thefastest selling health drink in NewZealand supermarkets.

“Ārepahas created a newcategory of drink, functional brain drinks, which has beenfeatured in global trendreports for the last three years and showcases NewZealandas a leader in innovation on the world stage.” Longterm benefits may include: • Cognitive Performanceincluding improvedmental performance, enhanced memory,fights mental fatigue and increasesfocus. This comesfromL-theaninewhichis anxiolytic, helping promotemental wellbeing andimproving sleep quality. L-theanine also increases alpha brainwave activity, resulting ina relaxed, alert andfocused mentalstate. • Neuroprotectionsuch as slowing of the neural ageing processes, reduction ofcognitive decline and delays onset of neurodegenerative diseases. Thiscomes from the polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins which are all antioxidants that prevent inflammation andreduce neuronal cell death. • Mood& Mental Healthsuch as reduction in anxiety andstress, increasedfeelings ofcalmand improved sleepquality. This happens as anthocyanins inhibit

MAO enzymes,reducingoxidative stress and positively affecting neurotransmitters. While flavonoids regulatecell survivalfactors,gene expression and improvecerebral blood flow, aiding in neuronal growth and differentiation. Co-founders of Ārepa Angus Brown (left) and Zac Robinson. Photo/Supplied