Cocoa Powder

The benefits of finishing the day by relaxing with a warm cup of rich, delicious cocoa are pretty self-evident. But there’s far more to coco than just chocolatey goodness…

Cocoa, often celebrated for its rich flavour, is emerging as a potent ally for sleep, recovery, and overall wellness due to its high content of flavonoids and other beneficial compounds. Packed with antioxidants, cocoa offers a unique combination of benefits that support relaxation, reduce inflammation, and enhance recovery—all of which are critical for those looking to add balance to active, stress-filled lives.

 Studies  suggest that cocoa can improve sleep quality by influencing serotonin and melatonin production, two key neurotransmitters involved in sleep regulation. Regular consumption of cocoa-rich foods could lead to improved sleep duration and quality by supporting these calming neurotransmitters, especially in those dealing with sleep difficulties.

Cocoa’s antioxidant properties are also noteworthy. Rich in flavonoids like epicatechin and catechin, cocoa has been shown in  studies  to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common culprits of delayed recovery and muscle soreness after intense exercise.  Research  indicates that cocoa can help improve blood flow which may help to reduce muscle damage, supporting faster recovery and better performance.

So this cup of hot cocoa is more than just a ‘hug-in-a-mug’, you’ll not only benefit from enhanced sleep and recovery but also bolster your body’s defences against oxidative stress, ensuring you’re primed to perform at your best every day, before recovering just as hard.

Magnesium (tri-blend)

An absolute powerhouse for improving rest and recovery, low-levels of magnesium have been  linked  to everything from physical fatigue and weakness through to  mental health issues,  and with some liberal estimates suggesting that anywhere from 12% to a staggering 75% of us could be deficient, scientific support for magnesium supplementation is gaining some serious traction.

 Studies  suggest that magnesium may help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by influencing neurotransmitter regulation, with one meta-analysis showing a ‘significant decline in depression scores due to intervention with magnesium supplements’.

One systematic review revealed an association between magnesium status and sleep quality, showing that magnesium can help you to ‘move the big rock’ of sleep. Poor and limited sleep has been  linked  with a litany of poor health outcomes, least of which is its  impact on recovery after training. 

Ensuring you have adequate magnesium levels can help you to sleep better, recover faster, and improve your physical, mental and emotional fitness.

Zinc

Zinc is vital for many biological processes at both a biological and even molecular level, supporting your immune system, cognitive functioning and playing a vital role in protein synthesis, which is necessary for cell growth, repair, and maintenance.  Studies  have also show that zinc deficiencies are associated with a significant decrease in testosterone levels, and that zinc supplementation can result in an increase in serum testosterone.

 Studies  have shown zinc to be powerful ally in the quest for better rest and recovery, suggesting that zinc supplementation can improve sleep quality and duration, vital for optimal recovery and functioning.

The beneficial effects of zinc on sleep have been  shown  to be even more powerful when combined with magnesium.

L-tryptophan

L-tryptophan is a key player in promoting restful sleep and optimising recovery, thanks to its role as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin—the neurotransmitters that regulate mood and sleep-wake cycles. Low levels of L-tryptophan have been linked to disrupted sleep patterns and impaired recovery, undermining both mental and physical performance. Given that stress and intensive training can deplete tryptophan levels, ensuring they’re replenished through diet or supplementation is vital for optimal performance and recovery.

 Research  supports L-tryptophan’s effectiveness in enhancing sleep quality, with  studies  indicating that supplementation can significantly reduce the time it takes to fall asleep while improving overall sleep duration and depth. L-tryptophan’s impact on serotonin production has been  associated  with reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are often barriers to restful sleep and efficient recovery.

One  study  found that L-tryptophan supplementation before bedtime not only facilitated deeper sleep but also improved post-exercise recovery, highlighting its dual benefit for both body and mind. When recovery is optimized, there is less muscle soreness, better immune function, and a greater ability to handle physical and mental stressors.

By incorporating L-tryptophan into your nutritional arsenal, you’re setting the stage for better sleep, enhanced recovery, and a more balanced mood.

L-theanine

L-theanine is emerging as a standout compound for improving sleep quality and recovery, that’s long been heralded as such thanks to its unique ability to promote relaxation without drowsiness. Naturally occurring in green tea, L-theanine enhances alpha brainwave activity, which is associated with a calm, yet alert mental state. Given that modern stressors and high-intensity training can heighten anxiety and disrupt sleep patterns, the calming properties of L-theanine are perfect for anyone looking to optimise their rest and support recovery.

 Studies  suggest that L-theanine can help reduce stress and anxiety by modulating neurotransmitter activity, particularly by increasing GABA, serotonin, and dopamine levels.  Research  has found that L-theanine can significantly reduce stress and improve sleep efficiency, especially in individuals prone to high anxiety. This reduction in anxiety paves the way for better sleep onset and more restful, restorative sleep cycles.

L-theanine’s potential to enhance recovery by reducing mental and physical stress has been shown in  studies.  Better sleep quality directly translates to improved recovery, less muscle soreness, and greater resilience to both physical and cognitive fatigue.

By incorporating an effective dosage of L-theanine into your nighttime routine, you’re not just investing in a good night's sleep but also optimising recovery and overall performance—both mentally and physically.

Reishi mushroom

With a rich history in traditional Eastern medicine Reishi mushrooms have long been believed to have anti-agin properties, often hailed as the “mushroom of immortality”. In modern times Reishi is rapidly gaining recognition for its benefits on sleep quality and recovery. Known for its adaptogenic properties, Reishi helps the body manage stress more effectively, creating a balanced environment for rest and regeneration. With chronic stress and intensive physical exertion often compromising sleep and recovery, Reishi can offer a natural aid to these to assist peaceful rest.

 Research  indicates that Reishi may promote relaxation and improve sleep quality by influencing the central nervous system and supporting the balance of stress hormones like cortisol.  Studies  have shown that that Reishi supplementation is positively associated with reduced sleep latency and increased overall sleep time, especially in those suffering from occasional sleeplessness. By reducing anxiety and promoting a state of calm, Reishi creates an optimal foundation for restful, restorative sleep.

Moreover, Reishi's potent anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects can significantly impact recovery post-training.  Studies  suggest that Reishi's active compounds, such as triterpenoids and polysaccharides, help to reduce muscle inflammation and boost immune resilience, both crucial for effective recovery after intense exercise.

Adding Reishi to your wind-down ritual can lead to deeper sleep, faster recovery, and enhanced resilience to stress, making it a powerful ally in achieving optimal health and performance.