Death Wish Coffee - Is It Really The "World's Strongest?"

 
Death Wish Coffee may sound like a recipe for fatal disaster to some, but to the coffee enthusiast, it sounds like caffeinated heaven. Death Wish Coffee is said to be "the world's strongest coffee," and I have to admit, the intrigue (and perhaps the morbidity factor) was irresistible. It just screamed strong, rich, and powerful -- three the things any good cup of coffee should boast. I set out to put two of their blends to the test: The Death Wish Coffee itself and the Valhalla Java Odin Force, which, according to its label, "will bring you back from the nights you thought you'd never wake up from."

Death Wish Coffee
 This premium dark roast coffee contains twice as much caffeine as your average cup.
  

 
 Valhalla Java Odin Force
The label on the Valhalla blend sounded very promising for times of fatigue. "With maximum flavor and caffeine content, this blend will bring you back from the nights you thought you'd never wake up from. Do you bleed black?"

 















This artisan blend is "forged from the volcanic soils of Indonesia and the nutrient rich soils of Central and South America."
 
The Valhalla Java Odin Force was crafted specifically for Zakk Wylde, a member of Black Label Society and the "world's most powerful guitarist." For Zakk Wylde fans, here's his commercial for the Valhalla Blend:

  

Taste Rating: On a taste rating scale of 1-10. Death Wish coffee is among only two coffee brands that I've ever been able to rate a full 10. 

Both blends are velvety smooth and dark, without the burnt bitterness that many dark roast coffees tend to carry.

Aroma: Death Wish Coffee has a genuine pungent aroma straight out of the bag, attesting to its buzzy strength that's soon to hit you.

"The world's strongest coffee?"

Is Death Wish Coffee really the world's strongest coffee or just another average cup of Joe with trumped up claims?
So far, I haven't been able to find another coffee on the market that can boast the same caffeine content as Death Wish Coffee. The high caffeine content and rich, high quality flavor makes it the perfect coffee for this self-entitled caffeine queen.

Death Wish Coffee VS. Folgers (Energy-Wise)

Using the regular amount of coffee grounds required for an average-strength full pot is far weaker than Death Wish. 

I've experimented using different amounts per pot and found that with Death Wish coffee, I can use approximately half of what is normally required with Folgers and get about the same strength. In other words, it takes somewhere close to twice as much (not quite double, but close) Folgers to get the strength of Death Wish Coffee, according to my own personal experiment.

The label recommends 2 1/2 tablespoons per 6 ounces of coffee. I get a nice caffeine buzz from just half a large cup (large being 24 oz cups like the large you get at a convenient store) whereas I'll typically use 12-14 tablespoons, or a completely full, heaping filter-full of Folgers. In an average day, I'll consume close to the entire pot of it using Folgers. Using Death Wish, I have been getting my desired results with just the one 24 oz cup.

Specs: 

Death Wish Coffee is organic, premium dark roast coffee.

While high caffeine content and luxury taste is of utmost importance when it comes to your coffee, there are a few more aspects that are equally as important (or should be) but often over looked. For that reason, I'd like to point out the additional specs that further impressed me with Death Wish Coffee Co.

• USDA Certified Organic

•  Fair trade certified, which ensures responsible farming in an ecological sense and that that the growers are ethically treated with acceptable working conditions, including no child-labor.

• Expertly Roasted (check out the roasting process in the video below.)

P.S. Death Wish Coffee Company frequently gives away merchandise freebies to Twitter followers. Click here to follow them on Twitter to keep up.

OxyLife Relaxal Supplement Review

OxyLife supplement: Relaxal

Benefits:
Helps reduce mild anxiety
Improve mood and fight mid-day fatigue
Increase energy
Decrease appetite

My Results (taking one capsule)

In the midst of being down with some kind of awful cold that carried with it the worse-than-normal sinus congestion  -- that made me literally feel like my head was slowly drifting up and off my shoulders while pounding as if someone had taken a jack-hammer to my head. Sniffles and 40 sneezes in one day -- a product like Relaxal couldn't have been here for me at a better time, especially since my sickly weekend was filled with my favorite folks in the whole world (the whole slew of nieces & nephews, and of course my love who damn near kills his own self when he has to see me sick, bless his heart. This is the second time in just this month!)

Before I forget that this post was intended to be a review of this life-saving Relaxal supplement and not a re-cap of my sick, but joy-filled weekend, let me just get right to it...

You get it, right? I was sick, sick. And today, Sunday required a lot of energy to spend time with the kids and family all day. But not enough sleep, plus the lingering sickness like the migraine made it hard to keep up. So, just to give you an idea of the type of results one might get from taking Relaxal -- well, it's 1:16 AM and I'm still going! I got the little boost I needed after taking Relaxal and a BC powder for the killer migraine that was only worsening as the night dragged on.

and here I am writing up a review! Let me tell you, this stuff was perfect for reducing the tension and stress I've felt like crazy today and getting a little boost of mental and physical energy. Oh, I also just finished 200 rounds of abdominal exercises! Didn't think I'd have the energy left to do them tonight.

This is off one single capsule, of Relaxal,folks. So to say I'm happy would be an understatement. I'm feeling real relief after quite some suffering.  I'm also feeling my mood perk up just a hair, which is always something I can use.

The appetite decrease, which has been enough to keep me from even daring to take a bite of the other half of my sub, or even the delicious white chocolate chip macadamia nut cookies I've got. After taking Relaxal (around 11 PM, I believe), my appetite has been nil. Hopefully it will come back before this sub gets too old! I'm certainly not complaining though.


What I'm really loving about Relaxal is that it doesn't make me tired or drowsy like many, many supplements and OTC meds do, even some that don't typically have that side effect. 

Most anti-anxiety and anti-stress medications and supplements tend to over-relax you, meaning you can't take them except around bedtime, so therefore your relief has to wait during day-time.

Another thing I love is that the manufacturer of this product (OxyLife) proves they know what they're doing with their supplements. Reading the ingredients list and seeing nice amounts of magnesium and calcium along with Vitamin B6, St. John's Wort extract (hence the mood improvement, probably) & 5-HTP (hence the decrease in appetite), Vitamin B2, Thiamin, and Niacin. These all play a great role in how you feel, energy-wise.

You guys may recall my previous talk about using both a St. John's Wort supplement and a 5-HTP supplement. If not, the St. John's didn't end up benefitting my mood "issue" and depressive symptoms in the long-term, and the 5-HTP supplement made me so nauseous! So, I was almost hesitant about using this Relaxal, but am very glad I did. No negative side effects so far!

Results are impressive enough that I'm quite excited for tomorrow, as I'll be using the second capsule that came in the 2-capsule sample pack sent to me by OxyLife for review (thanks, OxyLife! You guys rock!)

Would I recommend Relaxal?   Excitedly! In fact, I've already been planning to share the word with a family memebr who deals with similar issues (mood, depression, fatigue) except far worse than I do. She has recently expressed a desire to go off anti-depressants at some point and try St. John's Wort, so this could be exactly her remedy, especially since her anxiety is still there while mine is almost non-existent these days (thanks to the herbs I've used.)

I will admit, I didn't expect a single thing when I took Relaxal. If anything, I thought I'd get drowsy or feel that heaviness I get from many anti-anxiety herbs/supplements. I certainly did not expect to feel a boost of energy or in my mood. I'll update with tomorrow's results, letting you guys know how the second dose goes.  This is a 2-capsule sample, so keep in mind this review is not detailing effects of a longer-term use & it's important to remember than most herbs for mood improvement like St. John's Wort typically take weeks to "kick in."


Relaxal's Full Ingredient List:

Thiamin - 15 Milligrams.
Vitamin B2 - 15 Milligrams.
Niacin -- 15 Milligrams.
Vitamin B6 - 30 Milligrams.
Pantothenic Acid - 30 Milligrams.
Calcium - 150 Milligrams.
Magnesium - 100 Milligrams.
Proprietary Relaxal Blend -- 450 Milligrams: PEA, St. John's Wort Extract, 5-HTP from Griffonia Seed Extract.
Other ingredients: Vegetable capsule, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide.

Disclaimer: I am not a specialist, expert, professional or doctor of any kind. Content on this blog is not intended to be taken as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or advice of any sort. I'm simply sharing information about my own experiences and results from use of a product or activity in hopes of providing useful information to readers, not to be taken as a patient/medical adviser relationship. I am not responsible for what readers choose to do after viewing the content here. Furthermore, I do not hold an "exceptional" or other special relationship with any company mentioned on this site. I'm simply a consumer who worked with the company on a review that is in compliance with FTC's guidelines. That means, everything you read here is my own words, not anything of the company's. I was not provided with monetary compensation for my review. All information posted has been done so with complete honesty. No action should be taken based solely on the content of this publication ( I'm not responsible.) Readers who rely on the information in this blog to replace the advise of an appropriate health care provider assume all risks of such behavior.

DIY Quick, Easy, Healthy Energy Shot

 Hey, hey folks! We're all about health and energy here at Ribbons and Pearls, so for a quick DIY here's how we like to power up a draggy evening/morning:   

Energy Shot Ingredients:

• Fill bottom of shot glass (or other small glass) with espresso or just a hefty tablespoon of instant coffee. 

 

• Scoop a teaspoon of your favorite energy/health powder like the vanilla whey protein powder (extra boost, plus vitamins.)

• Top it with a dash of milk or creamer, if you prefer.

What do you guys like using for an intense, quick pick me up? I'd love to read your shares and recipes!



P.S. This week we'll be reviewing a similar "pick-me-up" product called "Better Than Coffee," and folks, it's pretty awesome, so check back soon.

JumpStart Energy Supplement Review

JumpStart Sample Packets

Jump Start is an energy + mood supplement from Kyle 4 Organics or "Organics Manufacturer.com.

 As their name suggests, Kyle 4 Organics is an organic supplement online store, and also the manufacturer of JumpStart.

I have had the fantastic opportunity to try  different supplements from the JumpStart line:  JumpStart Extreme,  and JumpStart Wow.

JumpStart Wow (orange) and JumpStart Extreme

 I wanted to try them in sample sizes before committing to a full bottle because for one, I wasn't sure if they would actually provide me with the type of mood and energy stimulation I was looking for, and secondly, I really wasn't sure if the Extreme version or regular would be best. I've used them both now and will explain everything, including the results and differences. 

What drew me to Organics Manufacturer when looking into an energy/mood stimulant was that while I needed to test out different ones to find the right one for me, I knew that safe, natural ingredients were a must. The ingredients in the JumpStart supplements are actually quite impressive (I will get to that in a moment) and I find that they work very well for my needs.

JumpStart Extreme -- Red Capsules.

The difference between JumpStart and JumpStart Extreme and JumpStart Wow!:

Basically, as you probably guessed, both supplements are about the same thing with the same ingredients, but one is designed to be more well, extreme. For when you need an even bigger energy boost. The Extreme version of JumpStart just contains a higher amount of the active ingredients.

JumpStart Wow is designed to give you the same effect (energy, mood), but is designed to help decrease appetite and burn fat.

Aside from that, the label say to expect:

•  Super energy levels
• Elevated mood and confidence
• Decreased appetite

Suggested Dosage:

Each capsule contains 820mg,

JumpStart Extreme: The label recommends taking 2 capsules with plenty of water and a snack 20 minutes afterwards.

JumpStart (Regular): Also 2 capsules with water and a snack, for the average person. This is the recommended starting dose. The label says you can increase after you've gotten used to them. 

JumpStart Wow: 2 Capsules with water and a snack.

Note:  Organics Manufacturer recommends fruit as a snack because it "enhances the effects and prevents possible stomach irritation."

I've never had any fruit on hand while taking JumpStart or I would have tried it.

As for me, I started with one capsule whether I was taking the JumpStart regular or JumpStart Extreme. I didn't want to over-do it and end up with the shakes or stomach discomfort, which can happen. 

There have been days when I've taken 2-3 capsules throughout the day (3 max), but never all at once as one capsule does just fine for me, and anymore would likely give me stomach discomfort.

Since JumpStart comes in capsule form, they are easy to swallow, and I usually notice the effects within 10-20 minutes tops. I've never taken one of these JumpStart capsules and not gotten any results, so they're pretty mighty little suckers, and they will certainly put more pep in your step or make you more alert and energetic if you're tired.

What the Label Says to Expect:  

• Increased energy boost (in balance)
• Enhanced focus
• Enhanced stamina and performance
• Heightened sense of well-being
• Increased ATP production
• Increased carbohydrate conversion into energy
• Increased oxygen utilization

My Experience and Results: 

 JumpStart shares number 1 on my absolute favorite energy supplements -- and there are only 3 favorites. 

I happened to like JumpStart equally as much as my all-time, top favorite energy supplement ever. Never thought I'd say that!  

Among those three favorites of mine, all of them are natural, herbal-based supplements and work better than anything I have ever tried & if you guys have been following my posts for long, you know I have used a lot of energy products. 

I worried that JumpStart would give me similar effects as Stackers or Yellow Jackets -- which I've never loved. Those make me feel awful!

Me on speed (image source: wwwandyco-andy.blogspot.com )

The stimulation/energy I get from taking JumpStart is very different from that of a Stacker or Yellow Jacket.

 One way to explain it is, I don't feel like I've done 

some kind of speed.

 I feel balanced, somewhat more pleasant, calmer headed and like doing more.

The effects usually aren't intense, but incredibly noticeable. I can go from being dead exhausted to actually feeling like doing some activity for a few hours before I start feeling the exhaustion come through again. 

Image source: FamousQuotesAbout.com

I don't know if this makes sense, but I describe the energy from JumpStart as a nice, "clean," energy that stimulates and kind of wakes up my mind.  

For me, it's my mind-exhaustion that can get me down the most. It effects a lot of my work and just happiness in general, so I got on this kick to try and change things around (and have taken so many different supplements for it) and that's where I came across Jump Start Energy.

I'd tried energy drinks, foods and supplements that made me feel jittery and talkative, but they never did exactly what I needed -- a brain wake up! That is why I'm so fond of JumpStart Energy's effects on me.

I notice that my head is clear (and I've not experienced that often in my life!) and I actually can handle work or activity that requires challenging thought processes. 

Me at work, with little energy or calm-mind

Image source: 123rf.com

Me after JumpStart:

Image source: www.blotter-paper.com

And instead of feeling that burst of talkative, jittery energy that I get from caffeine, I feel calm, but energized which I really like because when I was using caffeine-type energy products, I would get short-winded and feel dizzy and lightheaded, or just icky when I'd get to doing  strenous activity,  but JumpStart doesn't do that to me.

 I'll get more work done and be more energized and feel like doing it, and that's what I like -- feeling like doing things. I always do my best when I feel it. Does that make sense to anyone but me?

As for the increased endurance and stamina -- yes. I notice that as I'm able to do more work (say housework, minimal exercise, or other similar activity) and feel like completing it without getting all tired out before I'm done. I'd say I'm more productive with JumpStart.

On the other hand, it doesn't give me the stamina and endurance as, say, Maca powder to the point where I can get in a tough, extreme workout on my fitness pole for much longer than I usually get in on a typical day. 

Now to the ingredients and what they do, so we have a better understanding of how JumpStart Energy works:

•  DL-Phenylalanine:    A 1985 study found that DLPA improved the mood and mood stability of subjects with attention deficit disorder, and claimed that phenylalanine can increase mental alertness (Grevet et al. 2002.)

•  L-Tyrosine:  Tyrosine has been tested on humans for increasing their endurance to anxiety and stress under fatigue. It was proven in research studies that tyrosine supplementation results in increased performance over a control group (Avraham et al. 2001).

•  Rhodiola Rosea: I've taken this supplement in its pure form, too with great results. 

Rhodiola Rosea, like Maca, is an adaptogen, which you know if you read my recent Maca post, helps your body deal with stress. 

However, Rhodiola works differently in the body when combined with other herbs like Siberian Ginseng (also in the JumpStart Supplements.) Together, it's possible that the two provide a "therapeutic alternative to established adaptogens.

• Siberian Ginseng: Also an adaptogenic. Enhances sexual and athletic performance and is an immune system-booster. 

In fact, in every energy supplement I take on a frequent-regular basis, I always make sure it contains Siberian Ginseng (and sometimes Korean and other species, too.) That's because I love the energy it provides.

•  Schizandra: A stimulating herb used to treat chronic fatigue.
  

• Guarana : A stimulant and appetite suppresant that contains a lot of caffeine. Helps maintain stamina and physical endurance.
  

• JumpStart also contains  Magnesium, Vitamin B3, B6, B12, C

(Source where I found those bits of information: Organics Manufacturer)

If you visit the link above, you can read even more detailed information about each of the ingredients in the JumpStart supplements. 

ATP Production and What it Does For Us

 

 Another reason I was very drawn to  JumpStart Energy is because it increases ATP (Adenosine Trisphosphate) production, which upon researching to learn more about how to change my energy levels mentally and physically, as well as learning how to overcome melancholy, I read that ATP production is required for everything we do including thinking, walking, talking, etc. and that it is the only source of energy that our body can use.

ATP, as far as my understanding goes, is basically our primary source of power and energy. ATP is also used to increase muscle strength and endurance.

Here is a piece on NCBI talking about a study done on the effects of a supplement designed to increase ATP Levels on muscle strength, power, output, endurance. 

It basically states that there wasn't enough information to conclude that an increase in ATP levels effected things such as strength and endurance. However, I've heard so many people who use ATP increasing supplements religiously and successfully for those exact uses (muscle strength, endurance, etc).

Take Iron Man magazine, for example. They stated that any supplement containing ATP should (theoretically) result in "increased energy during high-intensity exercise like body-building training."

They also mention a study done where 5 mg per kilogram of body weight of an oral ATP supplement, and that it led to an increase in ATP production. They later mention the study done on humans, which did not suggest the same, for humans.

However, like I said, talking to people who have used ATP will tell you that they do notice a difference in some area or another. For instance, energy levels. I experience that from taking a supplement (JumpStart) that contains ATP. 

Side Effect

Now, the only "side effect" I experience when I take Jumpstart (besides the feel good energy) has been a slight stomach discomfort. 

The only thing I don't like is that there have been a few times when I did experience slight stomach discomfort, although it is always temporary (lasting only a few minutes, never longer). 

Keep in mind that this only happened when I take JumpStart upon first waking up. Just like coffee upsets my stomach if I drink it upon waking (not sure why it effects me that way.) But any time later after first waking up, neither JumpStart nor coffee give me any trouble.

My stomach tends to be very sensitive though, so I'm pretty happy that I can take JumpStart without it causing me real stomach issues.

Also important to note is that I didn't eat any fruit, but did counteract the slight discomfort with a bland snack like a cookie. 

The "discomfort" I experience is best described as slight stomach gurgling, if that makes sense. It just seems that my stomach is a little more active and I feel it, but it isn't anything painful or bothersome enough that I can't go on about my day by no means. It's also not so bothersome that it prevents me from continuing to take JumpStart, and happily. In this case, the benefits far outweigh the possible, occasional discomfort, for me.

Does JumpStart Cause Crashing?

Besides being natural, safe and very effective, I also love that there is not any crash for me after I take JumpStart! Even if it's worn off and I'm dead tired, I don't feel any crashing effects at all.

Image source: www.whicheb5.com

Organics Manufacturer products, like the JumpStart supplements are NON-GMO, gluten and soy free, and use no artificial ingredients or preservatives.

If you haven't ever heard of, or ordered from Kyle 4 Organics or Organics Manufacturer, I recommend starting with their "Company" page to learn more about them, their mission, their natural supplements and how they operate.

So, which energy supplements are your favorites? Do you guys use JumpStart, too? Let me know your thoughts in the comments section!