Epicatechin is a bioactive compound that belongs to a larger class of compounds known as flavanols. It is a naturally occurring compound that is found in tiny amounts in certain teas, such as green tea, and in cocoa.
It might not be the most famous compound, but it is one that is extremely beneficial to one’s health. Here are some of the benefits that one can gain by using the compound.
About Benefits Of Epicatechin
Boosts Insulin Sensitivity
Recent research shows a close link between Epicatechin and an improvement in insulin sensitivity levels. By extension, this means that the compound can play an important role in the management and treatment of diabetes. Usually, diabetes occurs when the levels of blood sugar remain unregulated for a considerable period of time. They could be extremely high at some point and alarmingly low at other times.
Insulin is an incredibly important hormone. It is the hormone responsible for regulating the levels of blood sugar. If it is produced in very small amounts, or if it is insensitive to changes in the levels of sugar in the bloodstream, this can cause a lot of problems in the body.
For a long time, the connection between an increase in insulin sensitivity levels and the presence of Epicatechin remained a mystery. It is only recently that studies were able find the relation between the two. Epicatechin improves insulin sensitivity by protecting and nourishing the cells that produce this hormone.
The cells, known as Beta cells, are protected from oxidative stress by the compound. It also strengthens the mitochondria, which are the cell organelles responsible for energy production. This therefore results in more energy being produced in the Beta cells, which in turn means that more insulin is produced. This is how Epicatechin can help regulate and possibly even cure diabetes.
Boosts Muscle Growth
Another key benefit of the compound is that it enhances muscle growth. It achieves this by inhibiting the activities of another compound known as Myostatin. Myostatin limits the growth of muscles. If you have been going to the gym in the hope of enhancing your muscles and haven’t been seeing any results, Myostatin is very likely the cause of your woes. It allows muscle growth only up to a certain point, and thereafter prevents any more growth, regardless of how much you try to build the muscles.
When Myostatin is inhibited, human beings and animals alike experience exponential muscle growth. Besides inhibiting the activities of Myostatin, the compound also increases endurance by boosting the levels of nitrogen oxide in the body.
This means that you can train for longer and harder without getting worn out. Even better is the fact that your body continues to build muscles long after you have completed your workout session. With such a potent compound, it is only a matter of time before you start seeing conspicuous changes in your muscle size. If you want to get a ripped body, then you ought to consume a lot of this compound.
Anti-Oxidant Properties
Epicatechin also possesses potent anti- oxidant properties. This means that it fights the activities of free radicals, which are harmful molecules that are found in the body. Free radicals can be produced through natural body process such as the production of energy in the body or the breakdown of certain medicines.
They can also be gotten from certain chemical substances and environmental pollutants. They are known to hasten the aging process, as well as wreaking havoc on many body organs. Epicatechin however, helps to alleviate the effects of these radicals.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Another major benefit of Epicatechin is that it helps to lower levels of bad cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is rarely ever associated with good health. In fact, the opposite is quite true. It is harmful for one’s health, particularly for cardiovascular health. When cholesterol is deposited in blood vessels, particularly around the heart, it means that the heart has to pump blood harder so that it circulates around the body as it should. This strains the heart and increases the risk of suffering from any number of heart diseases.
The compound can help to reduce the amount of cholesterol deposits in your body. This can work wonders for your cardiovascular and overall body health.
Side Effects
Epicatechin is one of the safest substances to use. Keep in mind that it is a naturally occurring compound, and one that you have probably already consumed hundreds of times. After all, it is found in dark chocolate, which is a rather popular snack around the world. Even in high concentrations, it still causes no serious side effects. Any healthy adult, whether man or woman, can use it without fear of nasty repercussions.
What Products Contain Epicatechin?
Cocoa Flavanols
Epicatechin is naturally found in cocoa flavanols, and in high concentrations too. It is estimated that for every gram of cocoa, there are about 3 mg of the substance. The more of this substance you consume, the more likely you are to experience the benefits discussed above.
Of course, this does not call for you to eat countless bars of chocolate in a bid to get the compound. There are supplements that are made purely out of this compound that can be immensely helpful to you.
Black Lion Research Follidrone
This is a supplement whose main ingredient is Epicatechin. It is specifically made for muscle enhancement purposes, although users also experience most other benefits associated with the compound.
It increases endurance, performance, and ultimately muscle growth. For maximum results, you should consume two pills before your work out. The supplement can be used by both men and women.
Epicatechin Review Summary
Epicatechin is an incredibly useful compound to the human body. It helps improve insulin sensitivity, fight anti-oxidants, boost muscle growth, and lower cholesterol levels. It is a naturally occurring compound that can be found in various foods, but most especially in cocoa.
Since it occurs naturally, there are no major side effects that are associated with it. It is about the safest compound to consume. You can get high amounts of the compound from supplements, most of which are effective and reasonably priced.
