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Beyond Coffee: A Sustainable Guide to Nootropics, Adaptogens, and Mushrooms Paperback – November 4, 2019

by James Beshara (Author), Dan Engle (Author), Katherine Haynes (Author)
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When it comes to productivity, there aren’t many things we do today that we did 200 years ago. We send emails instead of post, drive cars instead of horse-drawn carriages, and look up stuff on our phones instead of traveling a hundred miles to the nearest library.

However, when it comes to our morning routines, 80 percent of the world consumes caffeine each day to wake them up and give them a boost for their daily tasks. Whether it’s black tea or coffee, most of us consume the same ingredients we consumed 200 years ago without realizing two important facts. First, coffee beans and tea leaves are not the only sources of energy that nature provides us. Second, productivity is more than just wakefulness. It’s energy, focus, creativity, decreased stress, and improved sleep, among other things.

What can nature, science, and global access to different ingredients tell us about optimal productivity? And which ingredients are scientifically proven to be effective and safe? Backed by over 240 scientific studies, Beyond Coffee is a simple guide that answers these questions.
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  1. Print length
    146 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    November 4, 2019
  4. Dimensions
    5 x 0.37 x 8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1544505450
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1544505459
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"In an area where it is hard to tell hype from substance, helpful from harmful, James does a fantastic job of breaking down what is backed by science, what isn't, and most importantly--what is a sustainable, daily approach to these ingredients beyond my morning coffee."
--Justin Kan, co-founder (Twitch.tv, Atrium, Exec) and investor

"There's more to life than coffee! That's why I recommend reading Beyond Coffee. It's the must-read, detailed, science-backed guide on how to become more productive using nootropics, adaptogens, and mushrooms. So glad James finally put together his years of research into one, easy-to-read book for all of us that were interested but didn't know where to start."
--Hiten Shah, founder and investor in over 120 startups

"As a doctor, I am fascinated by new discoveries in natural alternatives to prescription medications, but wary of supporting these alternatives without rigorous safety and efficacy studies. James brings over 240 scientific studies to bear with his research on each of these compounds and supplements. It's the most robustly, scientifically-backed breakdown of this space that I've come across. More than that, his focus is on a daily, incremental, and long-term approach to these compounds--rather than short bursts of compounds that are unhealthy or addictive, long-term."
--Patrick Thompson, MD, vascular surgery, Stanford University

"When we feel better, we do better. Many of us seeking to feel and do better assume a route of pharmaceutical solutions. James's book offers alternatives--first by harnessing the power of lifestyle changes such as good sleep, exercise, a healthy diet, and improving stress tolerance, and then by augmenting with "sustainable nootropics" in lieu of synthetic medications. This book is an honest and deep dive into the world of nootropics, rigorously exploring the scientific backing of many of these compounds, with the explicit goal of helping others feel and do better as safely and sustainably as possible."
--Tina Toutoungi, MD, psychiatrist

"I've studied optimizing health and brain performance for the last eleven years (and have tried nearly every 'brain-hack' out there)--yet still found myself wanting to highlight nearly every sentence of this book. I wish I had this years ago when I spent countless hours trying to research what's so clearly laid out here. It's such a real, down-to-earth guide to navigating your energy and stress levels--and figuring out which might be the right nootropics, adaptogens, and other compounds for you. James, Dan, and Katherine do a great job making it practical, educational, entertaining, and actionable!"
--Tara Viswanathan, Rupa Health founder and CEO

"James, Dr. Engle, and Katherine have written an efficient, concise guide to optimizing performance by utilizing non-caffeinated substances. If you're looking for an ideal companion to your daily coffee or your morning ritual, then this is the resource for you."
--Paul Austin, entrepreneur and founder of The Third Wave

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Monocle Publishing (November 4, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 146 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1544505450
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1544505459
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.37 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the author

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James Beshara

James Beshara

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JAMES BESHARA is a startup founder and investor in San Francisco, CA. After developing a heart condition in 2013 from excess caffeine consumption, James became fascinated by the science and research backing up alternatives to caffeine for energy, productivity, and focus.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
191 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book super informative, with great ideas to supplement caffeine intake and improve productivity. They also say the sources are rigorously sourced, lending credibility to the authors' assessments. Customers describe the book as great, easy to read, and effective for improving focus, creativity, and productivity.

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ContentUsefulnessReadabilityFocusPlot
21 customers mention "Content"18 positive3 negative

Customers find the book super informative, helpful, and backed by a lot of research. They also say it goes over a thorough review of all known nootropics, and is the most comprehensive yet digestible read they've found about these substances. Readers also mention that the book is very practical and tangible, and provides great read regarding alternatives to coffee.

"...is very clearly and rigorously sourced, lending credibility to the authors' assessments...." Read more

"This book is the definitive guide to how to think better and feel more alert without traditional sources of caffeine...." Read more

"...and James' research is thorough account of safer, higher utility alternatives to coffee...." Read more

"...The book: Beyond Coffee is well-organized, thoroughly researched, and gives you the tools you need to cut through the hype around nootropics and..." Read more

13 customers mention "Usefulness"11 positive2 negative

Customers find the book useful and appreciate the 5-star rating system and the breakdown by type of nootropic.

"...I appreciated the 5-star rating system and the breakout by type of nootropic (adaptogens, unsustainable nootropics, etc.)...." Read more

"...Highly recommended read, really looking forward to testing out all of these alternatives!" Read more

"...I legitimately found these summaries helpful and the book was worth the time I spent flipping through it, but keep in mind that the analysis is not..." Read more

"...Well written and enjoyable to read. Highly recommended." Read more

9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, providing a concise, structured, and easy to understand overview. They also say it's a great read with insight.

"...And everything is very clearly and rigorously sourced, lending credibility to the authors' assessments...." Read more

"...It's also a quick read!" Read more

"This was a quick and easy read. Very straight to the point and more informative than I anticipated...." Read more

"...It's very well written and goes over a thorough review of all know nootropics. Much recommended!" Read more

3 customers mention "Focus"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's focus effective, and mention they learn more about safe strategies to improve focus, creativity, and productivity.

"This book is the definitive guide to how to think better and feel more alert without traditional sources of caffeine...." Read more

"...to anyone interested in learning more about safe and effective strategies to improve focus, creativity, and productivity." Read more

"...I love the advice in this book. Super different approach to staying focused than what I've used my whole life." Read more

3 customers mention "Plot"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot refreshing, in-depth, and practical. They also say it's succinct, effective, and well worth the investment.

"...an ice cold Sapporo on a hot day, this book is a refreshing and in depth look into the world of Nootropics." Read more

"Cutting edge research and advice, while also very practical and tangible. James blends deep insight with readability and approachability...." Read more

"Excellent, Succint, Effective - well worth the investment..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

Jack
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Succint, Effective - well worth the investment
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
The book provides a concise, structured, and easy to understand overview of different nootropics. I appreciated the 5-star rating system and the breakout by type of nootropic (adaptogens, unsustainable nootropics, etc.). And everything is very clearly and rigorously sourced, lending credibility to the authors' assessments. Particularly liked how the lead author's perspective was shaped by his own experience.

5 stars!
One person found this helpful
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Nathaniel S.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great overview of coffee alternatives
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
This book is the definitive guide to how to think better and feel more alert without traditional sources of caffeine. If you are looking for a guide on how to create more sustainable energy. While the basic research has been around for years, there's been no clear synthesis of how to practically make this happen. Beyond Coffee makes the topic approachable and accessible while still being deeply rooted in the science behind Nootropics, Adaptogens, and Mushrooms.

If you want to switch from coffee or simply want to think clearer and be more productive, then this book is required reading. One of the most insightful science books about our world in recent years.
6 people found this helpful
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John Fallone
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Deal and Overview
Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2019
The book itself is a pretty good deal and good overview for less than $5. I am considering switching to matcha or green tea over coffee (and have wanted to drink less coffee anyway), I liked the sustainability approach as I don’t want to take things that only give short-term boosts, and the author’s list on their website of what they take each morning is also good. My only complaint is that a handful of compounds and vitamins I keep hearing about aren’t listed in the book, and I wish I could find out more about some of the ones I hear people talk a lot about like B vitamins, vitamin D, fish oil, and others. I get the book can’t included everything, so it was pretty good overall anyhow.
One person found this helpful
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Colin Keeler
2.0 out of 5 stars As with many of nootropics/adapogens, unclear value...
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
I went in super interested in learning more about these substances, but overall found the book itself to be a bit empty.

- A full 15% of the book is comprised of a Foreward, Introduction, and Introduction to Nootropics that retread much of the same ground (and definitions) in an already short book.
- Most descriptions of each substances read like an aggregation of sentences (i.e. Wikipedia) rather than cohesive narrative or explanation.
- Each substance is given a sustainability score, but it's unclear what to take away from those scores. 2nd level implications, conclusions, or even what aspects of "does it work?"/"is it safe" goes into a score.
- Okay, here's the rote listing of scientific facts about each nootropic - how about what people claim? Maca, for example, literally just says there's no scientific evidence for anything... why are we even talking about it, then?

Sadly, this book will be likely most useful in providing the names of nootropics I want to Wikipedia about, rather than actually explaining them.
54 people found this helpful
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Brian Canty
5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive guide to coffee alternatives
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2019
Verified Purchase
As someone who doesn't consume coffee or caffeine, I'm always looking for additional ways to boost my productivity and energy. I'm new to the Nootropic space and James' research is thorough account of safer, higher utility alternatives to coffee. Highly recommended read, really looking forward to testing out all of these alternatives!
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Brian Grab
3.0 out of 5 stars 90 Pages of (Non-Free) Content - Good Overview, Quick Read, Probably Overpriced
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
My recommendation: listen to his podcast appearance on Art of Manliness. If you're really interested, give him your email and get the first few chapters, along with the author's morning stack. The intro gives you his general stance. The stack clues you into what he thinks is best to take. As a few others noted, the strongest part of the book is the free part. The rest (about 90 pages) is 1-3 page summaries of various compounds. I legitimately found these summaries helpful and the book was worth the time I spent flipping through it, but keep in mind that the analysis is not incredibly deep. (The analysis that TruBrain or Neohacker Collective provides to support including various ingredients is a deeper dive, and is free). To reiterate, coverage can be scant: the section on mushrooms is 4 pages long, and "mushrooms" is featured in the sub-title. On top of that, some of the spacing is suspiciously reminiscent of changing the formating on a paper to fluff it up to the required page count. Overall, this would be worth a $5 price as a quick intro, but the authors would need to broaden their scope to cover most (if not all) nootropics on the market and considerably deepen their analysis if they want to justify the current $12 price.
10 people found this helpful
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Joshua Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars THE definitive guide.
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2019
Verified Purchase
As an MIT-trained software and electrical engineer (EECS) and CEO of a venture-funded company, I'm trying to find every sustainable edge to bring together a full life (work, family, and constant improvement), and a friend tipped me in the direction of this book.

The book: Beyond Coffee is well-organized, thoroughly researched, and gives you the tools you need to cut through the hype around nootropics and adaptogens. I'd highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about safe and effective strategies to improve focus, creativity, and productivity.
2 people found this helpful
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Loriann
1.0 out of 5 stars Written Hastily?
Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2021
Verified Purchase
Conditions like diabetes and hypertension are too important for unclear ambiguous statements. For example in the brief paragraph about Maitake it says "Traditionally Maitake has been used to treat diabetes and hypertension" but a few sentences later it says
"Use with caution in those with diabetes and high blood pressure (aka hypertension.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Leon
1.0 out of 5 stars One large ant hill built on insignificant findings
Reviewed in Spain on April 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
This book is a compilation of Nootropics, Adaptogens, and Mushrooms which provide no conclusive findings. It is too bad. I was looking forward to finding something which is probably out of reach of this field.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Useful and inspiring guide to better brain performance
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 31, 2019
Verified Purchase
This easy-to-read book gave me plenty of information and inspiration for 2020, in which I will definitely try a few of the suggested supplements. The book feels honest and objective. I also like the fact the authors emphasize that these supplements are fifth in priority in the things people should focus on. Well worth reading by anyone interested in going beyond coffee in terms of sustainable energy and brain performance and getting oriented in the plethora of products available on the market today.
One person found this helpful
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Peer R.
5.0 out of 5 stars How much nutrition can impact your mood and productivity
Reviewed in Germany on November 12, 2019
Verified Purchase
I had the chance to read the unreleased preview and it’s a well-researched book about our everyday productivity hacks. Can’t wait for the audible version
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Kindle Customer1
1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 23, 2020
Verified Purchase
Disappointing, the best part of this book is the preview. Once purchased the remainder is a basic list of supplements etc. With the authors commentary on research and an opinion about that research.

Of no real use for anyone interested in understanding nootropics and how they work, in my opinion.
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