Many of us reach for a coffee to kick-start our day. We also consume coffee before our exercise as it is using as a stimulant to our bodies. The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) state that the average of caffeine consumed per day is approximately 300mg per person. This amount of caffeine usually assumed to promote a variety of health benefits. Some studies claim otherwise and that larger amount of caffeine can promote negative impact. Teacrine is a relatively new compound aim to bring the good of caffeine without those negative impacts. The use of Teacrine becomes more popular recently among athletes and gym enthusiasts. Let’s see what Teacrine is, and why you should consider consuming it instead of caffeine.
Before deeper diving into understanding about Teacrine, and its benefits, let’s have a short intro about caffeine. Caffeine is a natural compound. It derives from over 60 different plant sources, including coffee beans, tea leaves, cola nut seeds, and cacao seeds.
Caffeine acts as a stimulant by activating the central nervous system. It can combat tiredness and improve concentration and focus. The stimulating effect of caffeine can be within the range of 15 minutes to 6 hours. Researchers show not only improvement by stimulation, but also as a compound that can reduce the risk of risk several types of cancer.
So, while consuming caffeine in the right dose is considered safe and beneficial, the negative effects of caffeine might pop up when over consuming. This may lead to anxiety, upset stomach, faster heart rate which can be bad for those who suffer from high blood pressure and may increase the risk of low birth weight babies.
Nutrition scientists were searching for the compound that will have the benefits of the caffeine while reducing those possible negative impacts. This is where Teacrine came into this gap. Now, to offer a supplement that will boost without the being threatened by the “beast”.
Theacrine (as a source for Teacrine) is a small alkaloid molecule which has a similar structure to a very well known stimulant, caffeine. The small differences in the structure of the molecule make a significant impact on how Theacrine impact our bodies. Theacrine is commonly found Camellia Assamica variant Kucha plant.
Teacrine molecule structure
When consuming Theacrine at low levels, it will serve as a relaxation factor. When consumed in a larger amount, it can be as twice as stimulant compared to caffeine. Not only boosting energy and performance, but it will also decrease fatigue. It does this by preventing dopamine from being reabsorbed after it is released in the brain. This causes dopamine levels to rise, which can increase energy levels, improve mood, and provide greater mental focus. It also blocks adenosine, the chemical responsible for feelings of sedation and relaxation.
By increasing dopamine and reducing adenosine, Teacrine increases alertness, physical performance, wakefulness, and coordination. In addition to that, the operation time is longer and with better recovery after the consumption of the Teacrine compared to caffeine.
Teacrine has much less known side-effects (blood pressure and heart rate for example) and actually, combined with caffeine, we can have a longer energy and focus time.
The dosage of the consumed Teacrine can be constantly maintained. This is unlike caffeine which in over time the body will need more of it in order to maintain the same the amount of energy inside the body.
While caffeine can lead to a crash or sleeplessness, Teacrine doesn’t, which means less difficult to fall asleep, also when the body asks for a rest post-workout. It also means fewer jitters or restlessness times compared to conditions boosted by caffeine.
with the above properties, no wonder Teacrine is inside more and more nutrition formulas. Now you can find it in more energy boost pre-workouts, as well inside fat burning formulas. Those who consume additional supplements like Creatine and branched chained amino-acids, caffeine or beta-alanine, will find it useful to combine with Teacrine.
Food supplements that contain Teacrine, do not contain banned ingredients hence are not prohibited by the sports organizations.
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