Some muscle loss is expected as we age. Starting at around age 30, most adults begin to lose muscle mass by about 3-5% per decade – a prolonged process that often goes unnoticed until later in life. Even for active people, this decline happens due to sarcopenia, the body’s tendency to shed muscle mass as we age.
But this process may not be inevitable. Research shows that flavanol epicatechin may hold promise as a treatment for sarcopenia. But many wonder what epicatechin is and the specific health benefits for sarcopenia and muscle building. Plus, many are curious about the epicatechin side effects and how an epicatechin supplement could help. Without further ado, let’s take a look.
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WHAT IS EPICATECHIN?
Epicatechin is a flavonol used in supporting those with sarcopenia, the body’s tendency to shed muscle as we age or reduce activity for extended periods. In addition to this, researchers have studied the changes in protein levels of molecular growth modulators to explore their effects on muscle mass.
It’s important to note that there has been very little evidence that indicates any adverse epicatechin side effects to be aware of. Now that we have a basic understanding of epicatechin let’s look at further research involving consuming epicatechin.
EPICATECHIN RESEARCH
Researchers into the effects of epicatechin measured changes in protein levels of molecular growth modulators to explore its impact on muscle mass. These scientists and doctors report animal studies’ effects and a proof of concept performed with human subjects. The researchers found that epicatechin reduces myostatin and β-galactosidase and increases markers for levels of muscle growth, showing that epicatechin can partially reverse the effects of aging on muscle growth, such as conditions like sarcopenia.
WHAT IS SARCOPENIA?
Sarcopenia is the loss of both muscle mass and coordination (stemming from increasing weakness in the diminishing muscle tissue.) Sarcopenia can lead to reduced exercise performance, loss of strength, balance problems, and increased risk of fractures. The loss of muscle is often accompanied by increased fat tissue, raising the risk of hypertension and diabetes.
EPICATECHIN BENEFITS FOR MUSCLE BUILDING
Athletes interested in strength or bodybuilding use epicatechin to increase both strength and mass. Users familiar with using an epicatechin supplement report these benefits:
INCREASED MUSCLE MASS
Muscle mass is among the workout benefits on almost everyone’s wish list. For this purpose, epicatechin works by inhibiting Myostatin. This protein controls (and limits) the amount of muscle mass you can gain. When myostatin is reduced, increases in muscle mass become more possible. This is the first and most important of all epicatechin benefits.
INCREASED NITRIC OXIDE
In research conducted on human subjects, an epicatechin supplement has been proven to increase nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide is crucial to your ability to work out as it speeds blood flow to the muscles, enabling the pump feeling, the swelling of different muscle groups, and the micro-tears that are the basis of all deliberate muscle growth.
IMPROVED STRENGTH
The same study cited above also revealed that another example of epicatechin benefits is a measurable increase in strength just after seven days. With more grip and muscle strength, you will be able to push more weight during your workout, increasing the effectiveness of muscle growth.
Overall, epicatechin has been shown to possess properties that increase muscle growth, and are safer than synthetic myostatin inhibitors. If you’re interested in exploring epicatechin benefits further, consider trying out Regen Labs FlexMax™. Alongside epicatechin, it contains another powerful ingredient that will also aid in turbocharging your workouts and leading to greater muscle size. It’s called BPC-157.
BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide that is highly effective in restoring and rebuilding tissue, whether it has been diminished by injury or disease. BPC-157 is what’s called a ‘designer peptide.’ It comprises fifteen amino acids derived from digestive fluid and is explicitly sequenced for healing. BPC-157 produces an angiogenic effect that is the process of creating new blood vessels. This speeds blood flow to injured areas of the body, which then catalyzes the body’s ability to heal.
It is a lot to think about! We get it. Regen Labs has options for you if you have questions about epicatechin benefits. All Regen Labs products support the body’s natural systems for a healthy brain, skin, muscle, and sexual health.
Regen Labs products contain research-proven ingredients to boost the body’s natural ability to be healthy without toxins or synthetic chemicals, like Regen Labs FlexMax™ - a groundbreaking supplement developed for professional athletes to stay in optimal condition.
Let’s talk! If you have questions, we would love to connect. Contact us today.
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