Functional coffee

 

Functional coffee is regular coffee infused with ingredients to provide health benefits beyond caffeine’s energy boost. Here are some examples based on current trends and products: 

1. Mushroom Coffee: Blends with medicinal mushrooms like Lion’s Mane (for cognitive support and focus), Chaga (for immune health), or Reishi (for stress relief). Example: Four Sigmatic Balance Organic Mushroom Blend combines organic coffee with Lion’s Mane and Reishi for mental clarity and stress reduction.
2. CBD-Infused Coffee: Coffee mixed with cannabidiol (CBD) to promote calm and reduce caffeine jitters. Example: Sträva Craft Coffee uses broad-spectrum CBD to enhance relaxation while maintaining energy.
3. Collagen-Enhanced Coffee: Infused with collagen protein to support skin, hair, nails, and joint health. Often marketed for beauty and anti-aging benefits. Example: Bulletproof Coffee includes collagen for joint and skin support.
4. MCT Oil Coffee: Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) for sustained energy and cognitive support, popular in keto diets. Example: Bulletproof Brain Octane C8 MCT Oil can be added to coffee for metabolism and energy benefits.
5. Adaptogen-Infused Coffee: Includes herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola to manage stress. Example: Clevr’s Coffee Superlatte combines coffee with ashwagandha and Lion’s Mane for stress relief and focus.
6. Vitamin-Enriched Coffee: Fortified with vitamins (e.g., B, D, A, E) for nutritional boosts. Example: Beforeyouspeak Coffee blends Colombian coffee with vitamins and superfoods for overall wellness.
7. Probiotic Coffee: Incorporates probiotics for gut health, though heat-resistant strains are used to survive brewing. Example: Some brands offer cold brew probiotic blends to maintain live cultures.
8. Functional Flavored Coffee: Uses spices or superfruits for added benefits. Examples include turmeric lattes (anti-inflammatory), cinnamon coffee (blood sugar regulation), or berry-infused coffee (antioxidants).
9. Nootropic Coffee: Contains compounds like L-theanine or alpha-GPC for enhanced focus and cognitive performance. Example: Taika’s Black Magic Blend includes Lion’s Mane and L-theanine for focus.
10. Specialty Blends: Unique formulations like Ingenuity Beverages’ Gano Coffee or African Mango Coffee, which incorporate herbal extracts for energy or weight management.

MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)

MASH, previously known as NASH, and MASLD, previously known as NAFLD, are both related to fat buildup in the liver, but MASH is a more severe, inflammatory form. 

 

MASH (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) is characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage, potentially leading to cirrhosis and liver cancer. MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) is the broader term for fatty liver disease, encompassing cases with and without inflammation. 

New Name:

The name change from NASH to MASH emphasizes the role of metabolic dysfunction (like obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes) in the disease's development.

Inflammation and Liver Damage:

MASH is characterized by inflammation and liver cell damage in addition to fat buildup in the liver.  

In essence:

• NAFLD is now MASLD.
• NASH is now MASH.
• MASH is a more severe, inflammatory form of MASLD.
• Both conditions are linked to metabolic dysfunction. 

What is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)?

MASLD is a general term for a range of conditions characterized by extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol. It used to be known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD. It’s normal for the liver to contain some fat. However, if more than five percent of the liver’s weight is fat, it’s considered a to be a steatotic liver (previously called a fatty liver). There are two different types of steatotic liver disease:

Fibrosis

This fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, where hard scar tissue replaces an increasingly larger amount of soft healthy liver tissue. Cirrhosis from MASH typically takes years of damage to develop.

Simple steatotic liver

In this form of MASLD, you have fat in your liver, but little or no inflammation of the liver or damage to liver cells. Typically, this form does not progress to cause liver damage.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)

This is the more severe form of MASLD in which you have hepatitis – meaning swelling or inflammation of the liver –– and liver cell damage, in addition to fat in your liver. Inflammation and liver cell damage can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver.

What is Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)?

MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis)  is a progression of MASLD in which simple steatosis gets worse and inflammation of the liver occurs.  The medical terms for inflammation (swelling) of the liver is hepatitis.  This is not be be confused with virus-related hepatitis (e.g., hepatitis C).  Liver cell damage may also occur.

Inflammation and cell damage can lead to a condition known as fibrosis, or scarring of the liver.  Over time, fibrosis can get worse. As fibrosis progresses, hardened scar tissue replaces an increasingly larger amount of soft, healthy liver tissue.  When this happens, it is called cirrhosis.  It usually takes many years to develop cirrhosis due to MASH.

How common are MASLD and MASH?

MASLD is the most common chronic liver condition in the United States. It’s estimated that about 25 percent of adults in the U.S. have MASLD. Of those with MASLD, about 20 percent have MASH (five percent of adults in the U.S.). Most people with MASLD have simply fatty liver.

The reason some people with MASLD have simple fatty liver and others get MASH isn’t known, although research suggests that certain genes may play a role.

Vow Nutrition Creatine Chews

VOW Nutrition chews are a line of sports supplements, specifically creatine chews and amino chews, designed for convenient and easy consumption. They offer a chewable alternative to traditional powders and are formulated to support athletic performance and muscle recovery. 

VOW Creatine Chews: 

• Contain creatine monohydrate, a well-researched supplement known to enhance muscle strength, power, and endurance during high-intensity exercise. 

• Provide a convenient way to increase creatine levels throughout the day, especially beneficial for topping up creatine levels before and after workouts. 

• Available in flavors like Strawberry, Mint, and Apple, Mango & Lime. 

• Formulated with dextrose for quick absorption and shelf-stable packaging. 

Vow Nutrition is a UK-based sports nutrition company, founded by Simon Stevens in 2019.